Right now, several communities on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, are facing a legal battle to defend their traditional land — including areas surrounding the sacred Mount Yasur volcano, the heart of their culture and livelihood. Seven tribes have united to protect their ancestral boundaries, and one of their representatives, from the Naurariemene Tribe, is in Port Vila raising funds to secure a fair legal process.

The total legal and court fees amount to around 240,000 vatu — just about AUD $3,000 — yet an immense sum for communities that live largely from the land, growing their own food and maintaining traditional ways of life with very limited cash income.

I first met the people of Tanna while visiting with colleagues and university students to learn about sustainable community development. We were deeply moved by their hospitality, wisdom, and commitment to living in balance with their land — a place of breathtaking beauty, untouched nature, and strong kastom (customary traditions).

Your support will help ensure these communities can defend their heritage and maintain their connection to the land that has sustained them for generations. Every contribution brings them closer to justice and peace on their own.

Thank you for your support — my name is Laura, I am a senior lecturer and researcher, and I created this fundraiser to stand with the people of Tanna and support traditional, sustainable ways of living.