Aoba Island

Aoba
Aoba (Ambae) Island, image acquired by the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Elevation	1,496 m (4,908 ft)
Prominence	1,496 m (4,908 ft)
Location
Location	Vanuatu
Coordinates	15°24′0″S 167°50′0″E
Topo map	154 square miles
Geology
Type	Shield volcano
Last eruption	2006

Aoba, also known as Ambae or Leper's Island, is an island in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, located near 15°30′S 167°30′E. Ambae has a population of less than 10,000, divided into 3-4 discernible language groups (North/East Ambae language centered around the Lombaha area, West Ambae language centered around Nduindui, and South Ambae language centered around Redcliff). The island has no considerable towns, though the Penama provincial center is located at Saratamata on East Ambae, and there are three airstrips with service by Air Vanuatu, at Walaha (W), Redcliffe Airport(S), and Longana(E).

Geography

Rough, black basalt stones compose its shoreline and surface in many places, though the soils (where present) are rich. The island appears to be covered in nearly unbroken vegetation; inhabited areas feature large gardens and managed forests above, with coconut and cacao plantations usually closer to shore. There are no reliable sources of surface water (rivers, streams, or lakes), save the crater lakes which are inaccessible. Water for all human uses comes from cement-lined wells or water tanks filled with rainwater.

Volcano

Ambae is physically characterized by the large volcano at its center, Manaro; indeed, the island is little more than the peak of a volcanic mountain rising dramatically from the sea. This volcano has no visible vents at its apex, only crater lakes. It is, nevertheless, active: a steam and ash eruption began on November 27, 2005, leading to a Level 2 volcano alert and preparations for evacuations. On December 8, the eruption became stronger, displacing around half of the island's roughly 10,000 inhabitants and requiring the evacuation of two hospitals. Preparations for a complete evacuation, should it become necessary, are completed, but it does not seem that a massive eruption is imminent.

Manaro is widely regarded as one of the world's top ten 'most dangerous' volcanoes, in terms of potential for a catastrophic eruption. One theory has it that given a large eruption, the water in Manaro's crater lakes could become superheated steam and cause a massive phreatic explosion. The resulting landslides down the island's steep slopes could cause tsunamis within Vanuatu's northern archipelago.

Economy and agriculture

Ambae children with pet Lorikeet

The local economy is largely non-monetary, with cash crop income (from copra, cacao, and dried kava) being used primarily for school fees and sundry items like soap, salt, kerosene, etc. Most regular employment is in the public sector, as teachers. Remittances from employed relatives in the towns of Santo or Vila also contribute cash to the local economy.

Ambae is serviced by less than 100 telephone lines, mostly on the east side. It has two post offices and NBV bank branches, at Lolowai and Nduindui, regular interisland ship traffic, and several Vanair flights a week. Of the small-to-medium outer islands of Vanuatu (i.e., not Efate, Santo, Tanna or Malekula), Ambae must be considered one of the more 'developed.'

Traditional subsistence agriculture satisfies food needs, while most villagers engage in small-scale cash crop production as well. Often grown in large upland gardens (with good rainfall and safe from roving pigs), the primary crops are taro, banana, yam, and manioc. Kumala (sweet potatoes - a good tuber thereof is called iggeremanggeggeuni ), vegetables, fruits and nuts help to provide an excellent diet, though protein is occasionally lacking. Without substantial reefs, seafood is less significant a protein source compared with other islands of Vanuatu and in any case is inaccessible to the large populations living at high inland elevations.

Demographics

The population is Melanesian, though (anecdotally) ancient Polynesian admixtures have given Man-Ambae lighter complexions and Polynesian languages. Religiously Ambae is exclusively Christian, split into many denominations. These can be characterized in three stages: the original colonial-missionary churches (Anglican, Catholic), the second-stage, often American-origin evangelican denominations (Apostolic, Church of Christ, Assemblies of God), and the newer, less orthodox, fusion/'unity' sects. This last category includes many grass-roots groups originating within Vanuatu. Missionary activity from outside (as in all Vanuatu) continues, especially from Mormons, who have a growing following on West & North Ambae.

External links

• Anglican liturgies in West Ambae spoken on Aoba