
30 January 2025, Port Vila – Our islands are our heritage, and our people are the keepers of our treasured past and the voice of our future.
Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy, and Disaster Management, Hon. John Dahmasing Salong, emphasised this when he launched the first Vanuatu State of the Environment Report (SOE). The SOE report reflects the state of Vanuatu’s natural resources, environmental challenges, and pathways for strengthening sustainable development directions which supports national development plans and regional frameworks such as the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
“This moment marks a significant milestone for our nation, as we come together to celebrate the efforts of our people and government in protecting the environment that is not only our home but also our heritage,” said Hon. Salong.
The Honourable Minister acknowledged the invaluable financial and technical support, from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) as its regional partner through the African Caribbean Pacific Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ACP/MEAs) Programme Phase 3 Project, which was instrumental in the successful production of the report.
The State of the Environment Report is an essential tool for informing policy, guiding decision-making, and fostering partnerships to address environmental challenges.
The report will serve as a foundation for implementing strategies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability, ensuring the protection of Vanuatu’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Director General of SPREP, Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra commended the government of Vanuatu, particularly the Department of Environment (DEPC) for coordinating the development of the comprehensive SoE report. He also acknowledged other Government ministries, sectors and members of local communities who supported its development.
Highlighting the importance of the SoE report in shaping sustainable environmental management for Vanuatu’s future, Mr Nawadra said the launch reinforces the collaborative effort between the Vanuatu Government and SPREP, emphasising the shared responsibility in tackling pressing environmental issues.
Vanuatu’s first State of the Environment Report was launched on the margins of the Seventh Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-7) Meeting in September 2024 at the Warwick Resort, Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The event was attended by key Government officials, including Directors from various government departments in Vanuatu, including Directors of National Meteorological Services from across the Pacific, representatives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the private sector, development partners, and regional organisations.
To find out more about the ACP/MEA3 project, please contact Mrs. Anastacia Amoa-Stowers at [email protected]