Ralph Regenvanu

Ralph Regenvanu is a ni-Vanuatu anthropologist. He was formerly the director of the Vanuatu Cultural Center, and was subsequently tasked with overseeing Vanuatu's ongoing "Year of Kastom Economy" (2008), in accordance with a government policy which aimed at preserving or reviving traditional indigenous economics. [ [http://www.vanuatuculture.org/documents/CustomEconomyBlurb.doc "The Year of the Traditional Economy – What is it all about?"] , Ralph Regenvanu] In 1994, he helped formulate a Vanuatu Cultural Research Policy, and has been a prominent advocate for the protection of the country's biodiversity. He has advocated the use of customary law -as opposed to a legal system derived from British and French models- in the juvenile justice sector. [ [http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2008/04/27/regional-leaders-making-a-difference "Regional Leaders Making a Difference"] , "Pacific Magazine", April 27, 2008]

"Pacific Magazine" stated in April 2008 that "Regenvanu is seen as one of Vanuatu's future political leaders". [ [http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2008/04/27/regional-leaders-making-a-difference "Regional Leaders Making a Difference"] , "Pacific Magazine", April 27, 2008]

He was elected to Vanuatu's parliament representing Port Vila as an independent candidate on September 2, 2008. [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41814 "Two political veterans in Vanuatu may have lost seats in yesterday’s poll"] , Radio New Zealand International, September 3, 2008]

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