Pacific Islands
Construction of a community hall in exchange for the preservation of a no-take 25-acre marine reserve and 667-acre terrestrial reserve for the duration of 10 years. (Vanuatu, Dip Point, Wakon Community, West Ambrym, Malampa Province, 2006)
Wakon has a population of about 31 people and is located on the west coast of Ambrym. With assistance from a local NGO, the Wan Tok Environment Centre, the Wakon community has set aside an area covering 692 acres as the Wakon Conservation Area to preserve terrestrial species, mainly the approximately 30 species of local birds. The conservation area also covers a brackish sea lake and surrounding very steep hills covered with dry forest, as well as a coastal area along Dip Point which it is famous for its marine biodiversity. In exchange for preserving the conservation area for a minimum of 10 years, Seacology will provide funds for a community hall and water tank for the Wakon community.
Construction of a farea (meeting hall) in exchange for a 17-acre marine reserve for a minimum of 10 years, and in support of a permanent 15-acre marine reserve. (Vanuatu, Pango Village, South Efate Island , 2006)
Pango Village, the third largest village on Efate Island, has a population of about 1,500 and is home to long, white sandy beaches where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during September to March of each year. The Kalstrap family, the customary landowner and largest shareholder of the land at Pango Village, has established a permanent no-take zone for marine species covering about 15 acres, and have preserved a historical site at Elaupan. The Kalstrap family has agreed to preserve the lagoon of Elaupan, home to untouched and diverse coral reefs, as a no-take zone for a minimum of 10 years. The 17-acre reserve will be managed by the Pango Marine Management Committee. In exchange for this sacrifice Seacology will provide funds for the construction of a farea (meeting hall).
Construction of a community hall in exchange for the creation of a 659-acre terrestrial reserve on Dolphin Island for a duration of 20 years. (Vanuatu, Port Olry Village, Espiritu Santo, 2006)
Port Olry Village is located on the northeast side of Santo, which is the largest island in Vanuatu and has a population of over 1,800. The villagers have perpetual sovereignty over a small tiny island called Dolphin (Thion) Island. The island is located approximately one half mile from Port Olry Village; canoeing takes about 15 minutes. Dolphin Island has a land area of 659 acres, with high cliffs surrounding the highest point on the island measuring 666 feet above sea level. The island’s natural vegetation is mainly forest and water pools, rich in marine and terrestrial species including fish, shell fish, crabs, birds and wild animals. Seacology is constructing a community hall and 1,057-gallon water tank for Port Orly in exchange for the protection of the entirety of 659-acre Dolphin Island for a duration of 20 years.
Construction of a community hall in exchange for a 12-plus acre no-take reserve for corals reefs, shells and fish for a minimum duration of 10 years. (Vanuatu, Sanoa Village, Tanaliu community, Efate Island, 2006)
Sanoa Village is inhabited by a group of people who migrated from Moso Island in 1962 with the purpose of preserving the natural resources and landmarks that once belonged to their great-grandparents. The village has a population of over 50 within the community of Tanaliu. The village custom land boundary is estimated at about 1,982 acres. The villagers' source of income comes from farming, fishing, and selling coral and clam shells. The seaport was a famous site during World War II used by Americans for warships and sea planes. The sea is home to a variety of native corals and shells that have been trying to survive under immense pressure from human activity in the area for more than 12 years. Seacology is funding the construction of a community hall in exchange for an agreement to preserve a 12-acre marine reserve for a minimum duration of 10 years. The community has also committed to not sell shells or coral to tourists.
Construction of a community geriatric housing ward in exchange for the establishment of a 297-acre wildlife sanctuary on Takutea Island, and a restricted fishing zone extending five miles from the island's shores, both for a duration of 20 years. (Cook Islands, Atiu Island, 2006)
Takutea is an uninhabited 297-acre island located nine miles northwest of Atiu in the Cook Islands Group. The island is owned by the people of Atiu Island. Seacology is funding the construction of a housing ward for the community's elderly residents. In exchange, Atiu islanders will declare Takutea Island a wildlife sanctuary for 20 years. The island is home to many endemic and threatened bird species. The community has also committed to creating a restricted marine.
Construct ranger dormitory to enforce environmental protection on the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific (Solomon Islands, Tetepare Island, January 2006)
Uninhabited Tetepare is one of the last large unlogged islands in the Solomons. Its 72 square miles of primary lowland rainforest support several rare and endemic species, and its beaches are a nesting area for the critically endangered leatherback turtle. Tetepare's original inhabitants fled the island approximately 150 years ago due to a combination of intense headhunting pressure and disease outbreaks. In 2002 the descendants of the original inhabitants formed the Tetepare Descendants Association (TDA) to sustainably manage Tetepare's terrestrial and marine resources. Seacology is providing funds to TDA for the construction of a dormitory to house rangers to protect the natural resources of the island.
