BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
THE International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Oceania Regional Office, in partnership with the Governments of Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain, has supported Sirubai Voko tribe Association, with solar project.
Sirubai Voko tribe Association at Pusiju village, Vella la Vella Island, Western Province has praised the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Oceania Regional Office, in partnership with the Governments of Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain with this small grant.
Henry Kaniki told Island Sun Gizo yesterday the title of the project is; Pusiju Community Copra Buying Solar Project.
Mr Kaniki said the main aim of this project is to create economic opportunity for local people to meet their needs whilst sacrificing their forest for conservation.
He said the small grant was up to USD 20,000 and it was targeted for energy focused project on community micro-enterprise development and conservation nature and providing nature based solutions to development challenges.
Kaniki said Sirubai Voko Tribe Association (SVTA) is a community based organisation from Pusiju village, Vella La Vella Island that was initiated by the community themselves.
Meanwhile team leader Mr Tapera Bird of Superfly Limited says his team is very excited about the partnership.
He said his company is glad to see sustainable development happening in very remote places such as Pusiju community.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief of Sirubai Voko Tribe Caleb Bukiri acknowledges the support received from IUCN.
“This has become a history for my people”.
Mr Bukiri said the project will not only support the people of Sirubai Voko Tribe but will also benefit the entire community of Sirubai region.
“Over the past years we have received partners (NGO), donors, Government Ministries, Church leaders on our shore thus this project will also benefit the general public”.
Also Mrs Keithy Tovakera, expressed her gratitude towards the project as it will empower the women and girls in creating livelihood activities that will in return meet the needs of their family.
The project is expected to be officially launched at the end of this year and SVTA is hoping to get the donor and relevant partners to the project site to witness the project success.
