Vu Nbsap v2 en

Table of Contents
Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Acknowledgement ............................................................................................................................................. 7
ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Overview of Vanuatu ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
1.2 Biodiversity Conservation in Vanuatu........................................................................................................ 11
2.0 THE CBD AND NBSAP REVIEW PROCESS ............................................................................................... 12
2.1 The CBD Strategic Plan and Aichi Targets .................................................................................................. 12
2.2 Vanuatu NBSAP Review Process ................................................................................................................ 12
3.0 OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN VANUATU ................................................................ 14
3.1 Threats to Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Terrestrial Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 15
3.2.2 Threats ................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.3 Inland Waters Biodiversity ......................................................................................................................... 16
3.3.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 16
3.3.2 Threats ................................................................................................................................................. 17
3.4 Marine and Coastal Biodiversity ................................................................................................................ 18
3.4.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 18
3.4.2 Threats ................................................................................................................................................. 19
3.5 Species………………………………….................................................................................................................... 20
4.0 MEASURES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY ........................................................... 21
4.1 Traditional Governance and Management ................................................................................................ 21
4.2 Protected Areas or Conservation Areas ..................................................................................................... 21
4.2.1 Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) ............................................................................................... 22
4.2.2 Terrestrial Protected Areas .................................................................................................................. 22
4.2.3 Marine Protected Areas ....................................................................................................................... 23
4.2.4 Species Conservation ........................................................................................................................... 23
4.3 Vanuatu International Conventions and Commitment to Biodiversity ..................................................... 23
4.4 Vanuatu Environment-Related Legislation Aimed to Protect Biodiversity and Promote Sustainable-Use25
5.0 VANUATU NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (NBSAP) .................................... 27
5.1 Mission Statement………………… .................................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Principles Underpinning the Strategy ........................................................................................................ 27
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5.3 NBSAP Link to NSDP…………. ....................................................................................................................... 29
6.0 VANUATU NBSAP STRATEGIC AREAS................................................................................................... 30
6.1 STRATEGIC AREA 1: CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT................................................................... 31
6.2 STRATEGIC AREA 2: FOREST AND INLAND WATERS ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT………………………………….. ........................................................................................................... 36
6.3 STRATEGIC AREA 3: COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
(CME)………………………………………… ................................................................................................................... 39
6.4 STRATEGIC AREA 4: SPECIES MANAGEMENT (SM) .................................................................................. 43
6.5 STRATEGIC AREA 5: MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE Alien SPECIES (MIAS) ................................................ 47
6.6 STRATEGIC AREA 6: MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY ACROSS SECTORS AND SOCIETY (MB) ................ 52
6.7 STRATEGIC AREA 7: RESOURCE MOBILISATION FOR THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION
PLAN…………………………………………….. ................................................................................................................ 56
7.0 ACTION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ........................................................................ 60
7.1 THE NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................... 60
8.0 PROVINCIAL PLANS ........................................................................................................................... 107
8.1 TORBA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 108
8.1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 108
8.1.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 109
8.1.3 Forest and Inland Waters ................................................................................................................... 112
8.1.4 Torba Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030 .......................................................................................... 114
8.1.5 TORBA Provincial Target Statement .................................................................................................. 116
8.1.6 Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 116
8.2 SANMA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK .............................................................. 117
8.2.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 117
8.2.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 118
8.2.4 Sanma Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030 ......................................................................................... 125
8.2.5 SANMA Provincial Target Statement ................................................................................................. 126
8.2.6 Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 126
8.3 PENAMA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ............................................................ 127
8.3.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 127
8.3.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 128
8.3.4 Penama Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030....................................................................................... 134
8.3.5 Penama Provincial Target Statement................................................................................................. 137
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8.2.6 References.......................................................................................................................................... 137
8.4 MALAMPA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ......................................................... 138
8.4.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 138
8.4.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 139
8.4.4 Malampa Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030 .................................................................................... 146
8.4.5 Malampa Provincial Target Statement .............................................................................................. 149
8.4.6 Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 149
8.5 SHEFA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 150
8.5.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 150
8.5.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 151
8.5.4 Shefa Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030 ........................................................................................... 158
8.5.5 SHEFA Provincial Target Statement ................................................................................................... 161
8.5.6 Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 161
8.6 TAFEA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 162
8.6.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 162
8.6.2 Marine ................................................................................................................................................ 163
8.6.4 Tafea Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030 ........................................................................................... 170
8.6.5 TAFEA Provincial Target statement.................................................................................................... 173
8.6.6 Reference ........................................................................................................................................... 173
9.0 NBSAP REPORTING…………………. ........................................................................................................ 173
9.1 NBSAP MONITORING AND INDICATORS GUIDELINE ............................................................................... 174
9.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE AND COORDINATION ............................................................................ 176
9.3 AMENDING THE NBSAP............................................................................................................................ 177
References ..................................................................................................................................................... 178
ANNEXES ........................................................................................................................................................ 180
ANNEX 1: DEFINITIONS AND TERMS .............................................................................................................. 180
ANNEX 2: LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS............................................................................................................ 181
ANNEX 3: IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS ............................................................................................................... 183
Important Bird Areas................................................................................................................................... 183
ANNEX 4: IMPORTANT FOREST AREAS .......................................................................................................... 184
Important Forest Areas ............................................................................................................................... 184
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ANNEX 5: CURRENT IMPORTANT WETLAND AREAS ..................................................................................... 184
List from Updated Vanuatu National Wetland Inventory ........................................................................... 184
ANNEX 6: SIGNIFICANT BIODIVERSITY SITES WITHIN VULNERABLE DISASTER AREAS .................................. 185
Key Biodiversity Areas ................................................................................................................................. 185
Vanuatu Cyclones ........................................................................................................................................ 186
Vanuatu Tsunami occurance ....................................................................................................................... 187
Earthquake Occurance ................................................................................................................................ 188
Reefs at Risk ................................................................................................................................................ 189
Volcanoe Occurrance .................................................................................................................................. 190
Competing Marine Resource Uses .............................................................................................................. 191
ANNEX 7: List of important marine areas ...................................................................................................... 192
ANNEX 8 – Vanuatu Endemic & Threatened species List .............................................................................. 193
Terrestrial Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 193
Terrestrial Flora ........................................................................................................................................... 195
Marine Fauna .............................................................................................................................................. 198
ANNEX 9 – Important Economic and Cultural Species................................................................................... 201
ANNEX 10 – Important cultural sites, Ecotourism sites and Provincial Target Sites ..................................... 203
ANNEX 11 – NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS IN ALL CONSULTATION MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS ........................ 247
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Foreword
In Vanuatu, biodiversity is our food, our culture, our tradition, our money, our medicine, our shelter, our
fresh air (oxygen), our firewood, our coastline stabiliser, our protector against storm surge, protector of
our freshwater systems, our carbon sequester, our ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, our
ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction, our beautiful sceneries for our enjoyment
through camping, picnicking, swimming and snorkelling. Our biodiversity is vital for our survival.
Vanuatu signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) joining
other 190 CBD parties to protect our global biodiversity. Vanuatu’s first National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan (NBSAP) was developed and endorsed in November 1999. Revision of this NBSAP
has led Vanuatu to develop this new NBSAP (2018-2030). This revised NBSAP indicates the progress,
successes and gaps that lie within the organisational, systemic and individual capacities at national,
provincial and community levels to protect, conserve and wisely use our biodiversity. The NBSAP
(2018-2030) has seven strategic areas with country indicators and targets towards achieving the Global
Strategic Programme of 2020 Aichi targets. The new NBSAP includes the views of the national and
provincial government, non government organisations (NGOs), community based organisations
(CBOs) and local communities, which are indicated in seven strategic areas. These are:
1. Conservation Area Management
2. Forest and Inland Waters Ecosystems Conservation and Management
3. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Conservation and Management
4. Species and Genetic Diversity Conservation
5. Invasive Species Eradication and Control
6. Mainstreaming Biodiversity across sectors and society
7. Resource Mobilisation
The strategy and action plan also includes the provincial implementation plans, which outline specific
local actions to address threats affecting the islands’ biodiversity, including identifying potential
conservation areas. This create the avenue for local communities to actively participate in implementing
the NBSAP.
Vanuatu is within the East Melanesian Islands Biodiversity Hot Spot region that needs attention for the
protection of its unique flora and fauna. Vanuatu has a number of endemic plant and animal species
that are not found elsewhere and some are at risk of becoming extinct if measures are not continuously
taken to protect them.
We also show our commitment to protect and conserve our biodiversity through the inclusion of
environment as one of the three main pillars of the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP)
that is directly linked to policy objectives of the National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan
(NEPIP). Other relevant policies ranging from climate change and overarching productive sectors’
policy and other respective natural resource management sector policies also include measures
towards protection, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The Vanuatu NBSAP will be the main implementing strategy for the Environment Pillar of the National
Sustainable Development Goals and Policies 2016-2030 environment goals and policy objectives which
are: (1) A nation that ensures our food and nutrition security needs are adequately met by all people
through increasing sustainable food production, (2) An economy which fosters sustainable growth and
development through low impact industries and modern technologies to ensure the well-being of future
generations systems, (3) A strong and resilient nation in the face of climate change and risks posed by
hazards and natural disasters and improving household production, (4) A nation which utilizes and
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sustainably manages our land, water and natural resources and (5) A nation committed to ensuring the
conservation and sustainable management of our biodiversity and ecosystems. I am glad that the
mainstreaming biodiversity strategic area have been dedicated to ensure this strategy is aligned into
our NSDP.
The government will take a critical role in this strategy but it needs the cooperation and commitments
of wider stakeholders ranging from provincial governments, NGOs, private sector, local communities,
landholders and individuals to implement the measures in the NBSAP (2018-2030). We congratulate
the Department of Environment Protection and Conservation for developing Vanuatu’s 2018 – 2023
NBSAP through a 3 year consultation process with local communities, provincial government and
national stakeholders.
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Acknowledgement
The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) would like to thank the
government and non-government stakeholders that were part of the review of the previous NBSAP
(1999). A number of one to one sectoral consultations, and provincial and national consultations took
place that resulted in this current NBSAP (2018-2030). DEPC would like to make mention of the
following stakeholders:
Department of Forest SANMA Province
Vanuatu Fisheries Department PENAMA Province
Department of Agriculture and Rural MALAMPA Province
Development
Biosecurity Vanuatu SHEFA Province
Livestock Department TAFEA Province
Department of Tourism Wan Smol Bag
Department of Trade Live and Learn
Cultural Centre Vanuatu Environment Science Society
Department of Lands Vanuatu Environment Association Network
Department of Customs VANGO
Department of Provincial Affairs Vila-based CSOs
MOCC Project Management Unit Other NGOs
Shefa Province
TORBA Province
Without your commitment and participation in the series of meetings and workshops we would not have
been able to complete this document.
We are also grateful to the following projects and programmes: the Marine and Coastal Biodiversity in
Pacific Islands Countries and Atolls (MACBIO) Project, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF),
Vanuatu Environment Science Society (VESS) and Birdlife International through Vanuatu Environment
Association Network that also provided information.
The DEPC extends its profound gratitude to the IUCN Oceania Regional Office as the organisation
leading the review, and in particular to Etika Rupeni Qica, the review leader and Seema Deo for editing
the document. DEPC also thank Mark Kalotap, the former NBSAP Coordinator, for the work done during
his term with the project and Trinison Tari for his great assistance with the six provincial validation
workshops. A huge appreciation goes to the following for their tireless efforts during the series of final
reviews and for ensuring the final compilation and production of the document together with IUCN:
- Josephine Rambay, NBSAP Coordinator
- Donna Kalfatak, Principal Officer, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Vatumaraga Molisa, MACBIO Project and CEPF Liaison Officer.
- DEPC Biodiversity and Conservation Division staff for their support
Finally, we are grateful to the Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Environment as the project’s
international implementing agency and to the project donor Global Environment Facility (GEF).
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ACRONYMS
ABS Access and Benefit Sharing

AZE Alliance for Zero Extiction
BIOFIN Biodiversity Finance
CA Conservation Area
CBAM Community Based Adaptive Management
CBD Convention Biological Diversity
CCA Community Conservation Area
CEPF Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
CHM Clearing House Mechanism
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CME Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
CMS Conservation of Migratory Species
COP Conference of the Parties
CR Critically Endangered
CSO Civil Society Organization
DARD Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DEPC Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation
DGMWR Department of Geology & Mines and Water Resources
DLA Department of Local Authorities
DoE Department of Education
DoF Department of Forestry
DoFT Department of Financial Treasury
DoL Department o Lands
DoLiv Department of Livestock
DoT Department of Tourism
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environment Impact Assessment
EN Endangered
EPC Environment Protection and Conservation Act
FIW Forest and Inland Waters
FLR Forest Landscape Restoration
FPAM Forest Protected Area Management
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GEF Global Environment Facility
GOV Government of Vanuatu
IAS Invasive Alien Species
IBA Important Bird Area
IBAT Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool
ICCA Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas
IOSEA Indian Ocean and South-East Asian (Marine Turtle MOU)
IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature
IW Internationall Waters
KBA Key Biodiversity Area
LMMA Locally Marine Managed Area
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MACBIO Marine & Coastal Biodiversity in Pacific Islands Countries & Atolls
MAT Mutually Agreed Terms
MEA Multi-lateral Environment Agreements
MESCAL Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihoods
MESV Marine Ecosystem Service Valuation
MIS Management of Invasive Species
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MPA Marine Protected Area
MSG Melanesian Spearhead Group
MSP Marine Spatial Plan
NAB National Advisory Board
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NEPIP National Environmental Policy and Implementation Plan
NGO Non Government Organisation
NISSAP National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan
NRI National Resource Inventory
NSDP National Sustainable Development Plan
PA Protected Area
PES Payment for Ecosystem Services
PIC Prior Informed Consent
PWD Public Works Department
RM Resource Mobilisation
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
SUMA Special and Unique Marine Area
UN United Nation
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
VANGO Vanuatu Association of Non Government Organization
VBSAP Vanuatu Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
VESS Vanuatu Environmental Science Society
VFD Vanuatu Fisheries Department
VNSO Vanuatu National Statistic Office
WDPA World Database on Protected Areas
WHC World Heritage Convention
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of Vanuatu
Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean (about three quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia)
and includes more than 80 islands, of which about 65 are inhabited. The combined land area of all
islands in the group is over 12,000 km2 with a combined coastline of 3,132 km. Vanuatu's island chains
are mostly of volcanic origin and are mountainous by Pacific standards, with many island interiors
remaining uninhabited. The highest peak of Mount Tabwemasana on Espiritu Santo rises to 1,879 m
above sea level. The weather is tropical characterised by moderate rainfall from April to November and
cyclones from December to April.
A mini-census conducted in 2016 puts the population of Vanuatu at 272,459 people, with a growth rate
of 2.3% per annum (Vanuatu National Statistics Office, 2016). The population is relatively young and
38% is under 15 years old. 24% of the population lives in urban areas.
Over 110 different cultural and linguistic groups are recognised and, with its small population, Vanuatu
is considered to be the third most linguistically diverse country in the world (Regenvanu, 2009). On
average, 2,000 people speak each language. English, French and Bislama are the common languages
that allow the people of Vanuatu to communicate with each other. Although the ni-Vanuatu culture is
similar across the country, there are three cultural regions: northern; central; and southern. In the
northern cultural region, men and women can acquire wealth by demonstrating how much they can give
away (through mats and killing of pigs). This increased status does not transfer to having greater
authority. The central cultural region exhibits a more typical Melanesian cultural system, involving the
inheritance of titles through lineage and being active in ceremonies as dictated by custom. In the
southern cultural region there is a system of granting titles and privileges, which appears to have been
influenced by religion and western culture.
Vanuatu’s economy is based on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of
the population. Fishing, offshore financial services and tourism are other key sectors. The total visitor
arrivals to Vanuatu in the third quarter of 2017 stood at 76,836, an increase of 6% over the
corresponding quarter in 2016, and 13% over the previous (second) quarter (Vanuatu National Statistics
Office, 2017). The main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid are Australia and New Zealand. The service
sector accounts for 77% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Other service industries include food and
fish freezing, wood processing and meat canning. Agricultural products include copra, coconut oil, kava,
cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables, beef and fish. Mineral deposits are negligible.
In addition to the formal economic sector, there is the informal economy which involves at least 84% of
the population. This rural-dwelling component of the population depends on the informal economy to
support their livelihood on a daily basis (Regenvanu, 2009). Even urban-dwellers depend on it to
subsidise their modern lifestyles. The informal economy is centred on production, processing and sale
of agricultural and marine products, supplemented by provision of services such as carpentry and
transportation, and production of baskets, mats and other handicrafts. These activities depend on the
natural environment and the living and non-living resources it provides. Protection and conservation of
these natural resources-Vanuatu’s biological diversity-is thus essential to the nation’s long-term well-
being and sustainable development.
1.2 Biodiversity Conservation in Vanuatu

