Welcome!

Welcome to the Department of Environment Protection and Conservation's official website.

About Us

In 1986, the Department Environment Protection and Conservation (DEPC) began as the Vanuatu Environment Unit. Today we are formally recognised as a department under the Ministry of Climate CHange Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazard, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management.

The vision of DEPC is "leading Vanuatu to a clean, resilient and sustainable environment" and its mission is to achieve its vision by leading by example "Think Environment First: Show People!"

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Policy & Legislation

Over the years, the Vanuatu Government has introduced a number of pieces of environmental legislation, but not all of this legislation falls under the mandate of the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC).

Some environmental legislation is administered by other government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

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Biodiversity and Conservation

The DEPC aims to protect and conserve natural resources, biodiversity and significant species and their ecosystems for everyone. Be alert and prepared for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

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Environmental Impact Assessment

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an assessment of the possible impacts, positive or negative, that a proposed project may have on the environment taking into consideration natural, social and economic aspects.

The purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment is to ensure the decision makers consider the environmental impacts to decide whether to proceed with the project.

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Environmental Protection

Waste Management & Pollution Control is currently funded by the Vanuatu government with some assistance and collaboration from JICA through J-PRISM Project. The Ozone Project is currently funded by UNEP under the Montreal Protocol and Vienna conventions for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

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Welcome!

Welcome to the website of the Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation. This website aims to give you updated information on Environmental Protection and Conservation in Vanuatu.

But what does this involve? It includes, assessing the environmental impact of proposed developments; working with communities to establish Community Conservation Areas; working with researchers to learn more about our unique environment; protecting internationally endangered species; controlling ozone depleting substances; and working with municipal and provincial governments to manage waste and pollution.

Environment is very essential as it supports and sustains life. Living being are depend upon the environment for their survival. Hence it is our responsibility to manage, protect and conserve our environment for today and tomorrow.

It also means administering environmental laws and collaborating with other partners to address local, regional and global priorities. Thanks for your interest in the envinronment of Vanuatu.

Honourable Silas Bule

Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geohazard, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management

Biodiversity

Renewable EnergyThe variety of plants and animals found in Vanuatu is called its biodiversity.

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Conservation

ConservationConservation, in relation to the environment, is the act of protecting and preserving biodiversity.

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Research

Renewable EnergyBioprospecting is any activity undertaken to harvest or exploit genetic resources.

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Local Consultant to Review the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP)

The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) through the Ministry of Climate Change has the overall legal mandate and responsibility to ensure the protection of Vanuatu’s environment through implementation of seven legislations and a number of policy directives that are administered by the Department, One of the national environment policy directives is the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) of 2014-2020 that now needs review for another 6 year time frame.

Preparing legal drafting instructions for national Marine Spatial Planning legislation in Vanuatu Consultancy opportunity

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The Government of Vanuatu is in the process of implementing a nation-wide Marine Spatial Plan which will include multiple, different types of ocean zones, including national networks of ecologically representative Marine Protected Areas.

Preparing legislation for a national Marine Spatial Plan in Vanuatu Background

Download Legal Drafting Instructions

The Government of Vanuatu is in the process of implementing a nation-wide Marine Spatial Plan which will include multiple, different types of ocean zones, including a national network of ecologically representative Marine Protected Areas.

Vanuatu Marine Compliance Optimisation Program

Download Terms of Reference Document

The Government of Vanuatu will be implementing national Marine Spatial Plan by 2020 and, as part of that work, is seeking to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of existing marine and maritime compliance systems and assets and to prioritise acquisition of any new resources required. A consultant is required to facilitate this process. This work will be funded by the Italian Government.

MSP Position Advertisements

Marine Spatial Plan Project positions advertisements for:

  1. MSP Project Manager - This position will guide the delivery & implementation, for Vanuatu, of a Marine Spatial Plan by 2020 and, oversee Vanuatu's National Ocean Policy generally. Terms of References can be download below:
    MSP Project Manager (English)
    MSP Project Manager (Bislama)
    MSP Project Manager (French)

  2. MSP Intern Positions - Marine research intern, marine programs intern, administration and communications interns (minimum requirement for interns are a graduate degree in a marine related field preferably, and some experience would be good). Terms of References can be download below:
    MSP Internships (English)
    MSP Internships (Bislama)
    MSP Internships (French)

  1. CEPF invitation for LOI for Biodiversity Conservation Projects
  2. Waste Audit says Single Use Plastic Bags are still discharged from Household
  3. Protecting Vanuatu's Ocean - Two more building blocks in place
  4. Not long now: plastic bag ban to start on 1 July 2018

Agency Links

Contact Us

Port Vila Office

Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation,
Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Environment,
Energy and Disaster Management compound, Nambatu
PMB 9063, Port Vila
Phone: (678) 25302 | 33430

Luganville Office

Sanma Provincial Government Council,
PMB 239,
Luganville,
Sanma

Location of DEPC Office

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