4 Nov 2014

Vanuatu capital named after sandalwood tree

11:37 am on 4 November 2014

Vanuatu's capital Port Vila has been declared "Sandalwood City" in recognition of the oil-producing tree which is native to the country.

A ceremony has been held in Port Vila to plant sandalwood trees which are part of a a beautification project on the city's seafront.

Vanuatu's Deputy Prime Minister Edward Natapei said the seafront project, which will feature a walkway funded by New Zealand, will become the second 'Garden of Eden' when it is completed.

The planting project is a joint venture between the Department of Forests and Port Vila Municipal Council.

The project aims to promote the tree which is cultivated to produce perfume, incense and mosquito coils.

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Photo: Supplied