foai

Foai is a small, coastal municipality in the northern region of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. The name derives from the indigenous Mwotlap language, where “foai” means “saviour” or “guardian,” reflecting the community’s traditional role as a maritime protector for neighboring villages. The settlement lies on the western shore of Ema-e Island, approximately 10 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital, Goddagi. Foai’s geography is characterized by low-lying limestone cliffs, freshwater springs, and terraced agricultural plots that support subsistence farming of sweet potatoes, taro, and coconuts.

According to the 2019 national census, Foai has a population of around 1,200 residents, predominantly of Mwotlap ethnicity. The local economy is largely driven by fishing, small-scale horticulture, and a modest tourism sector that attracts visitors interested in reef diving and cultural experiences. The community maintains a primary school and a health clinic that provides basic medical services. Traditional governance is facilitated by a council of elders who oversee customary land tenure and dispute resolution.

Cultural life in Foai is marked by regular communal ceremonies, including the annual “Moirem” festival, during which dancers perform ancestral chants to honor the sea spirits. Artisans in the village are noted for their intricate weaving of pandanus fibers, producing baskets and mats that are sold in regional markets. In recent years, Foai has participated in regional climate adaptation programs aimed at protecting its coastal ecosystems from rising sea levels.