YAP, Maaq Village - June 2008
Construction of causeway culverts and extension of the household water system in exchange for a 35-acre pristine mangrove sanctuary as a no-take area in perpetuity
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The scenic and culturally pristine village of Maaq is located in the Tomil Municipality on the east coast of Yap proper. This community has already taken an active interest in conservation with the establishment of the 477-acre Peelaek Channel Marine Conservation Area. This area is co-owned and co-managed by the villages of Maaq and Leebinaw in Gagil Municipality. The 35-acre area of pristine mangrove adjacent to the Maaq settlement survived both Typhoon Sudal and several oil spills, and a preliminary rapid assessment revealed at least four of the main five genera of mangroves in Yap are present in the reserve. It is also a nursery for birds, mangrove clams, mangrove crabs, rabbit fish and mullet, including the endangered Yap Monarch. In exchange for setting aside the Maaq Mangrove Reserve in perpetuity, the Maaq community would like to culvert a causeway that runs across the bay to the neighboring village of Thol, and in addition, would like to extend their fresh water supply lines to houses in the community that currently do not have them.
UPDATE January 2009 - The project began in October 2008 with the order and purchase of construction materials. The entire project is anticipated to run for about a year, completing in late 2009.
UPDATE June 2009 - As of April 2009 the main extension 2" pipe lines are in the ground. All 1" pipe lines that go to the houses are also connected to the main line. Completion of this phase is expected by the end of May 2009. Culverting is still to be done and materials are being gathered. The protected mangrove area is still under protection as agreed.
UPDATE June 2011 - YapCAP Executive Director Chief Charles Chieng passed away in July 2010; his longtime colleague Vanessa Fread has taken over the role of project coordinator. Construction was completed in July 2009 and Seacology staff is awaiting a final report and request for final payment to reimburse project leaders for funds already expended.
