11 Sep 2006

Biodiversity study launched on Vanuatu's Santo Island

6:12 am on 11 September 2006

A study of the biodiversity of Vanuatu's Santo island is expected to help with the management and conservation of the island.

A New Caledonia-based scientist , Claude Pyri, says the Santo 2006 project was launched last month and is expected to be finalised at the end of the year.

Ms Pyri says about 170 scientists are taking turns in the project.

"This expedition will provide a large amount of knowledge about the biodiversity of the land, forest, rivers, caves and the marine biology. But also, the resource could help people there to have tools for the management and conservation of the area."

Ms Pyri says 20 scientists from New Caledonia are taking part as well.