In brief:
WTEC PROJECTS 2006/7

Coconut Crab Task Force Phase II (RHNP-KKTF): This project continues from Coconut Crab Task Force Phase I. It is being funded by the Regional Natural Heritage Programme of the Australian Government. The Regional Natural Heritage Programme (RNHP) is a four year, $AU10 million initiative, established to protect outstanding biodiversity in South East Asia and the Pacific. The programme is administered by the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Heritage. Coconut Crab Task Force Phase II (RHNP-KKTF) involves activities such as Stock Assessment and Community Consultations, Community Moniotrs Workshop as well as General Awareness activities throughout Sanma Province to help communities understand the rules and regulations regarding taking Coconut Crabs and how to manage this important resource.

WTEC PROJECTS 2005/6

Support for Community-Based Forest Conservation Initiatives (FCI): This project is helping to identify and address current and future threats to existing forest conservation areas. The emphasis is on improving the management of land and natural resources around the forest sites to meet the needs of nearby people and thus reduce the pressure to (further) encroach into protected forests.

Environmental Education Curriculum Support Project (EECSP): This project is designed to encourage school students to take an active interest in the environment around them and to develop the expertise needed to find solutions to Vanuatu's growing environmental challenges.

Sustainable Incomes Project (SIP): This project is designed to open up new income generating opportunities that encourage and support conservation and sustainable resource management. The project is currently supporting rural tourism businesses (guest houses) and conservation projects in rural Vanuatu by marketing natural attractions as destinations for overseas visitors through the Internet. The project website can be found at www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/

Coconut Crab Task Force Phase I: This project is specifically concerned with the sustainable management of the coconut crab Birgus latro (the world's largest land crustacean) in the province of Sanma. It is a joint initiative between Dept of Fisheries, Sanma Provincial Council, Dept of Forests and WTEC that is working from the community level upwards to achieve the sustainable management of this highly significant and vulnerable species in the province.

Community Environmental Toolkit: This project is designed to bring together practical information on achieving sustainable development at the community and provincial levels in a form that is accessible and relevant for rural people and provincial leaders.

Youth in the Environment (YITE) [proposed]: This project will provide training and support to young men and women in addressing environmental issues of concern to them and their respective communities. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving the stewardship of natural resources at the family and community level, opening up sustainable income generating opportunities linked to those resources and encouraging young people to remain in rural areas.

Big Nambas Environment Project (BNEP) [proposed]: This project will progressively address a range of pressing environmental issues of concern to the Big Nambas people of Northwest Malekula. In its first phase, the project will concentrate on protecting a site of high environmental and cultural significance and the establishment of an environment centre to act as a catalyst for addressing environmental concerns, initially focusing on the over-exploitation of marine resources in the area.