Nasigasiga Village exemplifies the power of long-term community-based conservation. For over two decades, this remote community has demonstrated unwavering commitment to forest protection, maintaining their conservation agreement with Seacology even after it expired. This remarkable partnership began in 2002, when Seacology funded water storage tanks in exchange for the village promise to protect 332 acres of forest. In 2003, Seacology funded a kindergarten building and the village protected an additional 400 acres.

When the conservation agreement expired, villagers continue protecting 732 acres of pristine forest rich in valuable native hardwoods including vesi (ironwood) and dakua. This protected habitat supports endemic species like the orange dove (kikau), western wattled honeyeater (kula), and Pacific flying fox. Although selling freshwater prawns, fish, and eels represents one of their few income sources, community members proudly keep the three rivers that run through the forest as no-take zones.

Seacology and the village are honoring this exceptional partnership by renewing the conservation agreement for another 20 years. A new Seacology grant will rebuild the deteriorating kindergarten, damaged by tropical climate and 2020’s Cyclone Yasa, a category-5 storm. After 22 years, the building’s roof leaks and the ceiling threatens collapse. The village faces genuine hardship—lacking electricity and isolated by over a dozen miles of dirt road that becomes impassable during heavy rains. Having a proper kindergarten represents both educational opportunity for their children and recognition of their extraordinary conservation stewardship.