Biodiversity is defined as: The variety of life forms, the different plants, animals and micro-organisms,
the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. It is usually considered at three levels, genetic
diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
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Biological diversity underpins ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services essential
for human well-being. It provides for food security, human health, and clean air and water; contributes
to local livelihoods, and economic development; and is essential for the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), including poverty reduction. In addition, it is a central component of many
belief systems, worldviews and identities. Yet despite its fundamental importance, biodiversity
continues to be lost.
In recognition of the need to address biodiversity loss, the Vanuatu Government signed the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) at its launch in 1992 and ratified it in 1993. As a party to the CBD, the
government is obliged to report to the other convention signatories on in-country biodiversity
management activities and to develop a strategy and action plan to manage and conserve Vanuatu’s
biological diversity (Box 1).
The Convention places clear obligations on Contracting Parties. Specifically, Article 6, General
Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Use states that the Contracting Parties shall prepare
national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of their biological
resources. The first Vanuatu Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (VBSAP) was launched in 1999. The
VBSAP has been reviewed and has resulted in this revised NBSAP for 2018–2030. The NBSAP also
addresses the commitments made by parties at the 12th CBD Conference of Parties (COP12) in 2010
to align their NBSAPs to the CBD Strategic Plan and it’s Aichi Targets (Box 2).
2.0 THE CBD AND NBSAP REVIEW PROCESS

2.1 The CBD Strategic Plan and Aichi Targets
In 2010, Parties to the CBD meeting in Nagoya, Japan, adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011-2020 with the purpose of inspiring broad-based action in support of biodiversity over the next
decade by all countries and stakeholders. In recognition of the urgent need for action the United Nations
General Assembly has also declared 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (United
Nations General Assembly, 2010) The CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is a ten-year
framework for action by countries and stakeholders to save biodiversity and enhance its benefits for
people. The parties are obligated to reviewing and updating their current NBSAPs in line with the
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. This involves developing national targets and using the
Strategic Plan and Aichi Target and integrating these national targets into the updated NBSAPs and
taking into account national priorities.
2.2 Vanuatu NBSAP Review Process
The 1999 VBSAP identified six key objectives and more than 20 priority actions for effective
management of biological resources. The six objectives were:
1. Protection and wise use of biodiversity;
2. Application of policy, planning and legal mechanisms to enable sustainable management
of biodiversity;
3. Research, assessment and monitoring of biodiversity;
4. Capacity building for environmental management;
5. Environmental education, awareness and information sharing; and
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6. Participation of local communities in the management of biodiversity.
Box 1: Convention on Biological Diversity Objectives:
The conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair
and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources,
including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant
technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and technologies, and by
appropriate funding (Article1).
Obligations:
The convention obliges governments to take a number of measures, these include:
§ Monitoring and identification of biodiversity
§ Environmental Impact Assessments;
§ National Strategies, plans or programmes to conserve and use the components of
biological diversity sustainably, and
§ The integration of biodiversity policy into relevant sectoral or cross sectoral plans,
programmes and policies.
The Convention constitutes an historic commitment by nations of the world to address directly
the detrimental impacts of human activity on biodiversity. It is the first time that biodiversity is
comprehensively addressed in a binding global treaty, the first time genetic diversity is
specifically recognized and the first time that the conservation of biodiversity conservation in
inter-generational equity, the assurance that future generations gain equal access to essential
biological resources.
The review process for the 1999 VBSAP was initiated in 2014 when Vanuatu undertook an extensive
provincial awareness and consultation process to assess the priorities of the communities in terms of the
sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. In 2015, a consultant was engaged to assist. The process
included the review of existing national strategies to identify NBSAP-related priorities and conducting
sector and national stakeholder consultations to finalise the NBSAP. The review was also informed by
some of the latest assessments such as the SPREP/IUCN State of Conservation in Oceania Report for
the Pacific (SPREP, 2013), which provided recent information on the status and trends of biodiversity in
Vanuatu.
The strategic areas of the NBSAP 2018-2030 have been aligned to the CBD Strategic Plan and Aichi
Targets and also to two key national strategies: the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and
the National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan (NEPIP). It is important to note that the Vanuatu
NBSAP has been aligned with the NSDP timing which is 2016–2030 and this should align with the next
CBD 2020-2030 Strategic Plan.
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3.0 OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN VANUATU
Vanuatu’s biodiversity remains poorly known, with detailed studies of only a few genera and few studies
of the biota of smaller or less accessible islands. However a review of studies of the flora and fauna of
Vanuatu has shown that there are endemic species, rare species and uncommon variants within many
of the genera that have been studied in detail. Much of Vanuatu’s diversity beneath the species level
has only been classified by indigenous knowledge systems that vary from one language group to
another and are not documented.
Patterns of species diversity reflect classic island biogeography, where island size and distance from
continental source are key determinants of number of species. The larger and older islands generally
support a greater diversity of terrestrial ecosystems, and a greater diversity of plants and animals (Taiki
et al., Unpublished). The islands are separated by the sea, and catchments and lowland habitats are
separated by mountains – these are barriers to many species, and produce conditions whereby
relatively rapid sub-speciation and speciation occurs. Altitudinal gradients provide opportunities for
montane endemics, such as the Mountain Starling (Aplonis santovestris) of Santo, which add diversity
to high island faunas that is not possible on low islands no matter how large they are. Frequent
disturbance due to tropical cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic activity also affects the distribution and
abundance of species, especially on the smaller islands. Lastly, there is significant variation with
latitude, with species that occur at high altitudes in the tropical north occurring at much lower altitudes
in the sub-tropical south. Consequently, there is considerable variation in the distribution of species
within and between islands, and Vanuatu’s biodiversity is of particular interest for its on-going processes
of immigration, range extension and contraction, and sub-speciation (Department of Environmental
Protection and Conservation, 2014).
3.1 Threats to Biodiversity

The greatest threats to biodiversity conservation result from human activities. Human settlements are
generally found concentrated in the coastal lowlands. Consequently, biodiversity is most at risk in
lowland and coastal areas and small islands, yet remains relatively intact in the high altitude forests of
larger islands.
Land cannot be alienated from the traditional landholders, but can be leased from the landholders for
fixed periods and agreed purposes. This system of land and resource management limits the capacity
of government to conserve biodiversity without the support, understanding and commitment of
landholders. This therefore, creates an imperative for landholders as resource owners and managers
to work independently or in cooperation with other landholders, organisations or government to
conserve biodiversity (VEU MSP, 2003).
The 2010 Vanuatu National Assessment Report notes that Vanuatu’s environment quality is rapidly
deteriorating. It lists increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, including cyclones, flooding
and coral bleaching; and deforestation, air, land and marine pollution as growing problems. The
assessment observes that population growth leads to more pressure for food and investment resulting
“not only in land degradation and overfishing, but also destruction of mangroves and fish breeding
areas” (GOV, 2010). Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is an existing and growing concern, threatening
forests and biodiversity of Vanuatu. The direct effects of climate change and their interactions with the
current threats will only exacerbate the risks to biodiversity. These pressures work singly or in tandem
with each other in complex ways.
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3.2 Terrestrial Biodiversity
3.2.1 Overview
Seventy four percent (74%) of land in Vanuatu is covered with natural vegetation. Forest types include
tropical lowland evergreen rain forest, broad-leaved deciduous forest, closed conifer forest, montane
rain forest, cloud forest and coastal forest. Other notable vegetation includes swamp forest on Efate,
kauri pine strands on Erromango and scattered mangrove forests covering around 3,000 ha (most of
which occur on Malekula Island).
Lowland forest has largely been cleared and replaced by anthropogenic vegetation but forested areas
remain the dominant landscape element on most islands. High forests are restricted on most of the
islands (especially those that are densely populated, such as Pentecost, Ambae, Tanna and Shepherd;
or have active volcanoes, such as Ambrym). However low montane forests are generally well preserved
and occupy large areas. Secondary forests (often consisting of a Hibiscus community) are dense and
extensive in Vanuatu.
There are about 1,000 vascular plant species in Vanuatu of which around 150 are endemic. There is
high diversity of orchids with 158 species and palms with 21 species, including 14 endemic species
(GOV, 2014). There are 121 bird species, 28 species of reptiles and 12 species of Chiropterae (Flying
Foxes and Bats). Invertebrate diversity is not fully described but includes the coconut crab (Birgus latro)
the largest land crab, which is an important food resource in Vanuatu (GOV, 2014).
Invasive animal species are a threat in Vanuatu and include the Indian Mynah (Acridotheres tristis), the
Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) and the Rosy Wolf Snail (Euglandina rosea). E. rosea was
introduced as a biological control agent for Achatina fulica but the species has caused the extinction of
numerous native snails in other countries. Another species of concern in Vanuatu is the Little Fire Ant
(Wasmannia auropunctata), which has reduced arthropod species diversity in other locations, and may
threaten crab species, including the coconut crab (Bakeo and Qarani 2005).
Vanuatu has one recorded extinction: the Tanna Ground Dove (Gallicolumba ferruginea). Extinction
drivers for this species are believed to have been hunting and predation by domesticated and feral
mammals.
3.2.2 Threats
The forests of Vanuatu have been impacted by human activities, which have diminished and altered
forest cover and biodiversity. There has been immense pressure on some timber species on the larger
islands, where harvesting is concentrated. In 1998, for instance, 92% of logs harvested were of just two
species, Endospermum medullosum (Whitewood or Basswood), and Antiaris toxicaria (known in
Vanuatu as Milk Tree) (Bakeo and Qarani, 2005).
Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry has recovered from a decline in 2015 by registering a positive growth
of 5.1%; an increase of 10.7 percentage points. The components of agriculture that contribute to this
positive growth, were crop production, it grew by 5.9%, followed by animal production at 2.6%, fishing
at 3.9% and forestry at 0.7% (Vanuatu National Statistic Office, 2017). In the mid-2000s, natural forest
cover in Vanuatu was estimated at 444,000 ha, equivalent to 36% of the total land area (1.22 million
ha) (FAO, 2010), and at least 40% of the commercial forest area was regarded as degraded (King,
2007). Most of the high value forests were over-exploited in the 1980s and 1990s, until the government
imposed a ban on the export of round logs in 1998. However, large scale logging has been banned
since the late 1990s. Many landowners have used their logged forest lands for alternative activities like
commercial agriculture.
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In addition to traditional forest management concerns, such as declining forest cover and imbalance
between utilisation and reforestation, invasive alien species are of significant concern and several have
been identified as priority species for management under Vanuatu’s National Invasive Species Strategy
and Action Plan (NISSAP) 2014-2020. Of all invasive plants in Vanuatu, perhaps the most widely cited
pest is Ecuador Laurel or Salmwood (Cordia alliodora). Introduced as a forestry tree to Vanuatu in the
1970s, this species has now become dominant and is considered a serious pest in locations where it
was planted. Another invasive plant species that is common in the drier parts of certain islands, is kasis
(Leucaena leucocephala), which forms dense monospecific thickets and is difficult to eradicate,
rendering extensive areas unusable and inaccessible (Bakeo and Qarani, 2005).
Exploitation is the most significant threat faced by (or potentially faced by) Vanuatu’s threatened
(Critically Endangered, Rare, Endangered or Vulnerable) species recorded in the IUCN Red List.
Hunting and exploitation affect 66% of total threatened species in Vanuatu, while agriculture and
invasive alien species impact 20% and 15% of threatened species in Vanuatu, respectively. Some
species face multiple threats. For example the Endangered Santa Cruz Ground Dove (Gallicolumba
sanctaecrucis) is threatened by hunting and exploitation, the establishment of the invasive vine
Merremia peltata in the Vatthe Conservation Area, and competition from the common native Emerald
Dove (Chalcophaps indica) in degraded forest.
Agriculture, farming and forestry impact a number of threatened plant species in Vanuatu including the
endangered Fijian Kauri Pine (Agathis macrophylla), which faces ongoing unsustainable logging in
natural forests in parts of its range. The Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat (Emballonura semicaudata) is also
impacted by the loss of native forests to agricultural and grazing land. This bat faces multiple threats
including disturbance of roosting sites, pesticide use, invasive species and stochastic events.
3.3 Inland Waters Biodiversity

3.3.1 Overview
Large rivers are present on the larger islands but the most common freshwater habitats are steep-
gradient mountain streams. Unique and rare habitats include freshwater lakes on several islands
(including crater lakes on inactive volcanic islands) and subterranean streams in karst areas.
Exploration of caves on Santo revealed four species of invertebrate that were new to science and
confined exclusively to these caves (Deharveng, 2011). Atolls and coral islets generally have
underground freshwater lenses due to the porosity of the rock.
Most islands of Vanuatu contain a dense network of seas, lakes and rivers. The larger islands are well
watered by rapid mountain rivers and creeks. Other freshwater systems include low gradient lowland
streams, deep pits called blue holes, some lakes and swamps/marshes on plains. Most of the 25-30
lakes are crater lakes, with Lake Letas on the volcanic island of Gaua, being the largest freshwater
system in the Pacific at 19 km2 in area and 350 m deep (Vanuatu National Museum and Vanuatu
Environment Unit, 2004). The caldera lakes of Ambae lie at an altitude of over 1,300m and are the
highest of the South Pacific (Scott, 1993). Freshwater swamps and swamp forests are generally
restricted to fringing areas around lakes (Efate, Thion), in depressions on plateaux (Efate, Epi, Maewo
and Gaua), in extinct volcanoes (Vanua Lava) or on floodplains (East Santo). Dasheen (taro) fields may
sometime host freshwater species.
Streams and rivers in Vanuatu are highly variable in size and length and can be divided into six zones
depending on altitude and water velocity: spring zone (over 800 m); higher course (450-800 m; steep);
middle course (150-450 m; less than 10% slope), upper lower course (50-150 m) and lower course
(less than 50 m; tidal) (Keith, et al,2010). Understanding this typical zonation allows understanding of
the distribution of freshwater species. While the majority of species are found in low velocity reaches,
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high velocity reaches often contain unique species adapted to this type of environment (e.g. Sicyopterus
spp, Gobiidae). The estuarine zone is also an important thoroughfare for a freshwater fauna dominated
by migratory species.
All freshwater fishes in the identified important biodiversity areas are amphidromous (i.e. with a marine
larval stage), providing a clear linkage between freshwater and marine ecosystems. Diversity is
dominated by gobies and some endemism is known in the subfamily Sicydiinae. However, these are
very small fish, which are not currently utilised by local communities or represented in indigenous
taxonomies. The larger but non-endemic species like eels (Anguilla spp.), Spot-tail Bass (Lutjanus
fuscescens), Mullets (Mugilidae) and Grunters (Terapontidae) are utilised for food, as are neritid snails
and prawns, and reduction in their populations is of direct concern to villagers. Surveys in Vanuatu
indicate there may be some endemism in freshwater crustacea (Marquet et al. 2002). The intense
utilisation of freshwater species for protein in some areas is having an impact on freshwater ecosystems
but there is little to no research in this area.
Freshwater fish biodiversity can be highly localised and even small lake or stream systems may harbour
unique locally evolved forms of life. The numbers of different species in any given freshwater habitat
can be high even if the population numbers of the individual species are low. Generally speaking, the
fauna of riverine systems has been better studied than other systems. The number of endemic species
is greater in older islands that have retained a good natural vegetation cover and where flows have not
been altered. Of the 96 known crustacean and fish species (29 decapod crustaceans and 67 fish), 5
are endemic to Vanuatu and 7 to both Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Keith, et al, 2010).
3.3.2 Threats
The major threats to freshwater ecosystems in Vanuatu are from human activities including poor land
use practices; catchment alteration primarily for irrigation, weirs or hydropower dams; pollution from
urban areas; and invasion of exotic species such as water lily (Water Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes),
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and Tilapia (Sarotherodon occidentalis).
Poor agricultural practices often result in loss of riparian habitat, erosion of soil and increased turbidity
which may disrupt feeding success of fishes. Forest clearance and land reclamation may affect river
flows and water temperature in some catchments. Higher course species in particular, require good
vegetation cover to survive. Dams or weirs reduce or block flow in others to the extent that lower
reaches of waterways can no longer support aquatic life and migratory species such as eels and
amphidromous species lose their migratory paths and cannot complete their life cycles.
Pollutants from increased agricultural practices may be washed into the water during rainfall events and
affect the chemical and biophysical characteristics of the water, making the habitat non-conducive to
aquatic life. Other threats to freshwaters include overfishing. For example, during the Santo expedition
in 2006 it was observed that some villages were relying on freshwater fish for food because of the
scarcity of marine resources. The aquarium trade is another threat to freshwater fish, especially
colourful species (Keith et al., 2010).
Vanuatu is particularly exposed to cyclones and hydrological changes resulting from climate change
could be significant in some of the catchments.
Conservation initiatives have included freshwater surveys by the Department of Environmental
Protection and Conservation (DEPC) and the requirement for an assessment of impacts on freshwater
ecosystems as part of development projects and to implement good practice (Keith et al., 2011) have
also considered options for optimising conservation of freshwater habitats in Santo.
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Vanuatu updated its wetlands inventory (Kalfatak and Jaensch, 2014) and initial work is underway to
document GIFT tilapia farms near wetland systems that may have impacts on them if they are not well
managed by farmers.
The Teouma River is also a critical ecosystem that is threatened by water hyacinth which covers a large
surface area of the river. However, the losses that water hyacinth may have caused is still to be
confirmed.
3.4 Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

