Regenerative agritourism combines agritourism (inviting visitors to farms) with the principles of regenerative agriculture, which aims to restore and enhance the health of ecosystems and soil. Under the banner of Regenerative Vanua, one ACIAR-supported project has been globally recognised for helping to build regenerative agritourism and gastronomy experiences in Vanuatu and across the Pacific region.
These regenerative agritourism experiences tap into Vanuatu’s Indigenous culture to share farming and food production practices and the foods themselves, and also the spiritual connections and relationships local people have with their land.
Regenerative Vanua is the standards holder and the verification organisation for the regenerative agritourism program. The Pacific Islands Forum is considering making a regionally endorsed initiative.
The Vanua connection
The word ‘Vanua’ means land, home or village, and it encompasses the connection between land, people and spirit.
‘We offer a different kind of approach when it comes to agritourism,’ explained Mr Jerry Spooner, Executive Director of Regenerative Vanua.
‘Visiting Vanuatu’s Indigenous farming communities is not a usual tourist experience. Regenerative Vanua sees the potential of our Vanuas not as tourism destinations but as educational and transformational experiences connecting visitors with regenerative knowledge systems in the Pacific.
‘In this sense we are offering an alternative to tourism from a model that is a largely staged, commercialised, visitor-centred operation that encourages visitors to feel entitled over the hosts.’
An agritourism approach also strengthens and shares culture and traditional knowledge. Visitors feel privileged to be welcomed into their Vanuas, on the terms of local custodians.
‘It’s also a way to restore pride and ownership of Indigenous food systems and food culture,’ said Mr Spooner.
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