2013 and beyond

with only a few short weeks left in December and time flying by we are looking forward to 2013. In the past year VEPA has expanded and achieved on many different projects and these will continue on to the next year.

Our achievements for 2012 include
- media and education outreach on environmental issues to the high schools and on the local radio.
- assistance to Matamaka for the Coral Reef Project with their school.
- Nature Explorers Club is up and running with the Turtle awareness in the next weeks.
- Received funding from NZ for the demonstration composting plot at MAFF and the women's groups.
- Other fundings applied for include Environmental Ambassadors for Mangrove field work and study.
- Implementation by Kate Walker of the Vava'u Turtle Monitoring Project.
- Upscaled our internal working including Environmental management systems and position descriptions for board members.
- Involved at government level in surveys and meetings to take conservation further.
- countless donated hours to collaboration on projects with Ministry of Environment (MLECCNR) and JICA to establish community waste management initiatives.

VEPA is still only run by volunteer board members and we give our heartfelt thanks to all those that support us with fundraising and time especially Tropicana Cafe, Sunset Grill, Poolside Cafe. Also we would like to thank Keep Vava'u Green who is based in Utah and fundraises for our initiatives. Also our heartfelt thanks to Elana and Kate for all their works to take us forward as well as to all the board members for their generous time and support. Thanks also to our international volunteers Damo and Vicky who made a lot of the above possible with their time here.

Taking VEPA through to 2013 is to include

- finding our own office space and part time employee
this really needs help from local businesses who are willing to help us through donations. Project funding sadly does not cover administration costs and general NGO running, so please if you can help us in any way email us on info@vavauenvironment.org or phone Karen on 8441747.

- continuing to achieve international funding for projects that are coming up. (more information to come on this)

VEPA would like to wish everyone a safe and happy December and a great warm up to Christmas and the New Year.

Malo'aupito

Karen
Project Co-ordinator