3.4.1 Overview
Vanuatu’s marine and coastal biodiversity contributes to generating goods and services that people
value. These values total over VT4.5 billion. The values include, not surprisingly, tourism and tuna. The
net value of tourism in 2013 was approximately VT850 million. The value of tuna to Vanuatu, mainly
from access fees, was about VT160 million in 2013. The benefits of Vanuatu’s tuna to the world is
billions of Vatu/year. More surprising is how coastal habitats are valued in terms of what they contribute
to subsistence fishers (about VT580 million), small-scale inshore commercial fishers (VT290 million),
coastal protection (VT1.6 billion) and carbon sequestration (VT760 million) (Pascal et al., 2015).
Vanuatu has a range of marine habitats and species, from inshore coral reefs to deepwater seamounts
and canyons that generate these values and some are described in more detail here.
Vanuatu’s coral reefs are categorised as either fringing, barrier or atoll reefs. Within each of these
categories there are patch reefs, where the coral reef forms patches within a matrix of sand or seagrass.
Coral species generally have wide geographic ranges in the Indo-Pacific region, but many are listed as
globally threatened due to reef damage and bleaching, and will suffer additional impacts from sea
temperature and pH changes associated with climate change. Reefs support a variety of mollusks,
crustaceans and fishes, which in turn provide the main source of protein for people living in coastal
villages. Coral reefs are also the habitat for most of the threatened coastal fishes of the region, such as
Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Green Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) and
Hump-backed Rock Cod (Cromileptes altivelis). White sand beaches adjacent to coral reefs are
important nesting sites for Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata).
Seagrass beds occur in soft-bottom areas and, like coral reefs, require clear water (low turbidity) away
from sediment plumes of large rivers. Seagrass beds are the habitat of Dugong (Dugong dugon), which
reaches the eastern limits of its distribution in Vanuatu.
Results of aerial and postal surveys conducted at least 17 years ago (in 1987) indicated that dugongs
occur in small groups (single or pairs of animals) throughout the sheltered waters of Vanuatu (Chambers
et al., 1989). Tame dugong are known to reside in Lamen Bay (Epi Island) and Tanna Bay (Tanna
Island) (Pacific Island Travel, 1999).
Dugong are protected in Vanuatu under the Fisheries Act 2014, which prohibits the capture of marine
mammals in Vanuatu’s international waters. Dugongs were formerly hunted but their numbers are so
low now that there are few contemporary records of hunting. A recent initiative being implemented by
the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS) involves mapping the distribution of dugong and
their seagrass habitat, which will help to identify priority areas of conservation and raise awareness in
moving the dugong conservation forward.
Mangroves are a marine habitat and widely recognised as an important nursery for juvenile fish. They
also provide coastal buffering against tropical cyclones and other extreme weather events. As with
terrestrial forests, mangroves and seagrass meadows remove and store carbon from the atmosphere.
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Other ecosystem services include tourism, wood extraction and bioremediation and sediment trapping.
In 2009, the Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihoods (MESCAL) project
conducted an economic valuation of nine ecosystem services in Crab Bay, Malekula and Eratap on
Efate Island. The study found that in 2012, 136.5 ha of mangroves in Crab Bay produced ecosystem
services worth US$586,000, while in Eratap, 31.2 ha produced ecosystem services worth US$266,000
(Pascal, 2014).
Rocky shorelines occur along the coasts of islands of recent volcanic origin, or where rapid uplift or
steep drop-offs preclude the development of coral reefs. The intertidal zones are frequented by people
collecting gastropods for food.
River mouths and sandy beaches often form small lagoons, which are important spawning sites for
amphidromous fish. The river mouths themselves are important for larval/juvenile fish exchange
between marine and freshwater ecosystems, and thus are favourite sites for fishing during “whitebait”
runs, with people targeting both the larval fish themselves and the large predatory fish chasing them,
such as trevallies.
Intertidal zones on coral reef flats, mangrove mudflats, rocky shores and river mouths are important
habitats for migratory waders (families Charadriidae and Scolopacidae), which migrate from breeding
grounds mostly in Siberia but also in Alaska, and include species such as the Bristle-thighed Curlew
(Numenius taitensis). Most species recorded from the hotspot are passage migrants en route to or from
“wintering” (i.e. northern hemisphere winter) grounds in New Zealand but a few are regular winter
visitors, which remain in the islands through the non-breeding season, and, in some cases, the first few
years of life. These include Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres),
common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva).
3.4.2 Threats
While the oceans offer great potential in terms of sustainable economic development, they are also
under increasing pressure from many uses and impacts. Changes in the marine environment resulting
from human activities are occurring faster than previously anticipated, affecting, especially, vulnerable
marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Major threats to the marine ecology of V a n u a t u include:
impacts associated with climate change including rising ocean temperatures, acidity and sea level
rise; coastal and offshore developments (e.g. from Deep Sea Mining, shipping) and the destruction of
marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves; unsustainable and destructive fisheries
practices; pollution from land-based and offshore sources including from ships and damage from
shipwrecks;; conflicting uses and the increasing intensity of hurricanes and other storm events, as
recently experienced.
Many stretches of coastline, notably some important tourism areas within Vanuatu, have experienced
dramatic rates of coastal erosion with considerable economic costs to owners and the nation.
Nevertheless, significant areas remain relatively pristine and are targeted for tourism and other
development.
The marine environment’s ability to maintain its diversity and productivity, and to provide a wide array
of valuable services to people, is therefore increasingly being compromised. Designing and
implementing effective governance and management strategies is critical to address the challenges
posed by the increasing impacts of human activities on the marine environment and to ensure the
effective management and sustainable use of living and non-living marine resources (Vanuatu’s
National Ocean Policy, 2017).
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3.5 Species
Under the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, 65 species endemic to Vanuatu have been assessed
for their conservation status. Of these, 18 were found to be of conservation concern. This includes 12
bird species, one of which, the Tanna Ground Dove (Gallicolumba ferruginea) is considered extinct.
Five are considered ‘vulnerable’: the Santo Mountain Starling (Aplonis santovestris), Green Palm
Lorikeet (Charmosyna palmarum), Royal Parrotfinch (Erythrura regia), Vanuatu Mountain Pigeon
(Ducula bakeri) and Vanuatu Megapode (Megapodius layardi).
Of the mammals, the Banks Flying Fox (Pteropus fundutas) is ‘endangered’ and the Vanuatu Flying
Fox (Pteropus anetianus) is ‘vulnerable’.
There are nine endemic reptiles of which the Anatom Emo Skink (Emoia aneityumensis), found only on
Aneityum, is endangered and the common Emo Skink (E. erronan), found only on Futuna and Aniwa,
is endangered.
One endemic land snail (Partula milleri) is critically endangered and P. eurania is endangered.
There are 38 recorded endemic freshwater species, of which only the Lobed River Mullet (Cestraeus
plicatilis) is listed on the IUCN Redlist. The rest still need to be assessed.
These endemic species are threatened with extinction by a variety of factors and invasive species are
likely to be one of the most important. Rats, particularly the ship or Black Rat (Rattus rattus) which is a
very good climber, are known to prey on the eggs and chicks of many birds and take lizards. They are
implicated in the extinction of the Tanna ground dove. Big leaf rope (Merremia peltata) (or locally, Big
Lif) and other weeds damage the forest habitats in which most of these species live, and rats and Mice
(Mus musculus) eat the fruits and seeds of trees and alter the composition of the forest. Native partulid
land snails have been wiped out in several countries by the Rosy Wolf-Snail (Euglandina rosea). Lizards
are a favourite food of feral cats though this is not an issue for the two threatened skinks as they live
up in trees, but they will be vulnerable to rats. Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) have been
recorded, for example, on Australia’s Christmas Island) killing crabs, lizards and nestling birds and can
change the forest structure leading to declines in other native species.
Important terrestrial ecosystems occupied by a range of species can also be threatened by invasive
species. For example, the Vatthe Conservation Area covers 2,720 ha of Big Bay, on the Island of
Espiritu Santo and is Vanuatu’s biodiversity hot spot. It is the most significant area of extensive alluvial
and limestone forest left in Vanuatu. It provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including six of
Vanuatu’s endemic bird species, including the globally endangered Santa Cruz Ground Dove
(Galliclumba santecrusis), three vulnerable or near threatened endemic bird species (the Vanuatu
Megapode, Royal Parrotfinch, Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher (Todirampus farquahri)), three of Vanuatu’s
six endemic skinks and three endemic freshwater fish. The conservation area hosts many culturally
significant tabu sites for the communities nearby. The people from Matantas and Sara depend on this
area for their daily activities, including tourism, bean tree seed harvesting and copra production.
However, this massive primary forest is now threatened by the Big Lif vine, which is smothering and
killing the native trees. This vine is seen as the number one killer of intact forest in the islands where
they exist in Vanuatu. The Teouma River is also a critical ecosystem that was threatened by water
hyacinth, which covered a large surface area of the river. The Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
has been removed through biocontrol processes however the losses that it may have caused is still to
be confirmed.
Many communities have concerns about the impact of crown-of-thorn starfish on reef habitats in the
country. This species is considered native to Vanuatu but it can occasionally build up in large numbers,
usually if the reefs are under stress from pollution or the impacts of natural disasters such as cyclones
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and tsunamis. Some parts of the country have experienced unusual outbreaks lasting several seasons.
Reef cleaning for crown-of-thorns is happening in some communities with funding from outside donors
but that is limited and is not able to fund all the infested reef areas.
4.0 MEASURES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

4.1 Traditional Governance and Management
In Vanuatu, constitutionally vested, inalienable land ownership rights rests with customary tenure, with
recognised leasing arrangements under ministerial consent. All land in Vanuatu belongs to the
indigenous 'custom owners' and almost all land is held under customary tenure, whether leased (9.3%)
or un-leased (89.7%).
A National Land Summit resolution in 2006, resulted in wider recognition and inclusion of mandatory
consultative processes with traditional governance systems, from the national to local
(community/village/land owning unit) levels. These recommendations will drive the call for major
Constitutional changes giving more jurisdiction to traditionally instituted forums at local levels (and less
to the Courts) for land dispute determination/settlement.
Under the National Land Use Planning Policy (GOV, 2013) “Kastom” provides one of three pillar
foundations informing the way forward for land use planning. Vanuatu’s traditional societies and the
inter-relationships between units of family, clans, and tribes is organised in meaningful patterns of
customary resource access rights, which are communally shared, and which in turn supports a highly
resilient traditional economy. Of particular note is that such access rights are inextricably linked to
kinship ties, which transcend the physical boundaries of defined localities. Although direct and physical
access to land and its produce is guaranteed to those that hold active stewardship over customary
land/marine areas, participation and access (to land/sea and its produce) is open to kin-folk in urban
areas.
Regenvanu (2007) notes:
The ill-considered alienation of land from the traditional economy in Vanuatu through leasehold title, for
example, is removing the means for ordinary people to be economically productive and enjoy food and
social security, in addition to often massively degrading our natural environment.
Protected Areas (marine and terrestrial) as conservation measures are being increasingly used, by
villages/communities, as unique and time-tested customary tools in resource management, accepted
and understood by the indigenous population.
4.2 Protected Areas or Conservation Areas

There has generally been little progress towards the establishment of formal protected areas. In part
this reflects the limitations of conventional protected area approaches in a context of customary land
ownership and resource tenure and limited government capacity, and in part, it reflects conflicting land-
uses, especially logging in lowlands and mining in highlands. The World Database on Protected Areas
(WDPA) lists four formal protected areas, covering 98 km2 or 1 per cent of the total land area:
Erromango Kauri Forest Conservation Area; Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area; President Coolidge
and Million Dollar Point Marine Reserve; and Vatthe Forest Conservation Area, the latter two on Santo.
Although established with government support, these areas are typically managed by, or in
collaboration with, customary land owners.
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As an alternative to conventional, government-managed protected areas, various approaches to
community-managed conservation areas have been piloted in Vanuatu’s Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
for both terrestrial and marine areas. Government and civil society partners have promoted LMMAs,
which are seen as a way to empower local people to manage their marine and coastal resources, while
similar approaches have been promoted for terrestrial forests, including community conserved areas
(CCAs) and the Emua Marine Protected Area and Vatthe Forest Conservation Area.
4.2.1 Community Conservation Areas (CCAs)

The Pacific has experienced a proliferation of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in the last
decade. The approaches being developed at national levels are built on the unique features of the
region, customary tenure and resource access, and make use of existing community strengths in
traditional knowledge, traditional resource management techniques and traditional governance,
combined with a local awareness of the need for action.
Govan (2009) reported that many communities in Vanuatu have preserved traditional management in
the form of ‘tabu’ areas and, in others, this tradition has been revived with the support of fisheries
officers, environment officers, other government organisations and NGOs. Over 40 villages have been
reported to manage their marine resources in this manner in Vanuatu but the real numbers may be
significantly higher.
An estimated 80 traditional LMMAs exist in Vanuatu, and there is evidence that they have been effective
at increasing size and abundance of target species, but they are not well documented.
There has been significant buy-in from local communities and organisations to the model of community-
based protected areas, Community Conservation Areas (CCAs), as reflected in the considerable
number established to date. These models present an alternative that allows community members to
continue to use the areas in accordance with their traditions and needs and have been piloted in the
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) for Vanuatu in both terrestrial and marine areas. There are around 50
listed sites which are currently considered to be legally recognised as conservation areas (but not legally
registered under the Environment Protection and Conservation Act CAP 283.). This has been supported
by initiatives such as GEF 4 Forest Protected Areas Management (FPAM) project which supported sites
such as Lake Letas on Gaua Island and Kauri Reserve in Erromango including other projects such as
the Nakau Programme and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
4.2.2 Terrestrial Protected Areas

Vanuatu has a total land area of 12,189 km2. Terrestrial habitat losses from deforestation, urban,
agricultural and industrial expansion as well as pollution, pose serious risks.The magnitude of these
risks is compounded through a combination of demographic growth, pressure for economic
development, changes in natural resource management models and climate change. Vanuatu has set
ambitous national targets under the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and the NEPIP to
effectively conserve 15% of natural forest and 10% of wetland areas through community and
government management measures by 2030. Targets include 90% of community management
committees complying with their CCA reporting obligations by 2020 and 10 registered CCAs in Vanuatu
by 2020. The Vanuatu Forestry Policy has set a target to actively manage 30% of Vanuatu’s forest by
2030 and the Vanuatu Ocean policy has set a goal to establish, by 2020, a national ecologically
representative system of marine protected areas (GOV, 2012 and 2016).
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The WDPA lists four formal protected areas, covering 98 km2 or 1% of the total land area, however the
Department of Environment Protection and Conservation (DEPC) has registered three formal forest
areas and one mangrove area covering an estimated area of 11,000 ha. Protected terrestrial and inland
waters comprise only 4.2% of the total land area and only approximately 45 km2 of coastal and marine
areas are covered by some form of Protected Area status.
This largely reflects the limitations of formal approaches to protected areas in Vanuatu’s context of
customary land ownership and limited government capacity and the CCA approach, as described
above, appears to present a better model.
4.2.3 Marine Protected Areas

