The Republic of Vanuatu is a large constellation of scattered small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. They are mostly mountainous, of volcanic origin and have a tropical climate. Melanesians were the first to inhabit this beautiful archipelago in 2000 B.C. Several thousand years later, the French and British arrived in the 1880s. This was a historically dark period as the Europeans forced many natives to work in nearby Australia, where many contracted deadly diseases that drastically reduced Vanuatu’s population. The people of Vanuatu pressed aggressively for self-government in the 1960’s, leading to a transition from a colony to an independent nation in 1980.

Today the most amazing feature of Vanuatu is its diversity. More than 130 different languages are spoken throughout the 83 islands, and the people have maintained much of their religion and traditions. Every spring the men of Pentecost, an island north of the capital, build a rickety tower 150ft high, which they climb, tie a piece of vine to their ankle, and bungee jump off the tower! It is a test of manhood for the men of Pentecost Island, and sometimes a jumper gets seriously hurt in the fall.

The biodiversity of the islands is one of the greatest in the world, with tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and lagoons teeming with wildlife. You could catch a glimpse of a flying fox, but watch out for wild pigs—they will charge and knock you over if you cross their path!

Climate change and over-fishing are threatening the biodiversity and beautiful environment of Vanuatu. In 2005, thousands of people had to evacuate their homes in Ambae to flee a volcano. In addition, because the Vanuatan’s have relied on fish to subsist, the rapid decline in catches as a result of over-fishing are threatening the livelihoods of the people of Vanuatu. The increase in water pollution has exacerbated this problem. Scientists along with the government are now working together to regulate fishing to prevent extinction of certain species of fishes.

“Volcanoes Erupt From Beach” Many crater vents all over the island. This particular one happened to be at a Level 3 while we were shooting and every 5 minutes a cloud of smoke would shoot into the air.

”Lamakra Houses” The homes of these villagers, which are all made from natural materials and take about one month to make. The women will weave roots of trees to make the roofs.