Vanuatu Cultural Centre

Compiled by Francis Hickey

Following local custom, all outsiders, including visiting yachts, must request permission to access any marine resources found in the inshore areas of beaches, reefs, lagoons, estuaries and offshore islands

An important consideration for any ‘Yachtie’ visiting Vanuatu is that not only did land go back to the custom or traditional owners at Independence, but the reefs also did. In fact, the reefs are traditionally considered as an extension of traditional lands and are recognized as such in the constitution. This ancient system of reef ownership and management is known as Customary Marine Tenure (CMT). The general rule of thumb is that if you can see the reef then it is under custom tenure – where the reef drops off into deep water and the sea goes blue is untenured. This general rule may vary locally however, as in some areas deepwater areas were also fished, especially within bays and lagoons. CMT is in contrast with many countries laws where the seas, starting at the high-water mark, is common property and is under the State's tenure and management.

Thus, the near-shore reefs of Vanuatu are owned by the people living nearby and have been providing important sustenance for 1000's of years. These reefs are a bit like underwater gardens and are managed by the people and their Chiefs to sustain the marine resources not only for the villager's immediate needs, but also for the benefit of future generations. One of the fundamental traditional management strategies in place is that access to these reefs is restricted exclusively to the clan members whom have tenure over the reefs. Thus, following the local custom, all outsiders, including visiting yachts, must request permission to access any marine resources found in the inshore areas of beaches, reefs, lagoons, estuaries and offshore islands. Only resources found in the deep untenured waters, such as the tuna's and other pelagic fish are openly accessible to cruising yachts.

The charging of a small fee by the custom land owners is not an attempt to take advantage of visitors, but is in line with protecting their ancient system of land and reef tenure

The practice of Customary Marine Tenure explains why in some areas visitors may be asked to pay a small access fee to visit some special attractions (like taking your dingy up rivers to visit the 'Blue Holes' in Santo). This charging of a small fee by the custom land owners is not an attempt to take advantage of visitors, but is in line with protecting their ancient system of land and reef tenure.

It should be noted that the cruising fee paid to the Government of Vanuatu when checking in upon arrival does not automatically entitle visitors unrestricted access to all areas under custom marine tenure. Access to these near-shore areas remains at the discretion of the local Chiefs and land owners. In general, it only requires that the visitor show respect to the local owners and simply ask first if it is OK to access an area, to collect shells or to catch some fish. You'll find that people are generally very receptive to your request and will in most cases be only too happy to act as your guide. By asking first, in fact, you will be seen as showing respect for the local authority, and this may result in people being much more willing to assist you during your stay.There may also be some terrestrial areas that are considered to be taboo. These areas are of important customary significance to local people and may not be recognizable to outsiders. Again, it is advisable to ask before venturing off into new areas to avoid any embarrassing situations.

Also, periodic fishing restrictions, or taboos, are placed over some reef areas not to be accessed or fished to enable the resources to rebuild and maintain their abundance. Special leaves, with local cultural significance, are sometimes placed on poles in these areas to indicate the area covered by these taboos (see main photo). Taboos may also be placed on the types of fishing gear that may be used in different areas - the use of nets and spearguns being the most commonly restricted gear types. Again, by simply asking the Chief or local landowner, you will be made aware of the local management strategies in place and may thus avoid any embarrassing situations.

As a general rule of thumb, always assume you should ask permission to go anywhere other than public places in the urban centres in Vanuatu. This is because everywhere in Vanuatu is traditionally under customary tenure, and this includes the near-shore reefs as well as off-shore islands. In fact, this is the case throughout most of the Pacific islands. As visitors, it is important to be aware and supportive of these local customs in order not to show a lack of respect or to contribute to eroding these ancient forms of resource management.

For more information on CMT and village–based management of nearshore reefs in Vanuatu please see: www.unesco.org/csi/pub/papers3/vanu.htm