By Sophie Birkett | Charitable Trust Manager
On 17th December 2012, Severe Tropical Cyclone Evan hit the Fijian islands, causing catastrophic damage. Damaging heavy waves, rain and thunderstorms including severe flash flooding hit the Yasawas and Western Division. The Yasawas islands, where the GVI Charitable Trust work, was severely affected. Winds exceeding 125 mph brought down trees, blocking roads and blowing away homes/roofs with widespread power and water outages. Many have already lost all their belongings. Major flooding is a high concern with powerful swells hitting the coastal communities and more rains to come.
On the Whale & Dolphin project, we work wth a number of local staff and support the surrounding communities of the Moon Reef area in the District of Dawasamu. The local community will gain a greater understanding of sustainable management practices and we will help them to develop sustainable alternative livelihoods including new ecotourism projects which will be 100% community owned and operated. Local Schoolchildren will grow up with the knowledge and tools available to make more informed choices about living sustainably and how to protect their beautiful, natural environment.
Over the coming months, the focus will be based on helping the communities face a long, slow rebuilding process. As such, the GVI Charitable Trust has set up a specific project to raise funds to supply immediate basic requirements such as food, clean water and shelter whilst assisting long term recovery efforts in the Yasawas - http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/cyclone-evan-fiji/
Thank you for your support for this project in 2012, we look forward to being in touch in 2013!
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