Environmentalist on mission to preserve island nation Vanuatu

Leimalu Tapesi, the first woman anointed chairperson of a village tribal council, plans to crack down on illegal logging.

The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has a long history of community matters being settled by tribal village chiefs – usually men.

But for the first time, a woman, Leimalu Tapesi, has been anointed the chairperson of a village tribal council on the island of Moso.

As part of her plans to transform village life, Tapesi is applying a strict environmentalist agenda which includes a marine park and cracking down on illegal logging.