EUROPEAN UNION ASSISTS WALLIS AND FUTUNA PROJECTS

MATA'UTU, March 31, 2002 – Oceania Flash)---The French territory of Wallis and Futuna has received € 2 million form the European Union to support environmental and water preservation projects, RFO's Télé-Wallis reports.

The funds, part of the 8th European Development Fund, will be used to both preserve water resources and boost reforestation programs on both Wallis and Futuna.

The European Commission's New Caledonia-based head of mission, Wilfried Rothweiler, was in Wallis last week to sign a financing agreement with local officials.

"Most of these projects will be implemented by the villagers themselves, or local companies," he said.