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 Ham Lini Vanuaroroa
Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geohazard, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management
Biodiversity
The variety of plants and animals found in Vanuatu is called its biodiversity.
Conservation
Conservation, in relation to the environment, is the act of protecting and preserving biodiversity.
Research
Bioprospecting is any activity undertaken to harvest or exploit genetic resources.
Waste Audit says Single Use Plastic Bags are still discharged from Household
On Friday 10th August 2018, waste audit survey was conducted by the Port Vila Municipal Council (PVMC) in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) and J-PRISMâ…¡Project with the aimed of understanding the current garbage disposal situation of single use plastic bags, plastic straws and polystyrene takeaway boxes. All rubbish was carefully separated by hand and weighed.
Protecting Vanuatu's Ocean - Two more building blocks in place
Launch of Vanuatu Special & Unique Marine Areas Report & Vanuatu Marine Bioregions Report
3pm Thursday 19th July 2018
Au Fare, Port Vila
Press Release: Download English Version
VU Marine Bioregions Report: Download English Version
Biophysically Special, Unique Marine Areas of Vanuatu: Download English Version
Vanuatu is leading the Pacific, in terms of ocean management. It has led a shifting focus which is recognising that 98% of this nation is sea whilst only 2% is land. Vanuatu is the first country in the region to have an integrated, holistic Ocean Policy. This Policy allows for cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration to maintain and enhance the cultural, social and economic values that we, the people of Vanuatu, derive from our ocean.
This Policy arose from a decision made the Council of Minister's in 2014.
Vanuatu Biodiversity and Conservation Map
Map of Marine Protected Areas, Marine Reserves, Forest Conservation Areas, Forest Protected Areas, Recreation Reserves, Reserves and World Heritage Sites throughout Vanuatu.
Not long now: plastic bag ban to start on 1 July 2018
The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation would like to remind the general public about the waste management orders that will commence on 1 July 2018. Following the Honourable Prime Minister’s announcements in July 2017, the Vanuatu Government has made a commitment to ban single use plastic shopping bags, polystyrene takeaway boxes and plastic straws from 1 July 2018.
Environmental Impact Assessment
What is EIA?
Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, is the process for identifying and managing the impacts of a project on the natural, social and custom environment.
EIA is a proactive planning and decision-making tool that has an important role to play in identifying impacts, assessing risks, and evaluating the costs and benefits of development projects before they are implemented.