Woralapa community adds a new marine protected area in Nguna Island

The community of Woralapa is proud to show his new MPA sign board.

The environmental concern in Nguna and Pele Islands is growing every day.

With a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) established on August 29 in Woralapa village (Nguna Island), Nguna and Pele communities have now implemented four new MPAs in the last two months.

The Nguna Pele Marine and Land Protected Area network (NPLMPA) provided facilitation of the activities and technical assistance to the local communities in order to set up those new MPAs.

After a week of awareness, reef observation and active group discussions, the NPMLPA staff were able to develop a management plan alongside the newly established conservation committee (4 members) in Woralapa.

Everyone in the village (children, youths, mamas and papas) was involved in the discussions and provided answers to protect the species diversity and maintain the resources for the future generation.

The youths were especially concerned and actively helped the NPLMPA staff to paint the signboard and place the MPA marking buoys.

As a result, the community set up new activities for controlling fishing gears, waste management, marine species monitoring, tree planting and regular awareness.

A current European Union and GIZ supported project strengthens the NPMLPA network to assist the local communities to manage their natural resources and adapt to climate change.

The NPMLPA network will continue to support the community of Woralapa and follow up the work made by the conservation committee.