Libansese is a community-based conservation area at Black Sands, south Malekula. It was started 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 there's a nice walk upstream. The riverine forest is good for bird watching.

A half day guided tour of the area from Ronevie village is about 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 (good value!).

For accommodation, there's a basic guesthouse in Ronevie Village.

Browse higher resolution pictures on our Vanuatu Protected Areas Showcase.

Last updated: May 2009 by Stephen.