The Department of Forestry, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity, in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden and the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, has officially launched a groundbreaking two-volume publication titled Plants, People and Culture in Tafea Province (Ol Plant, Pipol, mo Kalja blong Tafea).

The launch took place on November 5 at the Chanel Sam Botanical Garden in Port Vila, marking a major milestone in the documentation of Vanuatu’s rich plant knowledge and cultural heritage.

The books are the result of more than ten years of collaborative work involving extensive plant collecting, ethnobotanical research, and linguistic interviews with over 200 local experts from Tafea Province. The publication spans nearly 1,000 pages and features detailed information, scientific and local names, traditional uses, and hundreds of photographs of plant species across Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna, and Aniwa islands.

Gregory M. Plunkett, a scientist from the Botanical Garden and one of the lead researchers, said the project began in 2013 with the goal of recording the unique relationship between Vanuatu’s people and its plant species.

“Vanuatu is incredibly diverse, with about 138 languages spoken among just 300,000 people,” he explained. “This makes it one of the most important centres for documenting plant use and traditional knowledge. We worked with communities to record how plants are used — for building, clothing, gardening, and ceremonies — while respecting the secrecy of sacred knowledge.”

He added that the research also supports conservation initiatives such as the Custom Forest Conservation approach, which focuses on locally driven conservation methods and protecting endangered species, including the rare Tanna palm.

Dominik Ramik, from the Lycée Technique on Tanna Island, contributed through his expertise in IT, developing the LinguaNabanga app — an interactive digital tool that complements the publication.

“The app contains information from the two books, including plant photos, language names, and even traditional stories,” he said. “It can be used offline on phones or computers, helping communities easily access and preserve this knowledge.”

Presly Dovo, head of the Botany and Conservation section in Vanuatu, described the launch as a proud achievement for the nation.

“This is the first publication of its kind in Vanuatu’s history,” he said. “It will help students, researchers, and communities understand the importance of our plant heritage. It’s a tool for learning and pride — a legacy for future generations.”

The Plants, People and Culture in Tafea Province project reflects a deep partnership between local and international institutions, combining science, culture, and technology to preserve Vanuatu’s traditional knowledge for generations to come.