Communities on Vanuatu's Maewo have allocated a plot of land to the government for it to establish a presence in the island's south.
The two hectare parcel was received by directors from the Ministry of Agriculture during a handing over ceremony last week, in which a foundation stone was laid.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported there was potential for kava production in the area as well as timber milling.
The ministry said the land would be surveyed and leased by the government for the construction of an office.
The Vanuatu flag. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round