Marine Environmental Project in the Village

On behalf of the village I applied to the United Nations Development Project Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (no wonder we just call it UNDP) for funding for a marine environmental project. Last week we heard that the village was awarded a grant in the amount of $20,000 US which is obviously great news! Here are a couple of excerpts from the project proposal which will gives an overview:
The village of Poutasi is located in the Falealili district on the southeast coast of Upolu. Poutasi’s marine environment is one of its most valuable resources. It is not only a beautiful natural feature of the village, but also provides recreational and bathing areas, subsistence food sources, and economic income. However, fish and other marine life, including coral, are decreasing; the banks of the river and spring are being denuded of natural flora, including mangroves, due to poor management and muddy run-off from higher ground; the present drainage pipe under the road between the spring and the ocean was poorly constructed and is contributing to the build-up of silt and debris impeding the normal migration of spawning fish; and, erosion is occurring on the beach.

The overall purpose of the project is to rehabilitate and protect and conserve Poutasi’s marine environment. A summary of tasks to accomplish this purpose include:

• Cleanup, conservation, and improvement of village natural springs, river confluence, and beachfront, including retaining walls to protect natural springs and enhance the utilization of the spring water
• Professional assessment of ways to improve current drainage systems
• Coral gardening; restocking of clam population; building fish houses
• Establishment of a Marine Protected Area
• Planting coastal and other appropriate vegetation to reduce erosion
• Awareness training and promotion of the importance of protecting the environment
• Creation of potential eco-tourism opportunities for the village related to the marine environment.

Accomplishment of these tasks will improve the quality of life for the village and neighboring villages as follows:

• Increased respect for and awareness of the importance of protecting the fragile marine environment
• Improved management of fisheries and coastal areas
• Increased marine biodiversity of both flora and fauna
• Protection of vulnerable marine areas from effects of climate change and natural disasters
• Creation of tourism/economic opportunities
• Improved food security
• Improved and healthier environment for bathing area.
  This is a one-year long project to start in April. The village is contributing the equivalent of $16,400 US in funding, materials, and labor as well. We will receive periodic funding as we accomplish various tasks in our work plan. The first phase includes technical assessments from government departments such as the Divisions of Fisheries, Environment and Conservation, and Forestry; cleanup of the river banks, beach and natural springs; and construction of retaining walls at the natural springs. That portion is expected to take about four or five months. The natural springs have created large pools, including a lagoon in the center of the village.

I’m excited about the project because it’s something the village needs and will hopefully continue to provide benefits long after I’m gone. It will also be fun to learn more about all of these things and to participate in planting the trees and helping with the coral gardens and other activities. I’ve been working with the government agencies I mentioned above, and with local villagers, and I’ve learned a lot already just to be able to prepare the proposal, but I know it’s just the beginning. The village has its own small island Nu’u Safee, just about a half-mile off shore. It’s uninhabited and undeveloped – a beautiful, pristine piece of paradise. There are fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities close by. The eco-tourism part of the project envisions sharing the island and the coastal waters with tourists in a way that makes sure the natural environment is protected.

I’ve been in the village now for six months and it’s been a learning process in many ways. There are still many days when I have to find something to occupy my time, and it will always be that way – it’s just the nature of the job – but I’m glad that some of the things that the village wants are coming to fruition.

It’s fall here, which basically means only that the days are a little shorter and that the new school year just started. Also, the rainy season (November through April) is ending: it rains an average of about 8.5” per month in the wet season and about 4” per month in the dry season. It also means cyclone season is over, and we didn’t have any. Temperatures average 85º in the dry season and 75º in the wet season. I’m happy and healthy. The adventure continues . . . .