BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WORLD Wildlife Fund (WWF) takes the lead to strengthen community development in Saeragi by providing financial resources for the construction of a two-story office complex that will support women, researchers, and surrounding communities.

The building is a key component of the Sea Grape Management Project currently piloted in Saeragi and Kongulavata communities.

WWF Community Facilitator for Saeragi, Nerolyn Loni, said women from Bibolo, Miles Six Vorivori and Saeragi are grateful for the support, describing the infrastructure as a significant boost to community activities.

“We are grateful to WWF for recognising our need. This building will definitely boost women’s programs and activities within our communities.

“It’s not often that communities receive such a blessing and we are just thankful for the support,” she said.

According to Loni, the new complex will serve multiple purposes, including training and meeting spaces for women, as well as a hub for students and visitors interested in researching community livelihoods and challenges.

“Overall, this building will serve as a WWF Saeragi Sea Grapes Association hub to host regional and local meetings,” she added.

Construction team leader and Local Knowledge Broker (KB), Joseph Lipa, confirmed that work is progressing well.

He said the development stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and WWF.

“This development follows an MOU signed between SINU and WWF, allowing Knowledge Brokers to later pursue courses at SINU while enabling students to conduct part-time fieldwork in Saeragi,” Lipa explained.

He said the building is expected to be completed next year.

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