The Island Conservation
Initiatives was established in 1995 as a trading arm to reduce FSP Vanuatu's
dependence on donor funding. It aims to promote the conservation
of natural resources by establishing conservation initiatives.
All enterprises developed under ICI must have a primary business
activity that is consistent with the preservation and maintenance of
the environmental resources of Vanuatu.
The
Natangura project is one of the projects developed under ICI and
has been ongoing since 1999. Since then it has trained about 300
youths throughout rural and urban Vanuatu focussing mainly on
income-generating skills through non-timber forest
products. Profits from here are used to hold workshops in
other villages and provinces and similar training given.
The
Project's main objective is to train underprivileged groups how to carve from natangura seeds not only as an economic incentive, but also as a means for preserving the specific species of the palm seed that is used
(Metroxylon warburgii
More information on the Natangura project can be obtained from their website:
http://www.fsp.org.vu or contact:
Ms. Relvie Nganga, Project Manager - email: ici@fsp.org.vu
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