The Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2016-2030

The Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2016-2030 was published by the Vanuatu government in combination with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in 2015 to envision the country's response to climate change and make its communities resilient on the long term. The country initiated this process with the establishment of the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction in 2012. It is a broad set of measures based on accountability, sustainability, equity, community focus, collaboration, and innovation.

The policy insists on 1) establishing appropriate governance and strengthen institutional structures so they can effectively tackle the tasks they are pursuing, 2) to ensure that adequate resourcing is available for climate change and disaster risk reduction activities, notably via the implementation of entity accreditation and small grants schemes, 3) ensure that traditional knowledge and existing and new information such as data analysis, research and risk assessment are shared, 4) adaptation and disaster risk reduction, integrating the two targets and adopting community and ecosystem-based approaches to protect and economically assess losses, 5) low carbon development via an energy roadmap, renewable energy and energy efficiency, but also from a reduction in deforestation and land degradation, 6) and preparedness, planning, response and recovery to disasters by ensuring community awareness, early warning systems.

The document also insists on capacity building, gender and social inclusion, multi-hazard approach and partnerships with a vast array of stakeholders. Implementation of the plan must be realised by integrating it into corporate and business plans, monitoring and evaluating the policy by the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAB), and reporting by NAB. A review of the current document should occur every three to five years to ensure it is in line with contemporary developments.