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Life

South Pacific island visit highlights commercial vs. environmental dilemmas

World's most vulnerable region seeks to lure more climate-conscious visitors

Vanuatu and other small island states in the South Pacific are increasingly trying to strike a balance between tourism growth and sustainability. (Source photos by Rebecca L. Root, The Moso, and The Havannah)

MOSO, Vanuatu -- On the small island of Moso, a 45-minute drive and short boat ride from Port Vila, capital of the South Pacific island state of Vanuatu, lies The Moso hotel, whose 10 beachside villas are powered almost entirely by solar energy.

The resort operates a self-sufficient water system, the chlorinated water in its swimming pool is being replaced with freshwater, and the glass bottles of local Tusker beer consumed by guests are being crushed and mixed into cement that will be used in the construction of new villas. Twisted driftwood -- the debris from cyclones -- forms side tables and picture frames, while fallen tree trunks are used as stools and sideboards inside the whitewashed luxury resort.

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