The launch event will be attended by the Roko Tui Serua, a representative from the Serua Province.
Developed in collaboration with the Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Network International Trust, the Vanua Sautu Initiative Project aims to tackle urgent climate and environmental issues and promote sustainable development and improved livelihoods within Vunaniu Village.
Vunaniu Village, which has a population of 458 residents across 156 households, is located in Serua Province and is facing multiple environmental difficulties such as water shortages, seawater intrusion, and land degradation. These challenges have been worsened by climate change and unsustainable practices, significantly affecting the community’s quality of life and their means of subsistence.
The Vanua Sautu Initiative Project will implement a holistic approach to address these issues. It plans to combat water scarcity by installing four water tanks, each with a capacity of ten thousand liters. Additionally, the project will work on protecting coastal regions and promoting food security through the planting of mangroves.
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitats for various marine species, including fish and shellfish. The initiative not only aims to safeguard the shoreline from erosion but also to help restore marine ecosystems and boost local fisheries, thereby improving food security for the villagers.
Another key focus of the Vanua Sautu Initiative Project will be the restoration of degraded lands, which will be supported by afforestation efforts and climate-smart agriculture demonstration farms.
In addition to addressing environmental issues, the project emphasizes local empowerment and capacity-building within the Vunaniu community. Through a number of training programs, villagers will develop skills in financial literacy, market access, gender equity, and social inclusion. The initiative will also aim to incorporate traditional knowledge to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.
The project will provide various capacity-building training opportunities, which include:
1. Financial Literacy & Market Access: This training will help villagers manage their finances effectively and explore new economic opportunities, including international market access.
2. Gender Equity and Disability Social Inclusion Classes: These classes aim to promote gender equality and ensure that all community members, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to resources and opportunities.
3. Vakabula Vanua Sustainability Training: Led by one of the founders of the LMMA Network International Trust, this program will encompass community visioning, rapid assessments of local resources, root-cause analysis of community issues, collaboratively designed local solutions, action planning, and enhancing local capacity for sustainable environmental management by merging traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices.
This initiative in Vunaniu forms part of the larger LMMA Network’s Vanua Sautu Initiative, which prioritizes a community-led approach that values the voices and experiences of the Vunaniu community in working towards a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient future. Throughout the seven-month duration of this CFLI project, community members will actively participate in decision-making and implementation, ensuring the project meets their needs and priorities.
The project will involve five months of direct engagement with the community, fostering strong relationships and cooperation among its members.
The LMMA Network International Trust, along with the people of Vunaniu Village, extend their gratitude to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives from the Canadian government for their generous support in bringing the Vanua Sautu Initiative Project to fruition in Vunaniu Village. This funding is essential for addressing urgent environmental challenges and building a more sustainable and resilient future for the community.