In spite of 98% of Vanuatu’s total area consisting of ocean there has been very little progress towards
the establishment of formal marine protected areas nor traditional management areas in the wider EEZ.
Near-shore areas remain focused on local interests but there are significant opportunities to prioritise
and plan for the wider EEZ. The Government has outlined a clear way forward under the Vanuatu
Ocean policy, including a comprehensive consultation process to ensure all competing interests are
taken into account. This will require significant inputs for progress but has the potential to significantly
expand the protected area coverage and protect Vanuatu’s critical marine biodiversity and ecosystem
services. Currently, approximately 45 km2 of coastal and marine areas are covered by some form of
Protected Area status in Vanuatu (Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) 2013). DEPC has to
date, registered one marine managed area as a conservation area registered under the EPC Act.
Initiatives such as the Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries project
(MACBIO) are assisting the government to carry out assessments to identify important bioregions or
areas of high biodiversity, which may help guide priority areas for a network of MPAs. Also included is
the GEF 5 National Ridge to Reef project, which aims to expand MPAs and integrated land and coastal
management on sites such as Aneityum, Tanna, Efate and South Pentecost.
4.2.4 Species Conservation
The Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), a joint initiative of biodiversity conservation organisations from
around the world, aims to prevent extinctions by identifying and safeguarding key sites, each one of
which is the last remaining refuge of one or more Endangered or Critically Endangered species. AZE
is first focusing on species that face extinction either because their last remaining habitat is being
degraded at a local level, or because their tiny global ranges make them especially vulnerable to
external threats. In order to be designated as an AZE site, a site must meet all of the three criteria: it
must contain at least one Endangered (EN) or Critically Endangered (CR) species, as listed on the
IUCN Red List; it must be the only area where an EN or CR species occurs, and contain the
overwhelmingly significant known resident population (>95%) of the EN or CR species and it must have
a definable boundary. There is one AZE site in Vanuatu on Vanua Lava and Mota for the Vanikoro
Flying Fox (Pteropus tuberculatus).
4.3 Vanuatu International Conventions and Commitment to Biodiversity

Vanuatu has obligations under the following list of international biodiversity conventions and
commitments.
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Table 1: Environment-related International Agreements to which Vanuatu is party.
Convention/Treaty/MOU Date Signed Date Ratified
United Nations Convention on the Law of December 1982 August 1999

the Sea (UNCLOS)
Convention on International Trade in July 1989 October 1989

Endangered Species of wild Flora and
Fauna (CITES)
United Convention on Biological Diversity June 1992 March 1993

(UNCBD)
United Nations Convention Framework June 1992 March 1993

Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
United Nations Convention to Combat September 1995 August 1999

Desertification (UNCCD)
Convention Concerning the Protection of June 2002

the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
(WHC)
The Memorandum of Understanding September 2006

(MoU) for the Conservation of Cetaceans
and their Habitats in the Pacific Island
Region
The Memorandum of Understanding on October 2010

the Conservation and Management of
Dugongs and their Habitats throughout
their Range (Dugong MoU).
The Memorandum of Understanding February 2013

(MOU) on the Conservation of Migratory
Sharks.
Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic November 2014 March 2015

Resources and the Fair and Equitable
Sharing of Benefits Arising from their
utilization
Convention on Wetlands of International 2018

Importance (Ramsar)
MARPOL Convention 1986
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4.4 Vanuatu Environment-Related Legislation Aimed to Protect Biodiversity and
Promote Sustainable-Use
The table below lists legislation and policies that are relevant to the sustainable use and protection of
biodiversity in Vanuatu.
Table 2: Legislation and policies of relevance to biodiversity protection and management in Vanuatu.
Name of Instrument Purpose
Import of Plants Act 1964 Regulates the movement of plants into and within the country
Cocoa Act 1982 Licensing and export of cocoa
Animal Imports Act 1986 Regulates movement of animals into and within the country
Mines and Minerals Act 1986 Regulates the mining industry
Alienated Land Act 1983 Regulates the alienation of land in certain circumstances and
to provide for matters connected therewith.
Definition of Land Boundaries Act Allows the Minister to decide that the boundary of land or of
any portion thereof should be more clearly defined or
ascertained.
International Trade (Flora and This Act relates to the CITES which is an international
Fauna) Act No. 56 of 1989 [Cap agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that
210]. international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants
does not threaten their survival.
Physical Planning Act 1987 Planning Act – no environmental references – needs
amending
Plant Protection Act1997 Provides for the exclusion and effective management of plant
pests
Forestry Act 2001 The main piece of legislation regulating the forestry industry.
Water Resources Management Provides for management plans, committees and protection
Act 2002 zones for the management of water resources
Environmental Protection and Provides for the conservation, sustainable development and
Conservation Act (2002) no. 12. management of the environment of Vanuatu and the
regulation of related activities.
Forest Sector Plan Legally recognised within the Plant and Forest Act–informs
stakeholders of roles and responsibilities.
Industrial Development Act Makes provision for the implementation of the National
Industrial Policy to promote, facilitate and support the growth
of sustainable and value added industry in Vanuatu and to
provide for related matters.
2010 Decentralization Act An Act to amend the Decentralization and Local Government
Regions.
EIA Regulation 2011 A regulation under section 45 of the Environmental Protection
and Conservation Act, concern (preliminary) environmental
impact assessment and environmental audit regarding
schedueled projects, proposals or development activities.
Trade Policy Framework 2011 Mainstream trade into Vanuatu’s national development
strategy; enhance development through increased exports
of goods and services; guide and inform the workings of
Vanuatu’s National Trade and Development Committee and
inform trade negotiations.
Land Reform Amendment Act Sustainable land use based on Kastom
2013Use Planning Policy 2013
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Name of Instrument Purpose
Foreshore Development Act Regulates the carrying out of works on the foreshore.
(amended 2013)
National Industry Policy 2010-15 Permits private sectors access of usage; will create more
access to markets; and will assist producers to operate in a
sustainable environment.
Vanuatu Forest Policy 2013-2023 Sets clear policy directives for the management of Vanuatu's
forests and forest resources for the next 10 years (2013 –
2023).
Fisheries Act 2014 Makes provision for management, development and
regulation of fisheries in nearshore, offshore and aquaculture
and for the control of fishing vessels entitled to fly the flag of
Vanuatu outside of Vanuatu waters in a manner consistent
with Vanuatu’s international obligations, and for related
matters.
Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy Government's policy for the management of its sovereign
2016 water and marine ecosystems through to 2030.
Deep Sea Mineral Policy 2016 Sets out Vanuatu’s vision and strategic goals in relation to its
deep sea minerals, and will form the basis for future drafting
of laws in line with the policy.
Vanuatu Forestry Act 2014 Makes provision for the protection, development and
sustainable management of forests and the regulation of the
forestry industry in Vanuatu, and for related purposes.
Overarching Productive Sector Pomotes private sector-led agriculture growth which

Policy recognises that the private sector - including farmers and
fishers (big and small), traders, food vendors, processors and
exporters - are the major sector output generators.
National Environment Policy and Is an illustration of the Government's commitment to
Implementation Plan environmental sustainability and meets the requirements of a
national policy and plan set out in the Environmental
Protection and Conservation Act [CAP 283].
Vanuatu National Sustainable Its vision is: Building a stable, sustainable and prosperous
Development Plan nation. It focuses on three main pillars: society, environment
and economy.
Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism This is important as sustainable tourism is not a discrete
Policy 2018 special form of tourism, rather, all forms of tourism should
strive to be more responsible and sustainable.
Vanuatu National Livestock Policy Recognizes the major stakeholders in the livestock sector
2015-2030 and it defines their respective roles. It also recognizes the
impact of livestock activities on the environment and the
availability of other natural recourses such as land, water, and
wildlife/livestock interaction on livestock production.
Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy This Policy, underpinned by social, economic, ecological and
cultural principles and sustainable development pillars, is
organized around 13 thematic areas.
Vanuatu National Fisheries Policy Sets out the vision, high level formal policy directions and
2016-2031 implementation strategic framework for the sustainable
conservation, management and development of fisheries and
aquaculture in the Republic of Vanuatu.
With regard to regulating development activities with potential negative environmental impacts, the key
pieces of legislation are the Environmental Protection and Conservation (EPC) Act 2002 CAP 283 and
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the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation of 2011. These specify the requirements of an
EIA and lay out the process to be followed when carrying one out. The act applies to all development
activities that either impact or are likely to impact on the environment of Vanuatu, and which require
any license, permit or approval under any law (Clarke et al. 2008).
5.0 VANUATU NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

(NBSAP)
5.1 Mission Statement
1. To manage and safeguard biological resources through government, provinces

and local communities so as to maintain fully our natural and cultural heritage for
all Ni-Vanuatu.
2. Guide governments, provinces, local communities, landowners and landholders in
the sustainable management of Vanuatu’s natural resources.
3. Ensure that all Ni-Vanuatu, including future generations, are able to benefit from
biodiversity and enjoy its use.
4. Protect the custom, intellectual and legal rights of Ni-Vanuatu as resource
custodians and users.
There are various measures that can be used to meet these goals. In developing this strategy and
action plan priority has been given to activities that are: affordable, within the capacity of existing
government or community institutions, and that meet established needs. It is also recognised that
conservation of biodiversity is an ongoing and evolving process.
5.2 Principles Underpinning the Strategy

Principle 1. Community participation and ownership
Most natural resources in Vanuatu are owned and used by indigenous and local communities.
Conservation of biodiversity in Vanuatu is greatly dependent on the manner in which
landowners, landholders and local user communities choose to manage their landholdings
ownership and fishing rights. Community property rights include traditional rights over natural
resources, indigenous intellectual property relating to natural resources and cultural knowledge.
Any conservation or development work should ensure respect for community decision-making
structures, equal participation and ownership of resource owners and active involvement in
planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Principle 2. Biodiversity is the foundation for all development and inter-generational
equity
Biodiversity conservation is the collective responsibility of all levels of government, the private
sector, resource users and landowners. This principle places biodiversity at the heart of policy,
legislation, plans and projects, highlighting the benefits of taking biodiversity into account – and
the associated costs – and the risk of business as usual. This is to ensure that future generations
of landowners and citizens, as well as today’s youth and children, all have an equal opportunity
to use and enjoy Vanuatu’s biodiversity.
Principle 3. Biodiversity mainstreaming and ownership

This Principle is based on the understanding that lasting conservation in Vanuatu can only be
achieved if:
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· Biodiversity is mainstreamed into national development and poverty reduction
efforts,
· Sectors and development partners (including communities) take responsibility for
leadership of the design, implementation and evaluation of all conservation
programmes in their respective areas and,
· Sectors and development partners commit to biodiversity-development
mainstreaming and cross-sector coordination.
Principle 4: Gender mainstreaming and equality

Gender perspective must be mainstreamed or integrated into all NBSAP related policies,
strategies actions and project stages. It must also ensure equal rights, possibilities and
obligations for both men and women in society. It will ensure that stereotyped concepts of
gender roles must not restrict the opportunities of individuals and equal appreciation of the
values, choices and life experiences typical of women and men. It does not mean seeking to
make women and men the same.
Principle 5: Adopting an ecosystem-based management approach

All conservation and development programmes should adopt an ecosystem-based, ridge to reef
or island-system approach to ensure an integrated approach that sustains healthy, productive
and resilient ecosystems and restores connectivity between social, economic and cultural
values. Involvement of stakeholders must be ensured through participatory governance,
adaptive management and integration of scientific, traditional and local knowledge in designing
and implementing conservation programmes.
Principle 6: Managed and Protected Areas for species protection, forest, watersheds and
marine should be comprehensive and representative
The establishment of a comprehensive and representative system of marine and terrestrial
reserves and conservation areas at the national and local levels is critical to successful
biodiversity conservation. A comprehensive and representative system includes examples of all
habitats and species.
Principle 7: Improving knowledge, capacity and intellectual property
The intellectual property rights to biodiversity, genetic resources, and bio-derivate knowledge
about biodiversity must be recognised and appropriate mechanisms established to ensure that
fair remuneration, credit or other benefits are received by local communities, the discoverer or
developer, and the nation. Improved scientific knowledge of biodiversity and enhanced
ethnobiological understanding is required for improved conservation management and
sustainable use. Education, public awareness and local knowledge are essential for enabling
the conservation of biodiversity and ensuring conservation is continuously improved by
recording, disseminating and incorporating lessons learned and best practices
Principle 8. Financial sustainability and accountability
This principle reflects the fact that conservation initiatives must be adequately resourced over
time if they are to be successful and that conservation programmes should be of a scale and
budget appropriate to the local context. Long-term strategic planning and resource mobilisation
that sustains conservation over time is needed. International and national partners will need to
be accountable to the communities and countries they work in for their investment and
engagement in conservation programmes.
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5.3 NBSAP Link to NSDP
Sustainable Development Goals and Policies 2016-2030 environment goals and policy objectives
which are:
· ENVIRONMENT 1: A nation that ensures our food and nutrition security needs are adequately
met by all people through increasing sustainable food production.
· ENVIRONMENT 2: An economy which fosters sustainable growth and development through

low impact industries and modern technologies to ensure the well-being of future generations
systems.
· ENVIRONMENT 3: A strong and resilient nation in the face of climate change and risks posed
by hazards and natural disasters and improving household production.
· ENVIRONMENT 4: A nation which utilizes and sustainably manages our land, water and
natural resources.
· ENVIRONMENT 5: A nation committed to ensuring the conservation and sustainable

management of our biodiversity and ecosystems.
The National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2030
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6.0 VANUATU NBSAP STRATEGIC AREAS
In 2015, Vanuatu reviewed the focal areas of the 1999 NBSAP and identified the following strategic
areas of focus. The strategic areas define the key priorities which the NBSAP will focus on to achieve
national targets. Through these measures, the NBSAP is responding to the requirements of the CBD
and related multilateral environment agreements (MEAs).
Strategic Area 1: Conservation Area Management

Strategic Area 2: Forest and Inland Waters Ecosystems Conservation and Management
Strategic Area 3: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Conservation and Management
Strategic Area 4: Species and Genetic Diversity Conservation
Strategic Area 5: Invasive Species Eradication and Control
Strategic Area 6: Mainstreaming Biodiversity across sectors and society
Strategic Area 7: Resource Mobilisation
© D.Kalfatak
Motri Primary School Children playing, Pont-Cross, South Pentecost
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6.1 STRATEGIC AREA 1: CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT
Aichi Strategic Focus Area: Safeguard ecosystems, species, genes and improving the status of
biodiversity to support national income and livelihoods
Aichi Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species
and genetic diversity
Aichi Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal
and marine areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through
effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected
areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wilder landscapes
and seascapes.
VANUATU CONSERVATION AREAS TARGET

1. By 2030, representative examples of at least 17% of terrestrial and 10% of coastal and marine
areas to support 100% of local communities’ livelihoods and kastom importance are conserved
through effective community and government management measures.
2. By 2020, there are 10 legally registered CCAs and 50% of CCAs are effectively supported and
managed in Vanuatu.
3. By 2030, 90% of CCA management committees are complying with their reporting obligations
to DEPC (NEPIP, 2016).
4. Targets for conservation areas set in provincial strategic plans are achieved.
Indicators:
· Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other effective conserved areas
and locally managed areas in terrestrial and marine areas including sites of particular
importance for biodiversity.
· Percentage of terrestrial and marine protected areas that are effectively managed based on
agreed national and international protected area conditions and management effectiveness.
· Measure of ecosystem service values and equity of benefits from CAs.
· Level of connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches with broader landscapes and
seascapes.
IUCN’s “Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories” defines a protected area
as: A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other
effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services
and cultural values. The IUCN guidelines provide an opportunity for Vanuatu to ensure that our CA
efforts towards sustainable resource management qualify as protected areas and therefore meet our
international commitments and obligations.
Well-governed and effectively managed protected areas are a proven method for safeguarding both
habitats and populations of species and for delivering important ecosystem services. Protected areas
should be integrated into the wider land and seascape, and relevant sectors, bearing in mind the
importance of complementarity and spatial configuration. In doing so, the ecosystem approach should
be applied, taking into account ecological connectivity and the concept of ecological networks, including
connectivity for migratory species (through, for example, “fly-ways” for migratory birds).
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Protected areas should also be established and managed in close collaboration with, and
through equitable processes that recognise and respect the rights of indigenous and local
communities, and vulnerable populations.
Vanuatu has a rudimentary system of conservation areas, however, none of the areas have been
selected through formal planning processes on the basis of ecological knowledge or biodiversity values.
In most cases, their existence is historical, traditional or opportunistic. Nonetheless, these sites in
combination with other priority sites which have been identified for their biodiversity values, have the
potential to provide the basis of a representative system of protected areas. The intention is for the
representative system of protected areas to be strengthened by a large number and variety of protected
areas which are important at the national, provincial or local level.
FOCUS AREA CA1: EXPANDED NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE NETWORK OF

