The United Nations Development Programme and contributing nations are looking to cocoa to revitalize the Bougainvillean economy and help maintain peace. The island, which endured years of armed struggle resulting in the deaths of an estimated 15,000 people in a ten year period, is home to several indigenous peoples, including the Nasioi. Before the outbreak of violence, which was precipitated by the presence of foreign copper mining operations, the cocoa industry was the primary source of income for some 80 percent of Bougainvilleans. See Spotlight Article
