Bio-diversity

Lapo Village is one of six coastal communities situated in South West Bay (SWB), Malekula, Vanuatu. Malekula is the most populated and culturally diverse island in the nation, home to a rich array of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna including numerous endangered and threatened species. The current population of South West Bay is about 1,480 with 180 people in 44 households living in Lapo village (44 households). With the increasing demand for cash ,environmental resources within the marine areas were over used to their detriments. The loss of environmental resources are including endangered species, such as turtles. There were local establishment of conservation areas that were initiated by the communities but were not seem to be very much successes, with little cash income opportunities for local communities and the fast growing population demands for food resources. The project will enhance the local community initiative in establishing a well setup ecotourism in Southwest Bay to help promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This will involve upgrading local infrastructures and established and implement management plans for long term conservation of marine areas for the Tourism activities. Also provide facilities for local women marketing their handicrafts for their income generating activities. And advocate for sustainable livelihood through sustainable environmental conservation and wise use.

Vanuatu