CONSERVATION AREAS IN MARINE, TERRESTRIAL AND INLAND
WATERS.
Objective CA1a: To carry out marine, terrestrial and inland waters biodiversity rapid assessment,
inventories and threat identification, gap analyses and prioritisation to guide the development of a
national representative network of CAs.
ACTION PLANS:
CA1.1 Carry out gap analysis and prioritisation in terrestrial, marine and inland waters
ecosystems to identify key biodiversity areas for biodiversity protection to meet our
national targets.
CA1.2 Analyse and map the occurrence and status of all existing conservation areas, including
their governance structures.
CA1.3 Prioritise key biodiversity areas for focal species, species/groups, habitats and
important ecological connectivity and processes.
CA 1.4 Identify sites that can achieve not just biodiversity conservation but also social and
economic outcomes to do with, for example, fisheries, culture and heritage, agriculture,
timber resources, watershed protection, sustainable tourism, to ensure they provide
benefits to local people.
Objective CA 1b: To develop and apply an implementation plan to meet Vanuatu’s CA targets in
terrestrial, marine and inland waters protected areas systems.
ACTION PLANS:
CA1.5 Conduct a national planning process to develop a CA action and implementation plan for
land, marine and inland waters.
CA1.6 Develop priority biodiversity areas maps for terrestrial, marine and inland waters.
CA1.7 Describe the entirety of Vanuatu’s natural terrestrial, coastal and marine environment as
a basis for selecting ecologically representative areas.
CA1.8 Develop terrestrial and marine protected area typologies.
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CA1.9 Describe protected area design criteria to guide placement of different types of protected
areas.
FOCUS AREA CA2: Improve Information Management and Monitoring Conservation Area
Management Effectiveness and Practice.
Objective CA2a: Develop a national information system, database and monitoring framework for
Vanuatu’s CAs to assess the management effectiveness of CAs, and promote adaptive management.
ACTION PLANS:
CA2.1 Adopt a national 100% target to support all communities, provinces and districts in
Vanuatu through government policies, provincial endorsements and supported by
national sector strategies and plans.
CA2.2 Use some of the Conservation Areas as role models whether they are formally
registered or not.
CA2.3 Monitor and evaluate protected areas to ensure they are effective and are achieving their
core objectives.
CA2.4 Ensure monitoring and evaluation is fed into the national CA network plans for learning
and adaptive management.
Objectives CA2b: To develop context specific co-management plans, recognising both informal and
formal CA sites at national, provincial and local level.
ACTION PLANS:
CA2.5 For each priority CA, establish opportunities for mutually beneficial co-management
arrangements, which takes into account and builds upon good governance practices
where they exist.
CA2.6 Ensure at each CA there are wide participatory discussions with local communities and
key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for co-management.
CA2.7 Build capacity at all levels, with strong focus on supporting provincial and district level
committees to implement PAs.
CA2.8 Apply, as appropriate, a diversity of governance arrangements that include recognition
of Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) through national legislation or
other effective means of formal inclusion in the national systems.
Objective CA2c: To maintain the integrity of PA networks by ensuring they are recognised and
supported by other sectors including in the National Sustainable Development Plan and other
government policies and frameworks.
ACTION PLANS:
CA2.9 Coordination between relevant natural resource management sectors such as

environment and conservation, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biosecurity and tourism
sector-specific sustainable natural resource management activities to support CA
management and systems.
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CA2.10 Incorporate CA planning (marine, inland waters and terrestrial) within broader national
planning exercises including spatial planning and frameworks such as the National
Sustainable Development Plan.
CA2.11 Assess the value and contribution of Protected Areas to national and local economies
and to achieving the SDGs.
CA2.12 Develop a Conservation Registry and regularly update this.
FOCUS AREA CA3: Develop Sustainable Finance Mechanisms for New and Existing Protected
Areas
Objective CA3: To establish sustainable financing mechanisms to support the establishment,
management and long-term effectiveness of protected areas.
ACTION PLANS:
CA3.1 Calculate financial costs for managing a comprehensive and representative CA network
for Vanuatu’s land, sea and freshwater, including establishment as well as long term-
management costs.
CA3.2 Identify innovative sustainable financing mechanisms to support the establishment and
management of CAs in Vanuatu. These may include initiatives such as green tax, tax
benefit systems for CAs, establishment of trust or endowment funds, etc.
CA3.3 Set up the legal, policy and institutional framework for establishing the financial
structures and mechanism for a national CA network.
CA3.4 Ensure meaningful participation and provide equitable incentives and remuneration to
resource owners for CA establishment and management.
FOCUS AREA CA4: National awareness and education on conservation areas to share best
practices and lessons learned to improve management effectiveness
and governance.
Objective CA4: To develop and collate best practice guidelines and disseminate among local and
national conservation area sites.
ACTION PLANS:
CA4.1 Collate best practices for management, governance and sustainable financing from
existing protected area sites in Vanuatu.
CA4.2 Identify key lessons learned for distribution to management authorities across national
protected area sites.
CA4.3 Develop appropriate awareness, information kits, manuals, toolkits specific to different
stakeholders such as planners, community leaders, researchers and practitioners.
CA4.4 Promote Vanuatu’s best practices for CA management, governance and sustainable
financing at national, regional and international fora.
CA4.5 Develop nationally appropriate capacity development programmes, including peer
networks, for exchange of experiences in conservation practice.
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CA4.6 Develop a CA management national communication strategy, awareness and
campaigns.
© R. Baereleo
Coastal Forest of Vatthe Conservation Area, Big Bay, Santo
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6.2 STRATEGIC AREA 2: FOREST AND INLAND WATERS ECOSYSTEMS
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
Aichi Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable
use
Target 5: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where
feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.
Target 6: By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested
sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that: overfishing is avoided,
recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse
impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks,
species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits.
Target 7: By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably,
ensuring conservation of biodiversity.
Target 8: By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not
detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity.
Target 11 (Aichi Goal C): By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent
of coastal and marine areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are
conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected
systems of protected areas and other effective are-based conservation measures, and integrated into
the wilder landscapes and seascapes.
Vanuatu Forest and Inland Waters Target

1. By 2030, at least 17% of important biodiversity areas, livelihoods and kastom importance
are conserved through community and government effective management measures.
2. By 2030, at least 15% of natural forest and 10% of wetland areas are conserved through
effective community and government management measures.
3. By 2030, 30% of Vanuatu’s natural forest (Forestry) is being actively managed and
protected.
Indicators:
· Trends in forest and inland waters species diversity including traded ones.
· Trend to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated into
government accounting reporting.
· Percentage of forest and inland waters conservation areas to meet national and global
targets.
· Impact of threats to forest and inland waters such as invasive species, deforestation,
logging and other threats.
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FOCUS AREA FIW1: Reduce major threats to forest and inland waters ecosystems such as
unsustainable logging, agriculture, mining and human settlements.
Objective FIW1: The forest and inland waters ecosystem are managed in an integrated and
sustainable manner to maintain the ecosystem functions of forest and inland waters and contribute to
local and national economies and social well-being.
ACTION PLANS:
FIW1.1 Improve and update information on status of forest and inland waters biodiversity.
FIW1.2 Carry out forest and inland waters resource inventory, biological rapid assessments and
identify high biodiversity areas, important cultural sites and other sites of national
significance in forest and inland waters.
FIW1.3 Identify the root causes of major threats to forest and inland waters ecosystems at local
and national level.
FIW1.4 Develop and implement a national forest and inland waters conservation management
plan to address threats and, where possible, their root causes.
FIW1.5 Conduct valuation of wetland services so that they are properly accounted for in decision
making
FIW1.6 Conduct awareness and education at local and national level on the importance of
conservation and sustainable use of forest and inland waters ecosystems.
FIW1.7 Capture best practice and lessons learning to improve management of forest
ecosystems.
FOCUS AREA 2: Establishment of Forest and Inland Waters Conservation Areas in important
biodiversity areas such as KBAs.
Objective 2: Establishment of effective forest and inland waters conservation in important biodiversity
areas with effective sustainable financing to support management in the long term.
FIW2.1 Support establishment of Forest and inland waters conservation areas at important
biodiversity areas.
FIW2.2 Improve effective management of existing forest and inland waters conservation areas.
FIW2.3 Support internal significant forest and inland waters to be registered as Ramsar and
heritage sites.
FIW2.4 Establish sustainable financing mechanisms such as payment of ecosystem services,
alternative income generating best practices and national financing mechanisms.
FIW2.5 Increase capacities of government departments and ministries such as Forestry,

Agricultures, DEPC and Biosecurity to carry out their roles and responsibilities in
sustainable management of forest and inland waters
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FOCUS AREA 3: Design and facilitate a nationally implemented forest landscape restoration
(FLR) project in Vanuatu.
Objective FIW3: To reverse trends in deforestation, enhance land degradation neutrality and improve
biodiversity through improved policy support and governance framework, knowledge management and
by implementing a strategic forest landscape restoration project to enable long term ecological recovery
and increased economic benefits for all forest stakeholders.
FIW3.1 National Forest Landscape Restoration plans and strategies developed with wide
stakeholder consultation at island, provincial and local levels based on land tenure
systems.
FIW3.2 Soil fertility is improved through the conduct of soils schools and establishing soil
improvement nurseries that are established and functioning at community level.
FIW3.3 An increase in subsistence or commercial agricultural activities is recorded in areas when
soil fertility has been improved and income from crops are assisting local livelihoods and
food security.
© EDA
Cascades at the proposed East Eden Conservation Area, North Santo
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6.3 STRATEGIC AREA 3: COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT (CME)
Aichi Strategic Focus Area : Safeguard ecosystems, species, genes and improving the status
of biodiversity to support national economy and livelihoods
Aichi Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems,

species and genetic diversity
Aichi Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and at least 10 per cent
of coastal and marine areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are
conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected
systems of protected areas and other effective are-based conservation measures, and integrated into
the wilder landscapes and seascapes.
VANUATU COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS TARGET

1. By 2030, at least 10% of important marine biodiversity areas, and areas of livelihood and
kastom importance are conserved through effective community and government
management areas.
Indicators:
· Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other conserved areas and
locally managed areas in marine areas including sites of particular importance for
biodiversity
· Total number of marine protected areas that are effectively managed based on agreed
national protected area conditions and management effectiveness
· Measurement of ecosystem services and equitable benefits from CAs
· Account for Payment of Ecosystem Service (PES) and other sustainable financing
strategies
· Measure if trends in connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches integrated into
landscapes and seascapes
· Assess impact of coastal developments through EIAs and measures of EIA enforcements
and compliance
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FOCUS AREA CME1: Reduce major threats to Vanuatu’s coastal and marine ecosystems such
overharvesting, reclamation, unsustainable tourism development, natural
disaster impacts, climate change impacts, river dredging and pollution.
Objective CME1: Improve understanding and status of coastal and marine ecosystems through
research, resource assessments, threat identification and mitigation and information management
ACTION PLANS:
CME1.1 Carry out coastal and marine resource inventories, biological rapid assessments and
identify high biodiversity areas, important cultural sites and other sites of national
significance including information on local scale fisheries, conservation area tabu sites,
and locally managed area. Use MACBIO report on Vanuatu’s special, unique marine
areas to inform this work.
CME1.2 Identify root causes of major threats to coastal and marine ecosystems at local and
national level.
CME1.3 Develop and implement a national coastal and marine conservation management plan
to address major threats and, where possible, their root causes.
CME1.4 Promote recommendations of MACBIO coastal and marine ecosystem service valuation
report to government to ensure national budgets and accounting considers and
implement recommendations.
CME1.5 Conduct awareness raising and education at local and national levels on the importance
of conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems.
CME1.6 Capture best practices and lessons learned about improving management of coastal
and marine ecosystems.
CME1.7 Develop and promote partnerships between government, communities and private
sector towards sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems.
CME1.8 Strengthen national mangrove management through legislation, awareness raising,
priority site management and rehabilitation.
CME1.9 Monitor and evaluate effect of coastal developments at different scales including
consideration of cumulative impacts.
FOCUS AREA CME2: Inshore Fisheries Management: strengthen management of coastal

fisheries to reduce overharvesting and destructive fishing methods to
maintain and improve coastal and coral reef ecosystems.
Objective CME2: Scale up successes in sustainable fisheries management in customary fishing

grounds including use of locally managed marine areas tools (e.g. tabus) and put in place supportive
enabling mechanisms.
ACTION PLANS:
CME2.1 Support the development of inshore fisheries management plans at national, provincial
and village levels. Increase production and food security, aquaculture and alternative
livelihoods.
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CME2.2 Promote tools such as the ‘Community Based Adaptive Management’ (CBAM) in
developing integrated community management plans which include managing locally
managed marine areas within customary fishing grounds.
CME2.3 Strengthen science and research in inshore fisheries management including regarding
aquaculture, target species management, licensing, and marine managed areas.
CME2.4 Support the effective establishment of provincial and district level customary and
traditional environment committees to support inshore fisheries management at
provincial level.
CME2.5 Encourage coastal rehabilitation in post-disaster/climate change affected areas.
CME2.6 Promote restrictions on illegal importation of illegal fishing gear.
FOCUS AREA CME3: Integrated Offshore fisheries management

Objective CME3: Improve management of Vanuatu’s marine resources within the EEZ.
CME3.1 Strengthen surveillance, enforcement and monitoring within Vanuatu’s EEZ through
strengthened partnerships with international stakeholders and neighbouring states.
CME3.2 Strengthen, support and secure data and information collation, establish central
repository, for better decision making.
CME3.3 Conduct valuation of offshore marine ecosystem services so that they are properly
accounted for in decision making.
CME3.4 The Government will build on existing spatial planning mechanisms, including traditional
spatial management systems (e.g. tabus), for improving management of maritime space
to achieve economic development, cultural, social and environmental objectives.
CME3.5 Collate and audit existing marine data to determine data gaps.
CME3.6 Map biological information, including biological regions, and existing and possible future
uses of the marine environment by different activities and prioritisation of high
biodiversity areas to establish MPAs and other sustainable use areas.
CME3.7 Facilitate workshops and consultations to evaluate and synthesise the data and to start
generating a Marine Spatial Plan which provides for zoning of Vanuatu’s ocean.
CME3.8 Protected areas within the EEZ, shall be established to ensure the future sustainability
of Vanuatu’s ocean environment and so established on the basis of, inter alia, ecosystem
function, ecological adequacy, representativeness, critical habitats, natural genetic
resources, connectivity and scenic values.
CME3.9 Promote the sustainable development of offshore fisheries for large pelagic species
including through the development of appropriate regulations for the fishery and manage
the fisheries to maximize benefits to Vanuatu.
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Amazing coral formation – Mark and Anne’s Sailing Adventures
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6.4 STRATEGIC AREA 4: SPECIES MANAGEMENT (SM)
Aichi Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding

ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
Aichi Target 12: By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been
prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been
improved and sustained.
Aichi Target 13: By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and
domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well
as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and
implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.
Vanuatu Target
1. By 2030, the conservation status of at least 10 known threatened species has
been improved and sustained, particularly for those most in decline.
Indicators:
· Reduced trend in extinction risks of Vanuatu’s five national priority species.
· Increased trend in population of the five priority threatened species for Vanuatu.
· Increased trends in distribution of the five selected (priority) species.
FOCUS AREA SM1: Establish effective management arrangement for the conservation of
endemic, endangered and culturally important species and habitats.
Objective SM1: To work with local communities, government, non-government organisations, private
sector and research institutions to develop habitat and species management plans and ensure relevant
conservation measures are in place.
ACTION PLANS:
SM1.1 Conservation of forest in the area of Homo Bay and Ranwas in South Pentecost (high
species diversity and vulnerable).
SM1.2 Document and describe remnant vegetation on Tanna and work with TAFEA and
interested landowners to establish an appropriate conservation plan.
SM1.3 Establish a conservation plan for the Petaview catchment on Epi.
SM1.4 Prepare conservation and rehabilitation plans for mangroves on Malekula, Efate, Moso,
Emau, Emae, Aneityum, Tanna, Santo and Vanua Lava.
SM1.5 Manage the catchment of Creek Ai, Efate, to protect its high biodiversity value.
SM1.6 Royal Parrot-finch, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Vanuatu Flying Fox and Megapode - work
with chiefs, community leaders and landholders of the Shefa Province to encourage the
protection of the birds and their habitat by raising awareness of the rarity of these birds
and their limited distribution.
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SM1.7 Flying Foxes on Mota Lava –raise awareness of the Mota Lava community that it is the
only island supporting four species of flying foxes. Encourage chief, community leaders
and landholders to manage the flying foxes and the habitat by implementing
conservation site/s and delivering information and education.
SM1.8 Crocodile on Vanua Lava – Facilitate local monitoring of the crocodile population.
Prepare a management plan that considers the needs of the local people, financial
resources and international scientific concerns.
SM1.9 Conservation of coconut crab habitat on Hui, Tegua, Loh, Toga Linua and Metoma in
the Torres Group.
SM1.10 Conservation of bat roosting caves and feeding areas on Malo, northwest Malekula,
Vanua Lava, Santo and Efate.
SM1.11 Support the implementation of the Lake Letas management plan noting that it is a
registered CCA, one of the national wetland sites as well as the first Ramsar Site for
Vanuatu.
SM1.12 Conservation of Megapode bird (Namalau) on Tongoa, Ambrym, Efate and Epi.
SM1.13 Conservation of Collared Petrel on Tanna and Vanua Lava, and of the Vanuatu petrel
on Vanua Lava.
SM1.14 Conservation of natural stands of Carpoxylon macrospermum on the islands where they
exist.
SM1.15 Conservation of Anietyum Skink (Emoia aneityumensis).
SM1.16 Conservation of the six hot spots (IUCN Red list/ CBF Ecosystem profile): Aneityum,
Futuna, Tanna, Tongoa Laika Island Santo Mountain Range, Gaua (Banks).
SM1.17 Conservation of leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles (Aneityum, Tanna, Erromango,
Efate and offshore islands, Epi, Malekula, Santo, Malo, Aore, Gaua, Vanua Lava,
Ureparapara and Torres Groups).
SM1.18 Conservation of dugongs (sea grass areas on Aneityum, Efate, Epi, Malekula, Vanua
Lava, Santo, Gaua and Vanua Lava).
FOCUS AREA SM2: Establish data collection and storage systems for endemic, endangered,
threatened and critical species.
Objective SM2: To establish, maintain and update the National Resource Inventory (NRI) database for
all species and their status and link to other relevant global databases..
SM2.1 Conduct appropriate research to develop resource inventory on terrestrial (including
insects) and freshwater/marine biodiversity and establish NRI database.
SM2.2 Link the NRI database to Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) and other
databases to support MEAS, UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC such as the Vanuatu
CCCD national information system maintained by DEPC in collaboration with relevant
stakeholders.
SM2.3 Undertake conservation management-oriented research on prioritised species that are
threatened or exploited for cultural/subsistence and economic purposes.
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SM2.4 Explore potential sustainable use of non-threatened and endangered species in
collaboration with Conservation Officers, tourism, customs, biosecurity and community
representatives -
SM2.5 Develop a national biodiversity database at DEPC of all species; classifying level of
significance and status (IUCN Red List). The database must be accessible to all
stakeholders inclusive but not limited to government, non-government organisations,
and private business and communities.
SM2.6 Draw up an appropriate framework and mechanism for identifying, monitoring and
documenting the status of rare and endangered species.
FOCUS AREA SM3: Decrease in trade of endangered and threatened species

Objective SM3a: To assist in improving enforcement of border control and monitoring, and increase
support and capacity for enforcement and monitoring of EPC Act and CITES.
ACTION PLANS:
SM 3.1 Formalise relationships/collaborations with border control and enforcement authorities
through memoranda of understanding (Biosecurity, Customs, Border control and
DEPC).
SM 3.2 Empower authorised officers from DEPC, Customs, Border control and Biosecurity, to
enforce EPC related Acts effectively.
Objective SM3b: To increase capacity for enforcement of the International Trade of Flora and Fauna
Act 1989 and its regulations, and increase monitoring of endangered protected species.
ACTION PLANS:
SM 3.3 Quarterly surveillance of markets, traders etc. by trained and gazetted officers under the
International Trade (Flora and Fauna) Act No. 56 of 1989 [Cap 210].
SM 3.4 Review all native species and other related provisions in the International Trade (Flora
and Fauna) Act No. 56 of 1989 [Cap 210].
SM 3.5 Establish administrative responsibilities and strengthen capacity within relevant line
ministries and authorities.
SM 3.6 Appoint of authorised officers under International Trade (Flora and Fauna) Act No. 56 of
1989 [Cap 210].
SM 3.7 Establish an effective electronic CITES permitting system to manage and ease annual
reporting.
FOCUS AREA SM4: Extend Government contribution to conservation activities at community
levels
Objective SM4: To develop mechanisms for facilitating community feedback to DEPC on management
of species of special concern.
ACTION PLANS:
SM4.1 Increase DEPC representation/participation/presentation at islands and provincial
governance mechanisms and forums and private sectors.
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SM4.2 Develop a reporting mechanism in collaboration with Provincial Councils and other user
groups such tourists, farmers and others.
SM 4.3 Increase resources to support communities to annually report to DEPC on their CCA
activities.
Endemic Vanuatu Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus tannensis.
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6.5 STRATEGIC AREA 5: MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE Alien SPECIES (MIAS)
Aichi Strategic Goal B. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote
sustainable use
Aichi Target 9: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and
prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to
manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.
Vanuatu Goal (from NISSAP)

“Yumi ol man Vanuatu I mas wok tugeta blong lukaotem gud envaeromen blong yumi
long ol rabis sik blong ol animol mo ol plant, ol rabis kras, wud, rop mo ol animol we I
stap afektem laef blo yumi mo hem ya we I no stap yet long Vanuatu blong mekem se
yumi save stap gud” - Vanuatu NISSAP.
To facilitate and guide the protection of the pristine biodiversity and livelihoods of
Vanuatu from impacts of invasive alien species through strong collaboration.
Vanuatu Target
1. By 2030 Vanuatu’s invasive alien species and pathways are identified and
prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in
place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.
2. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining current status of native species,
improving border control, developing inter-island biosecurity programmes, IAS
eradication and control.
3. Communities’ understanding and knowledge on invasive alien species is
increased.
Indicators:
· Assessment and measure of impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity
and food security.
· Impact of policy responses, legislation and management plans to control and
prevent spread of invasive alien species.
· Required information and data on invasive alien species are available.
· National government commitment through financing of management of IAS.
· Level of invasive alien species understanding increased.
· More improve legal frameworks and policies are available.
· International border control system improved and internal quarantine system
established.
· Invasive alien species population density are reduced.
· The population density of invasive species in Conservation Areas are reduced.
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Definition: Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are defined by the CBD as organisms found outside
their native geographical ranges that have spread and become invasive in their new habitats
and cause harm to biodiversity and other things that humans value. IAS include a wide range
of weeds, vertebrate and invertebrate animals and micro-organism sand diseases that
constitute a “living pollution” just as serious, but often harder to prepare for and recover from
than natural disasters, overexploitation, environmental degradation and economic
downturns. It should be noted that some indigenous, non-alien, organisms can, given
environmental degradation or change, also become invasive.
Invasive alien species are a major threat to agriculture, tourism and biodiversity and ecosystem
services, and increasing trade and travel means that this threat is likely to increase unless additional
action is taken. Pathways for the introduction of invasive alien species can be managed through
improved border controls and quarantine, including through better coordination with national and
regional bodies responsible for plant and animal health.
Given the multiple pathways for invasive alien species introductions and that multiple alien species are
already present in many countries in the region, it will be necessary to prioritise control and eradication
efforts on those species and pathways which will have the greatest impact on biodiversity and/or which
are the most resource effective to address. While well-developed and globally-applicable indicators are
lacking, some basic methodologies do exist which can serve as a starting point for further monitoring
or provide baseline information.
Many introduced species have been found to be invasive and pose threats to Vanuatu’s native flora
and fauna. These include Cordia allidora (Cordia), Panicum maximum (Elephant Grass), Cycling sp.
(Agriculture Rope), the freshwater fish Gampusia sp. (Gampusia), Oreochromis sp. (Tilapia) and
Poecilia sp., Acridothere tristis (Indian Mynah Bird), Euglandina rosea (Predatory Snail). The Vanuatu
NISSAP 2014-2020 identifies 20 national priority species for focus on management, control and
eradication. These species were brought to Vanuatu for commercial cultivation, biological control
purposes or as curiosities or pets. Once in Vanuatu, species are spread from one island to another for
similar reasons.
Travel within the Vanuatu group is increasing rapidly too and there is a need for measures to be
introduced to prevent the spread of invasive alien species within Vanuatu’s 80+ islands. Currently there
is only very limited awareness of internal quarantine requirements and this is confined to species of
agricultural or economic significance; biodiversity values are not included. Biodiversity issues need to
be very thoroughly evaluated in the licencing of introduced plants and in biocontrol programmes.
The NISSAP outlines key invasive alien species, their pathways of introduction and possible ways of
controlling future introductions.
The actions below mirror the Vanuatu National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP)
2014-2020. Note that the NISSAP generally uses the term “invasive species” (IS) rather than “invasive
alien species”. The terms are used interchangeably here in the NBSAP.
FOCUS AREA MIAS1: Building a strong foundation for effective invasive alien species
management
Objective MIAS1a: To increase understanding of the impacts of priority invasive alien species on
biodiversity, economies, livelihoods and health and actions to manage them are supported.
ACTION PLANS:
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MIAS 1.1 Raise awareness and carry out outreach on impacts of IAS on biodiversity, economy,
health and cultural values.
MIAS 1.2 Develop community focused education awareness resources and materials for the wider
public.
MIAS 1.3 Develop syllabus in schools on IAS.
MIAS 1.4 Develop materials on marine invasive alien species of most threat to Vanuatu.
MIAS 1.5 Develop Island-specific materials as part of inter-island biosecurity management.
MIAS 1.6 Encourage collaboration in the management of IAS between Vanuatu and other regional
countries and institutions.
Objective MIAS1b: To build capacity and develop institutions, skills, infrastructure, technical support,
information management, networks, and exchanges required to manage IAS effectively.
ACTION PLANS:
MIAS 1.7 Establish a Vanuatu IAS national committee to provide overall coordination of IAS work
and initiatives in Vanuatu.
MIAS 1.8 Upgrade national invasive alien species database and make it accessible for public
viewing and information input.
MIAS 1.9 Identify knowledge gaps and prioritise terrestrial, freshwater and marine invasive alien
species surveys for Vanuatu.
MIAS 1.10 Collect baseline data for terrestrial, aquatic and marine invasives.
MIAS 1.11 Put in place an IAS Information review process to continually assess capacity, skills,
information and research gaps.
MIAS 1.12 Identify training and capacity needs and develop and implement training programmes
for key invasives management issues such as inter-island and border control biosecurity.
MIAS 1.13 Encourage environmental science studies for Ni-Vanuatu students.
MIAS 1.14 Provide training for harbour masters, custom officers and other port staff on identifying
invasive species issues associated with shipping and border controls.
MIAS 1.15 Provide training to community leaders to identify invasive alien species in the
communities.
MIAS 1.16 Upgrade government and NGO technical skills and knowledge on management of
invasive alien species.
MIAS 1.17 Advocate for the establishment of a Melanesian IAS council in partnership with the
Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) with support by the Vanuatu Government.
Objective MIAS1c: To ensure appropriate policies, legislations, protocols and procedures are in place
and operating to underpin the effective management of IAS.
ACTION PLANS:
MIAS 1.18 Enact the current draft Biosecurity Bill and translate it into local language.
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MIAS 1.19 Include management of invasive alien species in Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and
Fisheries Acts.
MIAS 1.20 Amend the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act to include additional
regulations on IAS and regulations of importation of new organisms that are a risk to the
environment.
MIAS 1.21 Revise national regulations (DEPC) and the provincial legislation for DEPC Act to
override provincial laws and by-laws.
MIAS 1.22 Amend legislation (e.g Ports Act) to address management of ballast water, ship cleaning
and the use of anti-fouling paints in line with international conventions.
MIAS 1.23 Revise and update NISSAP.
MIAS 1.24 Develop island or province-based regulations to assist inter-island biosecurity

programmes.
MIAS 1.25 Enforce current livestock regulations to prevent cattle spreading weed and seeds
between islands.
MIAS 1.26 Revise Public Works Departmetn policy and legislation for clean machinery for new
roads developments and inter-island movements.
FOCUS AREA MIAS2: Establish national baselines and monitoring of IAS in Vanuatu.
Objective MIAS2a: Systems are in place to generate baseline information on the status and the
distribution of invasive alien species, detect trends and emerging impacts.
ACTION PLANS:
MIAS 2.1 Identify priority islands (e.g Malekula, Santo) to carry out surveys to identify full range of
priority IAS at initial stages and then target all islands.
MIAS 2.2 Carry our surveys to delimit priority IAS such as fire-ants, climbing vines (Merremia
peltata), including others.
MIAS 2.3 Develop an invasive alien species alert system for Vanuatu.
MIAS 2.4 Secure sustainable funding mechanisms for surveillance, monitoring and enforcement.
Objective MIAS2b: Improve research and knowledge for priority IAS biology and impacts and
development of effective management techniques.
ACTION PLANS:
MIAS 2.5 Assess and review existing national response framework.

