Libansese Conservation Area, Black Sands, South Malekula

The Libansese Conservation Area is a community-based and managed area at Black Sands, south Malekula. The conservation area was established in 1998 to look after the water and fish resources in the Libansese River and the inshore marine resources along the coast.

The river is interesting with mangroves and brackish water near the coast changing to clear freshwater not far upstream. There are many fish, eels, freshwater prawns, crabs and shellfish in the river. The lower river can be explored by canoe and snorkelling and it's a good walk along the upper reaches. The riverine forest is good for bird watching.

There are no tourists visiting Libansese and the Black Sands community is very keen to attract visitors. A half day guided tour of the area is available at Ronevie village for 1000 Vatu per person including a tour of the river by canoe, a bush walk, snorkelling in the river to view eels and fish and a lunch of aelan kaekae.

For accommodation by the Libansese river and contacts see our Ronevie Village Guesthouse page. A good plan is to stay a few days and more or less do your own thing.

Browse higher resolution pictures on our Vanuatu Protected Areas Showcase.

Last updated: January 2005 by Stephen.