Indigenous Leaders in Vanuatu Challenge Royal Caribbean's Resort Plans

Indigenous community leaders in Vanuatu have expressed significant concerns regarding Royal Caribbean's plans to construct a private beach club on Lelepa Island. The cruise operator aims to develop a resort capable of accommodating up to 5,000 visitors daily, with the project scheduled to open in 2027. Community leaders argue that the environmental impact assessments (EIA) conducted by Royal Caribbean are “incomplete” and “misleading.” In a letter sent to the company on February 26, the leaders highlighted potential harm to fragile ecosystems and a nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, Fels Cave, which contains ancient rock art.

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Lelepa, a 5km-long island home to approximately 500 residents, has been leased by Royal Caribbean for this development. The chiefs of Lelepa, including paramount chief Ruben Natamatewia III, have called for a halt to construction until proper assessments and consultations are completed. They emphasized the need for a cultural heritage assessment to protect customary sites from the proposed development.

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Chief Tungulman Albert Solomon Peter Manaure, an Australia-based representative of the council, acknowledged that while landowners generally support tourism development, there are serious concerns about the impact on local resources, particularly turtle nesting sites and fishing grounds. Manaure, who operates a tourism business on Lelepa, stated, “The ocean and the land are our bank – that’s where we harvest our resources.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that any development is environmentally responsible.

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In response to the community's concerns, Royal Caribbean initially claimed that its EIA complied with Vanuatu's environmental regulations. However, after further inquiries, the company indicated it was still incorporating feedback from public consultations into the final EIA. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean stated that the company is committed to protecting Lelepa’s natural ecosystems and is working closely with local stakeholders, including government officials and customary landowners.

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The situation in Vanuatu reflects a broader tension faced by small island nations between attracting tourism and safeguarding local environments. Joseph Cheer, a professor of sustainable tourism and heritage at Western Sydney University, noted that cruise tourism often faces criticism for its environmental impacts and the influence it exerts over small island countries. He emphasized that with effective governance, these challenges can be addressed.

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Royal Caribbean has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and has been in discussions with local landowners since at least 2018 regarding the establishment of the resort. The company has stated that it is progressing with necessary permits related to the EIA and aims to ensure that local ecosystems are preserved.

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• “The current EIA is incomplete, misleading, and does not meet the standards required under Vanuatu law,” — Lelepa Council of Chiefs

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• “There needs to be more consultation with the communities,” — Ruben Natamatewia III, Paramount Chief

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• “If Royal Caribbean wants to do this project on Lelepa, we want to make sure it is done in the right way, with the environment properly protected,” — Tungulman Albert Solomon Peter Manaure

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While Royal Caribbean asserts compliance with environmental regulations, local leaders maintain that the EIA is inadequate. The Vanuatu government has not provided a response to inquiries regarding the project, leaving gaps in the official narrative surrounding the development.

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