MIAS 2.6 Develop control programmes for priority invasive alien species.
MIAS 2.7 Train government and NGOs on management aspects of IAS.
MIAS 2.8 Secure adequate financial and technical resources for management of invasive alien
species.
MIAS 2.9 Develop protocols which require an EIA by an independent body before the introduction
of exotic species, in line with theEPC Act.
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FOCUS AREA MIAS 3: Improve management of established Invasive Alien Species
Objective MIAS 3: To eliminate or reduce and manage impact of priority established invasive alien
species by eradication or control.
ACTION PLANS:
MIAS 3.1 Control/eradicate little fire ants and other invasive ants’ species at priority sites following
surveys.
MIAS 3.2 Control Mynah to reduce range on locations where control is still feasible on Malekula if
recommended following surveys.
MIAS 3.3 Implement biocontrol for African tulip tree when programme and bio-control agent is
available.
MIAS 3.4 Encourage spreading of established bio-control agents onto other islands and locations.
MIAS 3.5 Develop biocontrol options for further priority weeds (as part of Melanesian sub-region
projects).
MIAS 3.6 Encourage and support the local community to eradicate Hyptis brevipes currently found
at confined manageable areas on islands.
MIAS 3.7 Include IAS management in protected areas management plans and control priority
invasives identified in additions to Merremia, pigs, cats and dogs.
MIAS 3.8 Dispatch of clean machinery by PWD for new road developments to prevent spreading
of invasives
MIAS 3.9 Disseminate implementation of control protocol to rural communities.
MIAS 3.10 Develop an IAS Management model for community management of Merremia peltata.
MIAS 3.11 Restore sites and biodiversity after IAS management occurs.
MIAS 3.12 Strengthen IAS related policies and legislations to support effective eradication,
introduction on new invasive alien species and inter-island introduction of invasive alien
species.
©M.Bethel
Invasion of Meremia peltata in Forari, Efate
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6.6 STRATEGIC AREA 6: MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY ACROSS SECTORS AND
SOCIETY (MB)
Aichi Strategic Goal A. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming
biodiversity across government and society
Target 4: By 2020, at the latest, Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken
steps to achieve or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have
kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits.
Vanuatu Target
1. By 2020, government has put in place relevant legislations and policies and Access and
Benefit-Sharing (ABS) protocols to support NBSAP implementation; businesses and
production sectors are adopting Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan; and
stakeholders at all levels have taken steps and implemented plans for sustainable production
and consumption.
Indicators:
· Trends in population and extinction risk of utilised species, including species in trade.
· Trends in ecological footprint and/or related concepts.
· Ecological limits assessed in terms of sustainable production and consumption.
· Trends in biodiversity of cities (decision X/22).
· Trends in extent to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated into
organisational accounting and reporting.
Bringing the use of natural resources within safe ecological limits will be an integral part of Vanuatu’s
NBSAP. Reducing total demand and increasing resource use and energy efficiency contribute to the
target which can be pursued through government regulations and/or incentives, education and
research, and social and corporate responsibility. Mainstreaming will be achieved through dialogue
among sectors and stakeholders, supported by planning tools such as strategic environmental impact
assessment and economic tools, such as incentive measures, that integrate biodiversity issues.
Initially, process indicators, such as the establishment of plans with clear and measurable targets and
the presence of strategic environmental impact assessment or similar assessment tools, would be the
main indicators to monitor progress towards this goal. A further possible indicator is the number of
companies (or their market share) with polices for biodiversity-friendly practices. One relevant outcome
indicator is the ecological footprint (and related concepts) for which baseline data is available.
Sustainable Development Goals and Policies 2016-2030 environment goals and policy objectives which
are:
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ENVIRONMENT 1: A nation that ensures our food and nutrition security needs are adequately met by
all people through increasing sustainable food production
ENVIRONMENT 2: An economy which fosters sustainable growth and development through low impact
industries and modern technologies to ensure the well-being of future
generations systems
ENVIRONMENT 3: A strong and resilient nation in the face of climate change and risks posed by
hazards and natural disasters and improving household production
ENVIRONMENT 4: A nation which utilises and sustainably manages our land, water and natural
resources
ENVIRONMENT 5: A nation committed to ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of
our biodiversity and ecosystems.
FOCUS AREA EEM1: Strengthen legal, policy and institutional frameworks that support
implementation of Vanuatu’s NBSAP.
Objective EEM1a: Ensure environment and related policy frameworks are in place.
ACTION PLANS:
MB 1.1 Carry out the review of environment-related Acts, Regulations and Environment Policies.
MB 1.2 Establish and strengthen an effective and efficient enforcement system of environment
laws at national, provincial and local levels.
MB 1.3 Increase public awareness on environment related Acts, Regulations and Policies.
MB 1.4 Increase political awareness and will to support environmental good governance and
implementation.
MB 1.5 Carry out an institutional and capacity building assessment of the environment sector
and develop an institutional development strategy to support NBSAP implementation.
MB 1.6 Strengthen enforcement and identify gaps for effective implementation of EIA
guidelines/standards and strengthen national capacities of EIA practitioners and
enforcement officers.
FOCUS AREA EEM2: Strengthen application and operationalisation of the Nagoya Protocol on
Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in Vanuatu.
Objective EEM2a: Strengthen inter-agency collaboration to put in appropriate ABS policies, legislations
and institutional arrangements for Vanuatu and strengthen links at regional level for lesson learning and
to support regional mechanisms.
ACTION PLANS:
MB2.1 Define the overall ABS strategy, policies and action plan for Vanuatu.
MB2.2 Put in place the appropriate ABS regulation in Vanuatu including review of existing
Environmental Protection and Conservation (EPC) Act to cover ABS.
MB2.3 Establish institutional arrangements and assignment of role and responsibilities within
national institutional landscape to implement ABS.
MB2.4 Review and define procedures and rules for access to traditional knowledge, to protect
the rights of indigenous and local communities and to ensure equitable sharing of
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benefits such as Prior Informed Conscent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).
MB2.5 Work at regional level with other countries and partners to define common level of ABS
arrangements, e.g. model laws, guidelines and principles.
MB2.6 Integrate an education and awareness programme on ABS through government

ministries, NGOs, schools and provincial government.
MB2.7 Compile an inventory of all ABS-related industries or biotrade industries and strengthen
partnership and awareness on ABS related activities.
Objective MB2b: Review and put in place appropriate protocols and procedures for different ABS
related activities.
ACTION PLANS:
MB2.8 Strengthen role of the competent authority, focal point and National Biodiversity
Advisory Council1 established under EPC Act to review protocols and procedures of
ABS.
MB 2.9 DevelopABS contract agreements, interim guidelines, negotiation procedures and
legal/customary protocols in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol and the
Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture Act.
MB2.10 Establish national and regional networks amongst research stakeholders
(researchers, food security, medicinal, bio-prospecting, community interests
including government, NGO's, private sector and community groups).
MB2.11 Organise awareness raising amongst government departments, divisions and
provincial level workshops on ABS for stakeholders and facilitate site/field visits
where appropriate.
MB2.12 Establish benefit sharing mechanism (e.g. Trust Fund) for ABS and strengthen
availability of resources towards the conservation of biological diversity.
MB 2.13 Establish and strengthen administrative systems/procedures for ABS agreement
negotiations between the government and relevant Mutually Agreed Terms (MATs)
and other relevant agreements.
1
Has been established, known as the National Biodiversity Advisory Council.Represented by Dept of Forest, Dept of
Agriculture, Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Dept of Fisheries, Dept of foreign affairs and DEPC. Other relevant agencies are invited
based on the nature of a research application. This body is established under the EPC Act.
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THE BIOSAFETY ISSUE
Biological diversity represents the very foundation on which biotechnology could thrive and flourish.
Through biotechnology, important advances for the use of genetic and biological resources can be made
for the economic development of nations and for human well-being, as well as for our understanding of
the living world. Biotechnology may thus aid in assessing and monitoring the biological diversity upon
which human life and existence depend.
Because of the potential for great benefits from biotechnology, its use is increasing rapidly and questions
about its possible adverse impacts on human health and the environment have been raised. Of
particular concern are the questions regarding the capacity of existing regulatory approaches and
institutions to effectively address issues related to safety in biotechnological research, development and
application, world-wide.
Capacity building for safety in biotechnology, particularly in developing countries, has thus been
accorded high priority. It requires concerted and co-ordinated global efforts by all stakeholders at the
national, subregional, regional and global levels.
Although Vanuatu has not acceded to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, efforts are under way to
address this.
©D. Kalfatak ©Vanuatu CB2 Project
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6.7 STRATEGIC AREA 7: RESOURCE MOBILISATION
FOR THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN
Aichi Target 20: By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for
effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2011-2020 from all sources and in accordance
with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should
increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes
contingent to resources needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties.
At COP 11, October 2012, the parties agreed to include resource mobilisation into the
NBSAP reviews and endeavored to include biodiversity in their national priorities or
development plans by 2015. This to include assess/evaluate the intrinsic, ecological,
genetic, socioeconomic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values
of biological diversity and its components.
There is no greater challenge for the NBSAP than locating adequate funding for biodiversity
management. Current funding for biodiversity conservation is from two principal sources:
1. Government’s annual departmental budget; and

2. Donor assistance.
The NBSAP envisages a major ‘step-change’ from the current predominantly passive
approach based on resource management for extractive purposes with little inherent
biodiversity management capacity, to an active, ‘hands on’ management with adequate
domestic technical capacity.
Experience with the national environment strategies and plans has shown that although
Government may endorse a strategy, it is most unlikely to have funds available to initiate
actions other than provide administrative frameworks. This situation is expected to continue
for the NBSAP. The majority of the funding can, therefore, be expected to come initially from
donor assistance with government providing a more active funding role in the medium term.
Significant problems which arise as a result of an undue reliance on donor assistance are:
· A lack of continuity in funding and inability to provide recurrent expenditure (i.e.
lease-rental and/or management of protected areas; CITES implementation;
threatened species management; invasive species management etc.);
· Donors are inevitably selective in their choice of projects and their priorities may not
coincide with those of the Government;
· Undue reliance on expatriate technical specialists;
· A lack of flexibility or the ability to meet changing circumstances or emergency
situations;
· Government neglecting its funding role because of availability of project funding; and
· Sustainability of donor funded projects.
In these circumstances, the NBSAP envisages the Government’s main initial contribution
will be:
· To endorse the NBSAP as Government’s policy on biodiversity planning and
management;
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· Put in place the required legislative and administrative framework;
· To develop a national capacity for biodiversity management with trained specialists;
and
· Address the issues of a rapidly increasing requirement for recurrent funding for
biodiversity management.
Financial mechanisms other than trust funds, projects and increased government allocation
have also been used by certain countries. Examples of such alternative initiatives are given
in Box 5.4. Some of these initiatives have been used to raise funds for a trust, others
become part of Government revenue. Some or all of these initiatives may be appropriate
in Vanuatu. Certainly for a country with a growing foreign exchange earner is tourism, a
sector which cannot exist in the absence of a clean, green and unspoilt environment, a
tourist tax would appear to be appropriate. Similarly, the growing dive industry may need
to support a Dive Tax, part of which could be used to increase the participation of Ni-
Vanuatu communities.
Developing the user pays principle, water and hydroelectricity users could well be expected
to pay for the preservation of the catchments from whence they derive their source of water.
Target: The Ministry of Finanace will need to set realistic annual budgetary targets and
DEPC to do 3 yearly resource mobilization plan based on realistic NBSAP Actions
& Targets.
Indicators
· Indicator 1: Aggregated financial flows, in the amount and where relevant
percentage, of biodiversity related funding, per annum, for achieving the Vanuatu
NBSAP National Targets
· Indicator 2: Number of assessments values of biodiversity in accordance with
CBD,
· Indicator 3: Identified and reported funding needs, gaps and priorities.
· Indicator 4: Developed National Financial Plans for Biodiversity.
· Indicator 5: Amount of national financial support, per annum, in respect of those
national activities which are intended to achieve the objectives of NBSAP.
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FOCUS AREA RM1: Stakeholder engagement, awareness, ecosystem valuation, assessments
and mapping.
Objective RM1a: To increase understading and buy-in from relevant government, NGOs,
implementing partners and communities on the resource mobilisation approach,
methodology and action plan.
ACTIONS:
RM1.1: Organise stakeholder engagement to consider biodiversity and ecosystem services to

be the key priority areas for economic valuation and assessments.
RM1.2: Carry out ecosystem assessments, mapping, indicators and valuation for each focal
areas
RM1.3: Carry out capacity building activities to equip actors with necessary skills to carry out
value-based actions e.g tools to gather information on biodiversity and ecosystem
advising them on how to incorporate biodiversity and ecosystem service values into their
business plans make economic and financial sense.
RM1.4: Engage funders strategically and identify key sectors benefitting from biodiversity and
ecosystem service values who are primary users, how will they benefit from investing in
biodiversity ecosystem services and what ongoing financial mechanism are available to
secure sustained funding
RM1.5: Assess financial flows associated with drivers of biodiversity loss such as harmful
incentives, and how they can be influenced to reduce their impact.
RM 1.6 Conduct annual stakeholders’ meeting to discuss budget and report on progress of
NBSAP species component implementation. Species conservation implementation to
include enforcement roles of the relevant authorities e.g. biosecurity.
RM 1.7 Establish a conservation trust fund to be managed by DEPC under government

budgetary process.
FOCUS AREA RM2: Development of Vanuatu NBSAP Resource Mobilisation Plan

Objective RM2: Develop Resource mobilisation plan using best available data and scenario
development
ACTIONS:
RM2.1 Conduct an ecosystem service mapping to assess state and trend in ecosystem service
provision and human well-being, to provide spatial quantification of ecosystem services
and their values
RM2.2 Conduct economic valuation of ecosystems and biodiversity using variety of economic
valuation methods to determine monetary value of biodiversity i.e direct market valuation
approaches, revealed preferences and stated preference approaches.
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RM2.3 Assess the cost of NBSAP strategies and action, identify financial gaps and identify and
scale up finance mechanism.
RM2.4 Integrate values of biodiversity and ecosystems into national accounting frameworks
using the Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) conceptual framework of public expenditure
review, pressure-state-response, scenario development and comparison and root cause
analysis.
RM2.5 Develop a Vanuatu Resource Mobilisation plan to include policy and institutional
analysis, expenditure review, strategies, actions and costs, projected future states with
investments, opportunities for mobilisation of resources, making a case of for biodiversity
investments and consolidate resource mobilisation plan with finance mechanism, actors
and timelines.
RM2.6 Integrate resource mobilisation plans into national plans and identify national synergies
and entry points.
©D.Kalfatak
Traditional use of biodiversity. Point Cross custom dancers, South Pentecost
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7.0 ACTION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
The Vanuatu NBSAP Implementation Framework is in two parts. The first is the implementation of each
strategic area and the second is the provincial implementation plans.
7.1 THE NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
The implementation plan below outlines
Strategic Area 1: Conservation Areas Management

Strategic Area 2: Forest and Inland Waters Ecosystems Conservation and Management
Strategic Area 3: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Conservation and Management
Strategic Area 4: Species and Genetic Diversity Conservation
Strategic Area 5: Invasive Species Eradication and Control
Strategic Area 6: Mainstreaming Biodiversity across sectors and society
Strategic Area 7: Resource Mobilisation
Strategic Area 1: Conservation Areas Management

TARGET
1. By 2030, representative examples of at least 17% of terrestrial and 10% of coastal and marine areas
to support 100% of local communities’ livelihoods and kastom importance are conserved through
effective community and government management measures.
2. By 2020, there are 10 legally registered CCAs and 50% of CCAs are effectively supported and
managed in Vanuatu.
3. By 2030, 90% of CCA management committees are complying with their reporting obligations to
DEPC (NEPIP, 2016).
4. Targets for conservation areas set in provincial strategic plans are achieved.
INDICATORS:
· Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other effective conserved areas and
locally managed areas in terrestrial and marine areas including sites of particular importance for
biodiversity.
· Percentage of terrestrial and marine protected areas that are effectively managed based on agreed
national and international protected area conditions and management effectiveness.
· Measure of ecosystem service values and equity of benefits from CAs.
· Level of connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches with broader landscapes and
seascapes.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT
FOCUS AREA OBJECTIVES ACTIONS SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES COMPLETED LEAD
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CA1.1: Carry out gap · Carry out terrestrial/ 2018-2021 DoF
CA1: Expanded Objective analysis and forest ecosystem DEPC
National CA1a: To carry prioritisation in inventory in identify key
Representative out marine, terrestrial, marine and biodiversity areas.
Network of
terrestrial and inland waters
Conservation 2019 VFD
inland waters ecosystems to identify · Use Vanuatu Bioregions
Areas in DEPC
biodiversity key biodiversity areas for and SUMA data report
Marine, DoL
rapid biodiversity protection as a baseline to verify
Terrestrial and DGMWR
Inland Waters assessment, to meet our national and ground truth
inventories targets. inventory actions for
and threat inshore, coral,
identification, mangrove, offshore
gap analyses Species, habitats and
and ecosystems of Key
prioritisation Marine Biodiversity
to guide the Areas in the marine
development 2018-2024 DGMWR
environment.
of a national · Carry out gap analysis DEPC
representative and prioritisation in in-
network of land water ecosystem to
CAs. identify key biodiversity
areas.
CA1.2: Analyse and map Map out wetland sites, 2018-2022 DEPC
the occurrence and national Key Biodiversity DoL
status of all existing Areas (KBA) and existing
conservation areas, effective
including their protected/conservation
governance structures. areas.
CA1.3: Prioritise key Carry out assessment on 2018 - 2020 DEPC

biodiversity areas for animal and plant species
focal species, that are threatened in CAs
species/groups, habitats and protect their habitats.
and important ecological
connectivity and
processes.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CA1.4: Identify sites that Develop map that outlines 2018-2030 DoL
CA1: Expanded Objective CA1a: can achieve not just social and economic sites Relevant
National To carry out biodiversity conservation for example, fisheries, Agencies
Representative marine, terrestrial
but also social and culture and heritage,
Network of and inland waters
economic outcomes to agriculture, timber
Conservation biodiversity rapid
Areas in assessment, do with, for example, resources, watershed
Marine, inventories and fisheries, culture and protection, sustainable
Terrestrial and threat heritage, agriculture, tourism and other sites that
Inland Waters identification, gap timber resources, hold a value.
analyses and watershed protection,
prioritisation to sustainable tourism, to
guide the ensure they provide
development of a
benefits to local people.
national
representative
network of CAs.
CA1.5: Conduct a Update the VANRIS 2018-2025 DoL

