Ecological management in a cultural landscape

A biodiversity survey of Artok, part of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (CRMD) in Vanuaturevealed the island to be a critical refuge for endangered species, including those listed under IUCN Red List and CITES Appendices. The study identified a low presence of invasive species compared to nearby Efate and documented a potential new subspecies of skink, endemic to Artok. This scientific assessment provided the local ni-Vanuatu community with additional ecological data to strengthen their defense against development pressures and cultural erosion. The research employed a collaborative approach, integrating traditional knowledge with standardized biodiversity surveys, offering a model for holistic ecological management in culturally significant landscapes.

Kerle, A., & Fleming, A. (2012). Ecological management in a cultural landscape. Ecological Management & Restoration, 13(2), 110–111. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-8903.2012.00650.x