Erromango Island developed the reputation of being a rather dangerous destination for 19th Century Presbyterian missionaries and was thus named rather ominously, the "Martyrs' Island". It developed an even more lucrative reputation by Sandalwood traders. The famous explorer and trader, Peter Dillon made the isle famous for its vast tracts of the prized aromatic timber favoured so much in China and the Far East in exchange for trading tea.
Exploitation quickly followed the discovery until the island was almost entirely depleted of sandalwood in only 50 years. Along with timber exploitation, the local populations suffered at the hands of infamous Blackbirders, who captured the islanders for work on the Australian and Fijian sugar plantations. Western diseases and epidemics soon followed, resulting in a devastating and tragic depopulation of the island.Kauri and other tropical hardwoods are still being exploited by Malayan logging companies, but local communities have been quite effective in their resistance to the unsustainable logging practices.
They are well aware of the implications on their lives, environment and livelihoods if their forests disappear. As a result of this concern, the creation of a Kauri Reserve is currently underway, with assistance from the European Union.
There are plans for a Forestry tourist lodge to be built in order to sustainably develop the visual beauty of this stunning area, boasting some of the last free standing kauri forests in the world.Erromango is considered one of the best islands in Vanuatu for trekking or walking. There are a number of walking routes, depending on visitor's time and fitness. A walk across the island from Dillon's Bay to Port Narvin and then on to Ipota along the coast is an ambitious journey. A more interesting and challenging trek, requiring a guide, is the one from Dillon's Bay down south to South River and across to Ipota via the Kauri Reserve.
