Dugong and seagrass handicraft and art competition

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The VESS Dugong and seagrass handicraft and art Competition

Dugongs are charismatic marine mammals that are frequently seen in Vanuatu waters. Seagrass is vital to their survival and is a home to many marine animals. As part of the awareness activities of the Dugongs and Seagrass Conservation Project we would like to encourage artists to experiment with adding dugong and seagrass designs and add these pieces to their repertoire. We hope this art and handicrafts will inspire people to care for these magnificent creatures and their important seagrass habitat.

Categories

  1. Carvings
  2. Woven handicrafts or art
  3. Paintings and drawings
  4. Open*

*entries to the open category can be any art or handicraft that does not fall into the above categories e.g. fabrics clothing, jewelry, photographs etc.

Prize packs to the value of Vt10,000 for each category consisting of tools, art supplies and a Vt5000 voucher.

How to enter:

The handicrafts and art will be displayed at the VESS Threatened Species exhibition, which runs from the 26th February until 3rd March at the Espace Alliance Française. Bring your finished pieces, ready to display, to the exhibition on Monday 26th February BEFORE 3pm. Judging is at 4pm during the opening of the exhibition.

Terms and Conditions for the Dugong and Seagrass Handicraft and Art Competition.

  1. All entries must contain depictions of dugongs and/or seagrass.
  2. The competition is part of a dugong and seagrass conservation project. Part of this project is to raise awareness of dugongs and seagrasses throughout Vanuatu via a series of workshops. In these workshops VESS will be discussing dugongs as subjects of handicrafts and art. Images of the handicrafts and art entered into this competition will be shown during these workshops. They will also be uploaded to the VESS website. By entering this competition you are understood to have given permission for your designs and work to be shown in this way.
  3. All entries should be brought to Espace Alliance Française between 9am and 3pm on Monday 26th February. Any entries submitted after 3pm will not be included in the competition.
  4. Entries must be ready to display. VESS does not provide framing.
  5. All pieces are to be displayed at the Threatened Species Competition for the length of the exhibition from the 26th February until 3rd March 2018. Whist VESS will take all necessary precautions to protect the artwork during this time, artist display their art and handicrafts at their own risk.
  6. Entries may be for sale or not for sale at the artists own discretion. Prices are to be set by the artist. No commission will be charged (but VESS would be appreciative of a donation if any pieces are sold). Sold items should remain on display until the end of the exhibition.
  7. Prizes will be awarded at the discretion of VESS. That decision will be final.

The Dugong and Seagrass Project is executed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund with financing from the GEF, implementation support by UN Environment and technical support from the CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat. This is a global project, involving eight developing countries. VESS is implementing this project in Vanuatu in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation and the Vanuatu Fisheries Department.

Position available with the GEF small grants programme

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There is a job assisting Leah Nimoho at the GEF small grants programme here in Vanuatu. Please see  the job description for the GEF SGP Vanuatu Programme Assistant and information on how to apply here:  GEF SGP Programme Assistant Advertistment Oct 2017

International Coastal Cleanup 2017

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Dugong and Seagrass Exhibition

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VESS is recruiting again

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Are you passionate about the environment and protecting threatened species? Are you interested in the endemic bats of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands? Are you keen to learn new techniques and skills?  Then you might be the person we are looking for!

VESS has a position a Threatened Species Officer (Bat Project) to work on implementing the “Conservation of the Endemic Flying Foxes of Torba and Temotu in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands” project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The project’s aims are to conduct scientific research on the biology and ecology of three species of flying foxes in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands that are threatened with extinction. A species action and survival plan for each of the three species of flying fox will also be devised under this project. Amongst other activities the job will involve working with research scientists from the University of Queensland and a 3 to 4 week long field expedition to northern Vanuatu and southern Solomon Islands and additional travel in Vanuatu. The project aim is to build capacity for biodiversity assessments including for bat species and VESS will provide training to the threatened species project officer.

This role will also involve some administrative work for VESS as well as assisting with an outreach program to involve people in conservation themed events and talks.

Criteria:

  • Minimum qualification of a year 13 high school certificate SPFSC however candidates with a Bachelor Degree in a natural science subject will have an advantage
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • A passion and enthusiasm for the environment and conservation
  • Previous experience in project implementation desirable
  • Computer literacy including email and Microsoft suite
  • Must be able to commit to FULL time employment
  • This position is open to Ni-Vanuatu Citizens

Salary: 300-400 VT per hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Language: English, Bislama, French is an advantage.

Closing Date for applications: 5 pm Wednesday 12th July 2017 

How To Apply: Please address your cover letter (max 1 page) to Dr. Christina Shaw.

In your letter please include one paragraph why you think bats are important to people and the environment in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Please mention why you believe their conservation is important and what measures can be taken to conserve them.

Send you letter together with your CV (max 2 pages) by email to  vess@vanuatuconservation.org.

There is no need to send academic record or references at this stage.

Results from World Ocean’s Day Litter survey

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