Threats to biodiversity
On most larger islands human settlements are concentrated on the coastal lowlands, with the rugged mountainous interiors relatively little used and inaccessible. Consequently biodiversity is most at risk in lowland areas and small islands, yet remains relatively intact in the high altitude forests of larger islands.
Rural communities depend on their immediate environment for most of the resources they use for subsistence living and commercial income generation. The increasing human population places increasing pressures on the resources available. Food gardens must be expanded, additional wild foods harvested, fishing effort Simultaneously the growing need to generate monetary income is leading to increased planting of permanent commercial crops, and increased commercial fishing and production of timber. This conversion of natural systems to human production systems is recognised as a significant threat to biodiversity in Vanuatu. The challenge is to find locally appropriate systems that meet human needs while maintaining biodiversity.
Changes in village institutions and perceptions of authority structures also pose a significant threat. Traditional resource management systems maintained biodiversity over thousands of years. The authority of these systems is threatened by the spread of global values and expectations, internal migration, and conflicting authority structures emerging through government, church and education systems. As we enter the millenia there is a hiatus or confusion between respect for kastom, respect for Chiefs, respect for government, respect for Church, respect for western values. This is accompanied by a subtle changes in the primacy of the community or extended family vis a vis the individual or immediate family. While these issues remain in transition they are a threat to effective biodiversity management.
Other threats to biodiversity vary from island to island. They include:
· invasive species, of which there are many
· burning
· land use activities and clearing in freshwater catchments
· land based pollution of marine environments: erosion and inadequate waste management
· failure of local communities to place high value on species they do not use.( see threats page )

Protected or conservation areas
Vanuatu's constitution decrees that land and associated resources are the property of the traditional landowners. Consequently local landowners are integral to measures to protect or conserve biodiversity. Communities and landholders are actively encouraged to practice resource conservation using local knowledge of resources and traditional practices that have evolved over generations.
Most commonly this is through mechanisms such as tabus. Tabus are restrictions on the use of land, marine areas or specific resources. They are imposed by chiefs and / or landholders or reserved due to local kastom and beliefs. Many tabu areas are clearly marked by leaves that are highly specific in the meaning they convey. Cycad leaves (namele), wild canes and Cordyline leaves (nangaria) are common markers, but by no means the only ones. Stones and landforms may also mark boundaries of protected areas. These markers and their meanings may not be clear to people from other islands of Vanuatu or to visitors. It is best to consult with local chiefs and landholders prior to going onto their lands. Tabus should at all times be respected.
Communities and landholders are also looking to non-traditional approaches to effect practical resource management at a local level. Commonly such conservation initiatives are established, announced and managed under local and traditional authority. The Environment Unit maintains a database of such sites. These range from small areas through to the Vatthe Conservation Area on Santo Island. (connect through to their web site.)
There are also several conservation initiatives established by and through government. This includes the Erromango Kauri Reserve: an area of … square kilometres that protects significant stands of Agathis ….., and associated biodiversity. This area is formally leased from the traditional landholders.
The President Coolidge ecompasses the wreck of the US Ship the President Coolidge, a WWII war grave. This has become an internationally recognised dive-tourism site.