1:10,000 scale model of Ovalau Island, Lomaviti Province, Fiji Islands, (April 2005).

Note: The model (52,800 ha or 528 km²) includes terrestrial and coastal ecosystems and will be used by the local communities for developing resource management, tangible and intangible cultural heritage preservation and development plans.

Depicted data reflect the mental maps of 96 men and women from the villages of Levuka, Vagadaci, Waitovu, Vuma, Toki, Vatukalo, Nauouo, Yarovudi, Taviya, Rukuruku, Draiba, Naikorokoro, Nasinu, Tokou, Natokalau, Lovoni, Nasaumatua, Vuniivisavu, Visoto, Nacobo, Nukutocia, Naiviteitei, Nasaga, Tai, Navuloa, Viro, and Wainaloka

The blank model has been constructed by 30 students and 5 teachers from the Delana Methodist High School and Levuka Public School with the assistance of 15 facilitators/ trainees from the organisations listed below.

Two years later (2007): Since the completion of the model Ovalau islanders have achieved quite a lot: they have developed an island-wide natural- and cultural resource use management plan which was followed by 3 district management plans. On the island there are 4 districts. Taboo (i.e. protected) marine areas have been established within the fishing grounds of 3 districts comprising 16 villages. Additional taboo areas have been set up by 10 villages on a nearby island partially included on the 3D model. On the terrestrial component, residents have cleared ceremonial pathways which were overgrown and planted trees. In July 2007 the visit of UNESCO's director for World Heritage Sites (WHS) resulted in reconsidering the submission done by the Government of Fiji for the inclusion of Levuka City on the tentative WHS list, to include the whole of Ovalau Island and its surrounding waters.

The Provincial Council reported that building on the existence and use of the 3D model and derived maps, the voice of the community has been more authoritative in negotiation processes. Model making and related follow-up activities have cemented relationships among different districts and sparked an island-wide collective vision for safeguarding biological and cultural diversities.