In our culture, no one has the right to touch the namele: how a sacred leaf protects Vanuatus forests

In Vanuatu, the namele leaf is so sacred that it adorns the archipelago’s flag. Environmental advocates now use it to combat illegal logging. The protected area of Vatthe, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, harbors rich biodiversity on the island of Espiritu Santo – one of 80 in the Pacific archipelago.

However, only one forest ranger, Chief Bill Tavue, monitors the 2,720 hectares of the site. Lack of funding for nature protection programs and demand for agricultural land make illegal logging common. The cycas seemannii, known as namele, holds a prominent place in Vanuatu.

“In our culture, no one is allowed to touch the namele, except the moli,” explains Bill Tavue, the chief. If a leaf of this plant is placed somewhere, it is taboo to touch the surroundings, he adds. In New Caledonia, this species is known as pitchou and is protected under the environmental code of the South Province.

Bill Tavue, originally from Matantas, a village on the north coast of Espiritu Santo, relies on the shiny green namele leaf, shaped like a feather, to help protect what remains of the forests. People from Matantas have reported its presence in the protected area of Vatthe, aiming to deter intruders.

The taboo of namele is also significant in the mountainous west of Espiritu Santo. Environmental advocates from the Santo Sunset Network visit isolated villages to persuade chiefs to ban logging and invoke namele leaves or other customs. Anyone violating the taboo faces a fine of a chicken or a pig.

Joses Togase, project leader of the network, notes that poverty fuels deforestation. Local populations “need money but do not understand the negative impact on resources,” he observes. Trees are cut down to grow crops like yams, cassava, taro, or sweet potatoes in various areas due to a lack of available space.

Richard Rojo, vice president of the organization and former farmer, is committed to passing on the forests to future generations. In Matantas, the parents of forest ranger Bill Tavue are dismayed to see the forest “damaged.” “We have taboos. We do not destroy our rivers. We do not destroy our resources,” affirms Purity.

Bill Tavue advocates for funding, such as carbon credits, to aid in protecting the area: “if we don’t have money, we can’t continue.” (Context: The namele leaf is culturally significant in Vanuatu, used for protection and conservation practices. Fact Check: The presence of Chinese loggers in the Vatthe reserve has led to concerns about illegal logging.)