OceansWatch members Gail and David Funk have successfully delivered educational materials and sailing supplies, including canvacon for canoes, to the small islands of Anuta and Utupua in the Solomon Islands.  Before this, David and Gail were generous hosts to OceansWatch’s current Vanuatu expedition team, consisting of marine biologists Natalie Riddler and Lindsey Deignan, aboard their 44ft catamaran Fifth Season.  (Read the latest from the Vanuatu expedition here).

Fellow OceansWatch members Hans and Isabelle have also recently visited Utupua Island, part of the Santa Cruz group in the Solomon Islands, to deliver aid, including educational materials.  Hans and Isabelle reported a warm welcome from the people in Asubuo village, who were very grateful for the donations they received and send thanks to everyone around the world who has supported their remote community, especially to Soenke and Judith who initiated this aid project.

There are a few remote villages on Utupua Island, each one facing similar problems.  Transportation is one of the biggest hindrances in such remote communities and many people on the island feel that they are forgotten by the Solomon Islands government.

Asubuo has requested further help from OceansWatch to carry out Reef Check surveys and assist them in building a new school and church in 2010.  Hans and Isabelle hope to return next year to help in any way they can. 

With further assistance from OceansWatch and its members, Utupua Island can overcome some of the difficulties it faces in being so remote and realise its potential as a sustainable environment.  In doing so, OceansWatch hopes to bring Utupua to the attention of the Solomon Islands government and environmentalists worldwide.