Stories from Vanuatu

New Caledonia has ordered its envoy in Vanuatu to boycott planned trade events in the country. The decision follows Vanuatu's reception of Christian Treon, a leading New Caledonian separatist leader. The New Caledonian government stated the visit by Treon was unauthorized.

Vanuatu has begun the process of establishing a national gymnastics federation. The new federation has received backing from the Sports Ministry and the National Olympic Committee. The initiative aims to develop local coaches and run gymnastics programs within the country.

A growing fight is underway in Vanuatu to protect coconut crops from the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Efforts to contain the beetle have been ongoing since its detection. In Port Vila, an estimated 80 to 85 percent of coconuts have already been destroyed by the pest. The beetle was first detected in 2019 and is now spreading to other islands offshore of Fatui. The infestation is reportedly spreading to other islands offshore of Efate. The damage to the local coconut supply is described as very. Damage is reported to be widespread across the island. The infestation threatens corporate coconut production and local farmer livelihoods. Local farmers rely heavily on coconut production for their income. There are concerns regarding the potential spread of the beetle to ports, airports, and wharves. The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a threat to plantations in Santo.