Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

Environment and Conservation

The Department of Environment and Conservation was established in 1986 with the objective of formulating and implementing environmental policies to ensure ecologically sustainable development in Vanuatu.

The Environmental Management and Conservation Act No. 12 of 2002 is a piece of legislation which is now in effect and makes provisions for its functions.

Our Mission

1. To conduct research, environmental awareness, formulate and implement government policies for the management of Vanuatu's environment in an ecologically sustainable manner.

2. To maintain environmental quality through the sustainable management of natural resources for the security and benefit of present and future generations of Vanuatu.

3. To conserve and protect natural resources and, improve natural resource management through the implementation of appropriate programs.

4. To ensure all developments and activities within the country are undertaken within the required legal frameworks.

5. To maintain an environmental library database.

6. To implement and ensure Vanuatu's commitment to a number of international and regional environmental treaties and agreements.

7. To liaise with government institutions, NGO's, community leaders, private sector, regional and international organizations to promote sound and sustainable environmental management.

8. To provide advice on environmental impacts and sustainable development practices.

9. To conduct national conservation projects and activities.

Organisational Structure

Under the current organisational structure, the Unit has three main divisions/programs:

Environment Management and Conservation - This section is involved in the formulation and implementation of environmental policies for the development and utilization of the country's natural resources.

This covers activities relating to biodiversity where the emphasis is being placed on community-based conservation, management practices and resource ownership.

This section also deals with capacity building and biodiversity mainstreaming to deal with government's commitments under the regional and international environmental treaties and conventions.

Extension Services - This Section carries out scientific research on the fauna and flora of Vanuatu and where appropriate, it develops management plans for conservation and monitoring practices.

This program is also responsible for the administration of the proposed National Scientific Research Council that will be established to regulate scientific research in Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Government has signed up to several regional and international environmental treaties and conventions and as such, the Government has an obligation to undertake research to establish a database for environmental information and for future monitoring.

Policies and decision-making that promote good environmental development and management, are dependent on information gathered from this research.

Research and Monitoring - This program deals with all environmental extension activities, including environmental awareness, information dissemination, information networking, environmental training, workshops, library services, preparations and in the participation of annual international events such as Environment Week and World Water Day.