Exclusive: Environmental impact assessments are ‘incomplete’, say leaders, and private beach club could harm fragile ecosystems
Indigenous community leaders in Vanuatu have raised concerns over plans by the cruise operator Royal Caribbean to build a private beach club on the island of Lelepa, arguing environmental impact assessments by the company are “incomplete” and “misleading”.
The community leaders outlined the issues in a letter sent to Royal Caribbean on 26 February, which has been seen by the Guardian. The leaders also said the development could harm fragile ecosystems and a nearby Unesco world heritage site.
Royal Caribbean has leased parts of Lelepa, a 5km-long island home to about 500 people in Vanuatu – to develop a resort capable of hosting up to 5,000 visitors a day. The project is due to open in 2027. Cruise ships will take passengers from Australia to the resort in Lelepa, as part of a tour of the Pacific.
Construction has not yet commenced, but Royal Caribbean’s promotional material said the development will have 10 bars, two eateries and two private beach resorts, including an adults-only area.
