Loru Rainforest Protected Area, Santo

The Loru Rainforest Protected Area covers 220 hectares of lowland rainforest on the east coast of Vanuatu's largest island of Santo. It is one of the last areas of representative forest on the east of the island and supports a surprisingly rich diversity of species, including a number of important endemic and restricted range animals, trees and plants. Bush walking and bird watching are popular visitor activities in this conservation area. Loru hosts about 30 bird species including 5 Vanuatu endemics. Loru also has a bat cave and is an important refuge for coconut crabs.

Efforts to protect the area were initiated in 1993 by the kastom landowner, Chief Caleb Ser. The area received an official launch from high chiefs, councillors and government officials on 26 April 1995. Work to build an education centre began in 1996 and was finished in 1998, when it was officially launched as the Loru Environment Centre/Loru Nakamal Blong Envaeromen. Loru was the winner of the Pacific Islands Community Forests and Trees Award in 1999.

The Loru Environment Centre is run by the village-based Loru Protected Area Committee (LoPAC). A small visitors fee of 500 Vatu per person is charged to help sustain the protected area. Guide fees are not set - about 1000 Vatu per day is reasonable but you should pay more for a higher level of service.

There is an adventure style island bungalow at Loru.

Browse higher resolution pictures on our Vanuatu Protected Areas Showcase.

Last updated: January 2005 by Stephen.