National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2018 – 2030.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Strategy and Action Plan is 15 years between 2016 and 2030. The goals of the Action Plan are (i) biodiversity conservation through government, provinces and local communities to maintain natural and cultural heritage, (ii) sustainable management of Vanuatu’s natural resources by guiding governments, provinces, local communities, landowners and landholders, (iii) sustainable conservation of biodiversity for current and future generations, and (iv) protection of customs and intellectual and legal rights.
Food and nutrition security will be ensured for all by increasing sustainable food production through sustainable use and management of land, water and natural resources.
A comprehensive and representative system of marine and terrestrial reserves and conservation areas will be established at the national and local levels. This Action Plan addresses biodiversity conservation in Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea provinces. Biodiversity conservation in these provinces will be ensured for future generations through efficient and sustainable use of natural resources, protection of species and key habitats, eradication and control of invasive species, genetic diversity conservation, effective management of terrestrial, coastal and marine conservation areas, ecosystem preservation, and environmental protection. The conservation status of threatened species will be improved and sustained, particularly for those most in decline. Effective management arrangement will be established for the conservation of endemic, endangered and culturally important species and habitats. Protected area management will be improved through formal planning processes on the basis of ecological knowledge and biodiversity values. Forest conservation measures will be taken against deforestation, logging and other threats.
Biodiversity will be mainstreamed into national development and poverty reduction efforts to improve livelihoods. Community participation will be promoted with equity in decision-making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes. Equal rights, possibilities and obligations will be ensured for both men and women in society.
Ecosystem-based management approach will be adopted to sustain healthy, productive and resilient ecosystems and restore connectivity between social, economic and cultural values. Marine and forest conservation will be ensured to support social and economic development through ecotourism. To this end, studies will be carried out to become more unique with protection of endemic species and become resilient to sustain cultural activities in relation to forest and marine areas. Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted to monitor coastal development impact. Long-term strategic planning will be developed to sustain conservation. Data collection and storage systems will be established for endemic, endangered, threatened and critical species. An invasive alien species alert system will be developed for effective conservation. Enforcement of border control and monitoring will be improved to decrease trade of endangered and threatened species. The use of genetic and biological resources will be advanced through biotechnology for the economic development and for human well-being. Public awareness will be raised on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources to maintain natural benefits from forest, waters and marine resources through education, improved scientific knowledge of biodiversity, and enhanced ethnobiological understanding. Sustainable financing mechanisms will be established to support the establishment, management and long-term effectiveness of protected areas. All governmental organizations, the private sector, resource users and landowners will be involved at all levels of biodiversity conservation to share the responsibility collectively. Community property rights including traditional rights over natural resources, indigenous intellectual property relating to natural resources and cultural knowledge, will be protected in line with biodiversity conservation.
In order to increase resilience to climate change, risks posed by hazards and natural disasters will be mitigated.
The legal, policy and institutional frameworks will be strengthened for effective implementation of this Strategy and Action Plan. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, National Biodiversity Advisory Council, Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, NBSAP Coordination Unit, Biodiversity and Conservation Division of the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation have roles in the implementation process. Reporting of the NBSAP progress will be done annually to produce a summary of outcomes on NBSAP in order to monitor progress and achievements.