Construction of a community dispensary in support of the conservation of 64,742 acres of reef, lagoon, atoll and territorial waters (Palau, Hatohobei State, 2005)
Helen Island is Palau's largest community-designated Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) and one of the Pacific's most outstanding atoll complexes in terms of marine biodiversity. Realizing the positive benefits of preserving their resources, the people of Hatohobei (Tobi) Island, located 40 miles away from Helen Reef, have collectively declared the entire Helen Reef as a community protected area. Seacology will provide funding for a much-needed community dispensary in support of the conservation of Helen Reef in perpetuity.
Construction of the Kanif Women's Center and rebuilding of a protective sea wall in exchange for the 5.5-acre Kanif Mangrove Reserve (Yap, Kanif Village, Dalipebinaw, 2005)
The idea of conserving their valuable forests is not new to the village of Kanif, in Dalipebinaw, Yap. The 75-acre Dalipebinaw Forest Reserve was established in 2002 in exchange for Seacology's support of the restoration of the ancient Tamilyog Stone Path. The community has decided to protect another vital ecosystem: the Kanif-Magaf mangrove forest and river channel. In exchange for setting aside the 5.5-acre forest reserve in perpetuity, Seacology will help fund the construction of the Kanif Women's Center and the reconstruction of the sea wall protecting the area. The Kanif Women's Center will serve as a learning center for traditional arts and crafts, as well as a gathering place where government agencies and offices can meet with local women on issues of health, sustainable income-generating activities, etc.
Purchase equipment needed to document and publicize the endangered flora and fauna of this small Micronesian island (Yap, July 1999)
The Yap Institute of Natural Science has already been responsible for the passage of legislation protecting the island's endangered fruit bats.
Cement water catchments, two kayaks for monitoring turtle nesting areas, and new batteries for solar power units in exchange for the establishment of three protected nesting sites and surrounding marine protected areas (Pohnpei, Kahlap Village, Mwoakilloa Atoll, 2005)
Mwandohn and Uhrek, both uninhabited, and Kahlap, home to around 500 residents, are the three atolls that make up Mokil and afford some of the most isolated and peaceful environments in the eastern Caroline Island chain. The three islands are blessed with the deep, sandy beaches that allow for the nesting viability of Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles. Community residents are setting aside approximately 100 acres of beach and marine areas as protected, focusing on the preservation of local turtle species. In exchange, Seacology is providing water catchments, two kayaks for monitoring the protected areas, as well as new batteries for village solar power units.
Assist in the establishment of the first community-led marine reserve in the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei, July 2000)
Pohnpei, one of the four Federated States of Micronesia, has an extensive lagoon which is home to over 900 species of fish and 400 species of coral. The Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) is working closely with traditional leaders of Lenger Island, a highly visible site off of the Pohnpei mainland, to establish a community-led marine reserve. Seacology's grant has enabled the Lenger Island community to purchase a boat to transport equipment and assist with the surveying and monitoring of the marine reserve. The Lenger Island reserve is serving as a model and will lead to the establishment of many more community-led marine reserves throughout the Federated States of Micronesia.
Establishment of the Epinup Mangrove Forest Reserve and Marine Protected Area in exchange for a community water system (Chuuk, Epinup Village, 2004)
Chuuk has one of the largest closed lagoons in the world: an expanse of 2,129 square kilometers of high islands, atolls and water, circled by a 225 kilometer long barrier reef. The rural village of Epinup holds a large portion of the last healthy and intact mangrove forest on Weno Island. The community of Epinup has signed a petition calling for the conservation of nearly 364 acres of its mangrove forest and marine areas. The Epinup community wants to protect the last remaining mangrove forest on Weno for an initial 25 years. In exchange for this sacrifice, Seacology is funding a community water system for the village.
Establishment of the Lelu Conservation Area in exchange for the construction of Lelu Marine Park (Kosrae, Lelu Island, 2004)
The Lelu Resource Management Committee is in the process of establishing a multiple ecosystem conservation area which will be in place for a minimum of 20 years and will cover approximately 550 acres of mangrove forest, brackish mangrove channels, sea grass beds and reef flats as well as Lelu Bay and an island. In exchange for the creation of this protected area, Seacology will provide a recreational area for youth, a walking path and thatch sitting huts at the Lelu Marine Park.
Protect a fragile mangrove ecosystem and create an alternative energy supply for local community (Kosrae, July 2000)
Kosrae is one of the least developed island states of the Federated States of Micronesia. Seacology Prize recipient Madison Nena played a pivotal role in the protection of one of Kosrae's largest mangrove forests through the establishment of the Utwa-Walung Marine Park. One of the most striking elements of the park is a large community center, which was constructed in traditional style under Nena's direction. The community center will not only serve as the park headquarters but will also be a major environmental and cultural education center. Providing electricity to the center via power lines would be prohibitively expense and would require the destruction of mangroves, as well as potentially lead the way to further development of this pristine site. As an alternative, Seacology has provided funding to purchase and install Kosrae's first solar energy system for the center. This project is serving as a model use of sustainable energy for the island of Kosrae.
