Lataro Island, a private island in the northern region of Vanuatu, is now being promoted as “Satoshi Island” — a bold initiative led by businessman Anthony Welch. The island has become a focal point for an ambitious real-world blockchain experiment that aims to blend cryptocurrency ideals with off-grid living.

Welch, who owns the island, has rebranded the land as a “crypto capital” where digital ownership defines real-world rights. Citizenship on the island, along with land titles and other assets, are tied to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) — a blockchain-based digital record that ensures unique and verifiable ownership.

Satoshi Island aims to attract blockchain developers, crypto entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world to live, work, and innovate in a decentralized society. The name “Satoshi” honors Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

“We are building a real-world crypto economy,” Welch stated in a recent update, “where ownership, governance, and participation are fully tokenized.”

The Vanuatu government has yet to officially endorse the project, but Satoshi Island promoters claim it aligns with the country’s vision of attracting digital innovation and eco-friendly investment.

The project raises questions around regulation, environmental impact, and integration with Vanuatu’s national governance, but it also reflects the growing intersection between emerging technologies and sovereign land development.

As of now, access to Satoshi Island is by invitation, with NFTs acting as a gateway to both virtual and physical presence on the island.