Bafa Zon: localising World Heritage at Chief Roi Mata's Domain, Vanuatu

A critical examination of local responses to the buffer zone design for Chief Roi Mata's Domain (CRMD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vanuatu, reveals that the process has enabled landowning communities to redefine buffering by integrating both conservation and development under the local concept of 'bafa zon.' This study highlights how internal and external influences shape the evolution of the buffer zone, suggesting that supporting locally valued measures could simultaneously achieve World Heritage conservation goals and foster economic development. The research employs a case study approach to chart the contested yet dynamic process of localizing globalized buffering practices, offering insights into the potential for balancing global heritage objectives with local priorities.

Trau, A. M., Ballard, C., & Wilson, M. (2012). Bafa Zon: localising World Heritage at Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, Vanuatu. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 20(1), 86–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2012.712981