Construction of a community center in exchange for the creation of a 900-acre forest reserve for a duration of 20 years. (Fiji, Ketei Village, Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island, 2006)
Ketei Village is 20 miles from the nearest town. The village's 200 residents have below-average incomes, even by Fijian standards. Seacology is funding the construction of a much-needed community center for the village in exchange for an agreement to preserve 900 acres of pristine forest, home to the threatened endemic yasiyasi tree, for a period of 20 years.
Road Repair in Nadogo Village, Vanua Levu Island (Fiji, 2003)
Repair after hurricane of the only access road to the village (originally funded in December 1999 in exchange for a protective covenant preserving a 2,000-acre rainforest.)
Construction of a kindergarten and dispensary in exchange for a 400-acre forest preserve (Fiji, Nasigasiga Village, Vanua Levu Island, 2003)
Nasigasiga is located 40 miles from the nearest town. In June 2003, a group from Seacology visited the village to officially open a new water tank and delivery system Seacology funded in exchange for the establishment of a 332-acre forest reserve. Nasigasiga has set aside another 400 acres of pristine forest for a period of 20 years. In exchange, Seacology constructed a much-needed kindergarten and medical dispensary.
Water storage tank in exchange for preserving rainforest near Nasigasiga Village, Vanua Levu Island (Fiji, November 2002)
Nasigasiga Village is 40 miles from the nearest town. The 228 villagers have below average incomes, even by Fijian standards. The existing 6,500-gallon water tank constructed 15 years ago is now insufficient for the growing population. During the dry season there is no longer sufficient potable water and the use of non-pure water has become a major health issue. In exchange for the village setting aside 332 acres of primary forest to be protected in perpetuity, Seacology is providing a new water tank and water delivery system for the village.
Improve the only access road to Nadongo Village in exchange for a protective covenant preserving a 2,000-acre rainforest (Fiji, December 1999)
Nadongo is a very remote village on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji. The only practical way for the 60 villagers to leave Nadongo is via a poorly maintained access road which is prone to flooding. The Nadongo village clan has signed a protective covenant preserving its 2,000-acre rainforest in exchange for Seacology underwriting modest road improvement such as better grading with gravel.
Second phase to eradicate the remaining dense stands of the destructive invasive tree (Falcataria moluccana) in the National Park of American Samoa (NPSA) (American Samoa, Fagasa Village, Tutuila Island, 2006)
Fagasa covers approximately 500 acres and encompasses one of the largest fruit bat (flying fox) colonies on Tutuila Island. A major eradication effort is underway to eliminate the highly invasive tree species, Falcataria moluccana, from Fagasa Village and National Park of American Samoa (NPSA). With a 2006 grant from Seacology, Fagasa Village worked with an interagency group girdling 800 large trees, which has now created a buffer zone around NPSA that is free of Falcataria seed trees. Seacology is providing funds to eliminate the remaining dense stands of Falcataria (approximately 500 trees) on Fagasa lands adjacent to the park, creating a buffer zone of about a half mile outside the park, with a goal of reducing Falcataria to a level that can be maintained by villagers and NPSA staff.
Tower/walkway construction for the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve (Samoa, July 2002)
The original Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Aerial Walkway was removed due to safety concerns regarding the anchoring tree. Seacology is supporting the construction of a new tower and aerial walkway to link into existing observation platforms.
Ship donated opthalmological and medical supplies in exchange for rainforest preservation (Samoa, July 1999)
Samoan villagers have preserved over 65,000 acres of pristine rainforest in conjunction with Seacology. This highly leveraged grant was a small way of showing appreciation for this sacrifice.
Falealupo Rainforest School and Preserve (Samoa, 1993)
In 1993, Seacology co-founder and chairman Paul Cox discovered that the pristine rainforests surrounding the village of Falealupo, Samoa were to be logged as a way to fund a badly-needed school in the community. Cox worked with the village chiefs and promised to raise the funds for the school in exchange for a covenant protecting the 30,000 acre rainforest. The Falealupo Rainforest School was constructed, and since that time Seacology has had a close relationship with the village. In recognition of this achievement, Cox, together with the late High Chief Fuiono Senio, won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 1997. Shortly thereafter, a permanent endowment was created for the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve, using Cox's Prize stipend and matching donations from Nu Skin International and Nature's Way. Also in 1997 the Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Aerial Walkway was dedicated. Seacology funded the walkway in order to help the community generate revenues from eco-tourism. At the ceremony dedication, it was announced that the village would extend the 50-year covenant and promised to protect the rainforest in perpetuity. In 1999, the village announced that beginning January 1, 2000 monthly tourist revenues from the aerial canopy walkway will be used to fund a modest retirement fund for village elders.