Understand
The people of the Louisiade Islands predominately live a subsistance lifestyle. Most families have a garden - a reclaimed section of jungle where they grow fruit and vegetables, a few chickens and pigs, and each village has at least one fisherman with a sailing canoe. In these communities, almost everything is privately owned - including firewood, fruit and vegetables, and even the fish in the lagoon. More importantly, these resources are the only resources and property that these communities have, and they depend on them for survival. Please obtain permission from the locals before fishing or taking anything from the islands. If what you ask for is abundant, they will most likely give it to you, otherwise it would be appropriate to offer to buy or trade for it. The only exception is trolling for pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel, which are too big and fast for the local fishermen to catch. Pelagic fish are abundant in the islands, and it is appropriate to catch more than you need and donate it to the local villages.For most communities, a trip to the nearest shop is at least a one to two day journey by sailing canoe each way.Although the need for money is increasing in these remote communities they need money for school fees or to buy fuel for the long boats to reach islands with medical facilities, most trading consists of bartering for goods.
Upon arrival at most islands, be prepared for several canoes to paddle over and offer to trade their local fruit and seafood in exchange for goods such as:
t-shirts
fish hooks and fishing line
raw sugar
hand tools
batteries for torches
hats
sunglasses
soap
laundry powder
Mostly, traders are happy to exchange for second-hand items if they are still fit for their purpose.For advice about the current needs of individual communities, refer to www.louisiades.net which provides up-to-date information about the type of tradegoods sought by various communities.
