National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 1999.

Mission Statement 1. To manage and safeguard biological resources through government, provinces and local communities so as to maintain fully our natural land cultural heritage for all ni-Vanuatu. 2. Guide government, provinces, local communitiesand landholders to sustainable managementof Vanuatu's natural resources. 3. Ensure that all ni-Vanuatu_including future generations, areable to benefitfrom biodiversityand enjoy itsuse. 4. Protect the custom, intellectualand legal rightsof ni-Vanuatuas resource custodians and users. There are various measuresthat can be used to meetthese goals. Indeveloping this strategy and action plan priorityhas beengiven to activities that are affordable, within the capacity ofexisting government or community institutions and that meet establishedneeds. It is also recognised that conservation of biodiversity isan ongoingand evolving process. This first biodiversity conservation strategy lays a foundation for additional work in the future
The Strategy's objectives are: Protection and wise use of biodiversity; Application policy, planning and legal mechanisms to enable sustainable management of biodiversity; Research, assessment and monitoring of biodiversity; Capacity building for environmental management; Environmental education, awareness and information sharing; Participation of local communities in the management of biodiversity.