Vanuatu landowners

Custom chiefs and indigenous organisations representing landownes in West Santo are opposing the plans of logging company Vanuatu Forest Industry Limited.

The Daily Post reports that protestors have put up notices banning the Chinese-funded company from building any road into local virgin forest to harvest timber.

The Santo Sunset Environment Network says locals don't want a company that will destroy the environment and biodiversity on West Santo.

Alick Karmelu told Buzz FM that loopholes were being exploited by developers.

Current laws allow for the internal affairs minister to approve new developments instead of custom landowers.

Mr Karmelu is calling for a committee to be setup to consider new developments and land leases, among other reforms.

"We need that legislation, the land reform act, to be amended. In other words, not for the minister to sign the lease to give consent or approve development, but the landowners."

Mr Karmelu also wants a tribunal to resolve land disputes.

Established in 1983, the Metenesel Cocoa Plantation is due to be taken over this month by Biscochoc, a French chocolate company based in New Caledonia.

Its chief executive Dominique Lefeivre intends to use cocoa grown at the plantation to produce organic chocolate products.

But a spokesperson representing landowners told the Vanuatu Daily Post that they have instructed their lawyer to file a stay order on the development, while they request the Vanuatu Government to review the lease agreement signed in 1983.