Objective CA1b: national planning database to outline the
To develop and process to develop a CA national planning areas for
apply an action and R2R CAs using field
implementation implementation plan for verification methods.
plan to meet land, marine and inland
Vanuatu’s CA waters.
targets in
CA1.6: Develop priority Review, update and map 2018-2025 DEPC
terrestrial,
biodiversity areas maps Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA)
marine and
for terrestrial, marine on important terrestrial and
inland waters
and inland waters. marine areas.
protected areas
systems. CA1.7: Describe the Review and update Vanuatu 2018-2024 DEPC
entirety of Vanuatu’s Wetlands Directory.
natural terrestrial,
coastal and marine
environment as a basis
for selecting ecologically
representative areas.
CA 1.8: Develop Carry out terrestrial 2018-2030 DEPC

terrestrial protected protected areas typology.
DoF
area typologies.
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FOCUS OBJECTIVES ACTIONS SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES COMPLETED LEAD
AREA BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CA 1.9: Describe Develop protected area maps 2018 DEPC
CA1: Objective protected area design according to their placements
Expanded CA1b: To criteria to guide and thematic areas.
National develop and placement of different
Representativ
apply an types of protected areas.
e Network of
implementatio
Conservation
n plan to meet
Areas in
Marine, Vanuatu’s CA
Terrestrial targets in
and Inland terrestrial,
Waters marine and
inland waters
protected
areas systems.
FOCUS AREA Objective CA2.1: Adoption of a Review and update existing 2018-2025 DEPC &
CA2: Improve CA2a: Develop national 100% target to policies and corporate plans NBSAP
Information a national support all communities, with all NBSAP Stakeholders and Stakeholde
Management
information provinces and districts in Provincial Governments. rs
and
system, Vanuatu through
Monitoring
Conservation
database and government policies,
Area monitoring provincial endorsements
Management framework for and supported by
Effectiveness Vanuatu’s CAs national sector
and Practice. to assess the strategies and plans.
management
CA2.2: Use some of the Showcase all existing role 2018 - 2019 DEPC
effectiveness
Conservation Areas as model Conservation Areas like;
of CAs, and
role models whether
promote Vatthe, Penoru, Eden Hope,
they are formally
adaptive Loru, Kerepua, President
registered or not
management. Coolidge, other Sunset Network
CCAs and other potential CCAs.
CA2.3: Monitor and Carry out CCA Annual Reports Ongoing DEPC
evaluate protected areas on management of Community
to ensure they are Conservation Areas (CCA) on an
effective and are annual basis.
achieving their core
objectives.
CA2.4: Ensure Providemonitoring and Ongoing DEPC

monitoring and evaluation information to
evaluation is fed into the include in the national CA
national CA network network plans.
plans for learning and
adaptive management.
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AREA BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objectives CA2.5: For each priority Setup co-management Ongoing DEPC
CA2: Improve CA2b: To CA, establish arrangement for outstanding
Information develop opportunities for existing registered and effective
Management
context mutually beneficial co- managed CCAs.
and
specific co- management
Monitoring
Conservation
management arrangements, which
Area plans, takes into account and
Management recognising builds upon good
Effectiveness both informal governance practices
and Practice. and formal CA where they exist.
sites at
national,
CA2.6: Ensure at each CA Engage local communities to Ongoing DEPC
provincial and
there are wide participate in discussions with
local level.
participatory discussions key stakeholders to consider co-
with local communities management for their CAs.
and key stakeholders to
discuss opportunities for
co-management.
CA2.7: Build capacity at · Deploy Provincial 2018-2020 DEPC

all levels, with strong Environment Officers to work
focus on supporting with local communities and
provincial and district support implementation of
level committees to PAs.
implement PAs. · Provide training to building
2018-2025 DEPC
capacity of provincial and
district level committees to
implement PAs.
CA2.8: Apply, as NBSAP Stakeholders to 2018-2030 DEPC

appropriate, a diversity recognise Indigenous and Relevant
of governance Community Conserved Areas Agencies
arrangements that (ICCA) in relevant policies and
include recognition of national legislations.
Indigenous and
Community Conserved
Areas (ICCA) through
national legislation or
other effective means of
formal inclusion in the
national systems.
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AREA BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objectives CA2.9: Coordination Promote sustainable use of Ongoing DEPC
CA2: Improve CA2c: : To between relevant resources and livelihood Relevant
Information maintain the natural resource activities by natural resources Agencies
Management
integrity of PA management sectors management sectors to support
and
networks by such as environment and conservation area management
Monitoring
Conservation
ensuring they conservation, and systems.
Area are recognised agriculture, forestry,
Management and supported fisheries, biosecurity and
Effectiveness by other tourism sector specific
and Practice. sectors sustainable natural
including in resource management
the National activities to support CA
Sustainable management and
Development systems.
Plan and other
government
policies and CA2.10: Incorporate CA Implement relevant policy 2018-2030 DEPC
frameworks. planning (both marine, objectives of Environment Pillar Relevant
inland waters and in the National Sustainable Agencies
terrestrial) within Development Plan (NSDP).
broader national
planning exercises
including spatial
planning and
frameworks such as the
National Sustainable
Development Plan.
CA2.11: Assess the value Carry out periodic assessments 2018-2030 DEPC
and contribution of to determine the value and
Protected Areas to contribution of Pas and CCAs to
national and local national and local economies to
economies and to achieving SDGs.
achieving the SDGs.
CA2.12: Develop a Develop and regularly update Ongoing DEPC

Conservation Registry national CCA database
and regularly update this.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS Objective CA3.1: Calculate Conduct study on financial costs 2018-2025 DEPC
AREA CA3: CA3: To financial costs for for management of CA network
Develop establish managing a representative.
Sustainable sustainable comprehensive and
Finance financing representative CA
Mechanism mechanisms to network for Vanuatu’s
for new and support the land, sea and
Existing establishment, freshwater, including
management
Protected establishment as well as
and long-term
Areas. long term-management
effectiveness
costs.
of protected
areas. CA3.2: Identify Review working 2018-2022 DoF
innovative sustainable documents/papers and existing
financing mechanisms to PA financing initiatives to
support the establish national PA financing
establishment and mechanisms.
management of CAs in
Vanuatu. These may
include initiatives such
as green tax, tax benefit
systems for CAs,
establishment of trust or
endowment funds, etc.
CA3.3: Set up the legal, Review EPC Act CAP 283 to 2018 DEPC
policy and institutional mandate legal establishment of
framework for PA financing mechanism.
establishing the financial
structures and
mechanism for a
national CA network.
CA3.4: Ensure Develop incentives for 2018-2030 DEPC

meaningful participation management of established CA
and provide equitable resources owners.
incentives and
remuneration to
resource owners for CA
establishment and
management.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objectives CA4.1: Collate best Collate and document best 2019 DoF
CA4: National CA4: To practices for practices for CCA management. DoT
Awareness and develop and management,
Education on
collate best governance and
Conservation
practice sustainable financing
Areas to Share
Practices and
guidelines and from existing protected
Lessons disseminate area sites in Vanuatu.
Learned to among local
CA4.2: Identify key · Document lessons learned 2018-2020 DEPC
Improve and national
lessons learned for from existing CCAs to manage
Management conservation
distribution to and encourage new CCAs and
Effectivenes area sites.
and management authorities protected areas.
Governance. across national protected
area sites. · Disseminate lessons learned
Ongoing DEPC
to communities and national
protected areas authorities.
CA4.3: Develop · Adapt marine tool kit, guide

appropriate awareness, to fishing communities and
2018-2020 DEPC
information kits, and bioblitz survey toolkit from
manuals, toolkits specific existing projects and
to different stakeholders disseminate to tabu or
such as planners, protected areas.
community leaders,
researchers and
practitioners. · Develop basic biodiversity
2018-2019 DEPC
monitoring toolkit for
community conservation area
communities to assess
changes of resources
population in their CCAs.
· Develop and disseminate Ongoing DEPC

awareness posters,
pamphlets and media
information on importance of
CCA Sites.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objectives CA4.4: Promote Show case best practices 2019 DEPC
CA4: National CA4: To Vanuatu’s best achieved in registered
Awareness and develop and practices for CA Community Conservation Areas
Education on collate best management, (CCA) and protected under the
Conservation practice governance and EPC Act
Areas to Share
guidelines and sustainable financing
Practices and
disseminate at national, regional
Lessons Learned
to Improve
among local and international
Management and national fora.
Effectivenes and conservation
CA4.5: Develop Develop capacity development 2018-2022 DEPC
Governance. area sites.
nationally programme for peer to peer
appropriate capacity exchange.
development
programmes,
including peer
networks, for
exchange of
experiences in
conservation
practice.
CA4.6: Develop a CA Develop a national CA 2018-2025 DEPC

management management communication
national strategy, awareness and
communication campaigns.
strategy, awareness
and campaigns.
STRATEGIC AREA 2: FOREST AND INLAND WATERS ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
TARGET
1. By 2030, at least 17% of important biodiversity areas, livelihoods and kastom importance are conserved
through community and government effective management measures.
2. By 2030, at least 15% of natural forest and 10% of wetland areas are conserved through effective
community and government management measures.
3. By 2030, 30% of Vanuatu’s natural forest (Forestry) is being actively managed and protected.
INDICATORS:
· Trends in forest and inland waters species diversity including traded ones.
· Trend to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated into government
accounting reporting.
· Percentage of forest and inland waters conservation areas to meet national and global targets.
· Impact of threats to forest and inland waters such as invasive species, deforestation, logging and
other threats.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR FOREST AND INLAND WATERS ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT
FOCUS AREAS OBJECTIVES ACTIONS SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES COMPLETED LEAD
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA: Objective FIW1: FIW1.1: Improve and · Update botanical data base for Ongoing DoF
FIW1: Reduce The forest and update information on National herbarium using
Major Threats to status of forest and
Forest and Inland inland waters information from FIW 2.2.
inland waters
Waters ecosystem are
biodiversity.
Ecoystems such managed in an · Update wetlands inventory using
as Unsustainable Ongoing DoF
integrated and information from FIW 2.2.
Logging,
Agriculture, sustainable
Mining and manner to
Human
FIW1.2: Carry out · Update 1991 forest inventory 2019 DEPC
maintain the forest and inland DoF
Settlements. (forest cover, volume of timber)
ecosystem waters resource RAMSAR
through REDD + program-Forest
functions of inventory, biological
resources.
forest and rapid assessments and
identify high · Carry botanical assessment – Also Ogoing
inland waters
biodiversity areas, refer to CA 1.1.
and contribute
important cultural sites · Carry out fauna assessment on
to local and
and other sites of forest and inland water areas not Ongoing
national national significance in covered in assessment for
economies and forest and inland
ecosystems. Also refer to CA 1.1.
social well- waters.
· Expand current inventory of 2018-2025
being.
Wetlands to include new areas.
FIW1.3: Identify the · Review analytical studies on 2018-2030 DoF

root causes of major drivers of deforestation and
threats to forest and degraded forest to identify root
inland waters causes of deforestation.
ecosystems at local · Carry out analytical study on DEPC
2018-2030
and national level. inland waters ecosystems to
identify root causes of their major
threats.
FIW1.4: Develop and · Develop wetlands and forest 2018-2030 DEPC

implement a national management plans and include DoF
forest and inland ways to address threats affecting
waters conservation
these systems.
management plan to
address threats and, · Review Livestock and agriculture 2018-2030 DoLIV
where possible, their policy of agricultural clearance
root causes. and livestock to ensure they
comply with EIA standards.
· Develop legislation/bylaws to
2018-2030 DEPC
address areas that need to
strengthen compliance for EIA.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA: Objective FIW1: FIW1.5: Conduct Carry out valuation of wetlands in 2018-2025 DEPC
FIW1: Reduce The forest and valuation of wetland Vanuatu.
Major Threats to services so that they
Forest and Inland inland waters
are properly accounted
Waters ecosystem are
for in decision making.
Ecoystems such managed in an
as Unsustainable
integrated and FIW1.6: Conduct · Develop awareness resource Ongoing DEPC
Logging,
Agriculture, sustainable awareness and materials on importance of DoF
Mining and manner to education at local and wetlands and sustainable
Human maintain the national level on the
Settlements. forest use.Increase awareness
ecosystem importance
conservation and on importance of wetlands
functions of and sustainable use.
sustainable use of
forest and forest and inland
inland waters waters ecosystems.
and contribute
to local and FIW1.7: Capture best · Develop alternative 2018-2024 DEP
national practice and lessons livelihoods best practices e.g DoF
economies and learning to improve eco-tourism.
social well- management of forest
DEPC
being. ecosystems. Ongoing DoF
· Disseminate best practices
such as case studies on Kauri
Project in Erromango, Lake
Letas in Gaua including other
sites.
FOCAL AREA 2: Objective FIW2: FIW2.1: Support Set up forest and inland waters 2018-2030 DEPC
Establishment Establishment establishment of conservation areas at important
of Forest and of effective Forest and inland biodiversity sites.
Inland Waters
forest and waters conservation
Conservation
Areas inland waters areas at important
Established in conservation in biodiversity areas
Important important
Biodiversity biodiversity FIW2.2: Improve · Review existing forest 2018-2025 DoF
Areas such as areas with effective management management plan.
KBAs. effective of existing forest and
inland waters
sustainable
conservation areas.
financing to · Review management systems 2018-2030 DEPC
support of existing forest and inland
management in waters conservation areas.
FIW2.3: Support Promote wetland sites to become 2018-2030 DEPC
the long term.
internal significant national Ramsar and world VKS
forest and inland heritage sites.
waters to be registered
as Ramsar and heritage
sites.
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BY AGENCY
FOCAL AREA 2: Objective FIW2: FIW2.4: Establish · Create incentives to 2018-2030 DEPC
Establishment Establishment of sustainable financing generate PA financing.
of Forest and effective forest mechanisms such as · Develop framework to
Inland Waters 2018-2030 DEPC
and inland waters payment of ecosystem address PES with resources
Conservation
Areas conservation in services, alternative owners.
Established in important income generating best · Develop trust funds to
biodiversity areas practices and national 2018-2030 DEPC
Important address PA financing.
Biodiversity with effective financing mechanisms.
Areas such as sustainable
KBAs. financing to
support FIW 2.5: Increase Encourage collaboration and 2018-2030 Relevant
management in capacities of participation of all productive Agencies
government sectors.
the long term.
departments and
ministries such as
Forestry, Agricultures,
DEPC and Biosecurity to
carry out their role and
responsibilities in
sustainable
management of forest
and inland waters.
FOCAL AREA 3: Objective FIW3: FIW 3.1: National Forest Develop a national forest Ongoing DoF
Design and To reverse trends Landscape Restoration restoration strategy in Vanuatu.
Facilitate in deforestation, plans and strategies
National enhance land developed with wide
Implemented degradation stakeholder consultation
Forest neutrality and at island, provincial and
Landscape improve local levels based on
Restoration biodiversity land tenure systems.
(FLR) Project in through improved FIW3.2: Soil fertility is Encourage best agricultural Ongoing DARD
Vanuatu. policy support improved through the practices such as agroforestry DoF
and governance conduct of soils schools to address soil fertility.
framework, and soil improvement
knowledge nurseries established
management and and functioning at
by implementing community level.
a strategic forest
landscape FIW3.3: An increase in · Undertake study in areas 2018-2030 DARD
restoration subsistence or where soil fertility has been DoF
project to enable commercial agricultural improved to determine if
long term
activities is recorded in subsistence and commercial
ecological
recovery and areas when soil fertility agriculture activities have
increased has been improved and recorded an increase
economic income from crops are income from crops
benefits for all assisting local contributing to improve
forest livelihoods and food livelihoods and food
stakeholders.
security. security.
2018-2030 DoL
· Develop sustainable land DoF
management practices.
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STRATEGIC AREA 3: COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT (CME)
TARGET:
1. By 2030, at least 10% of important marine biodiversity areas, and areas of livelihood and kastom
importance are conserved through effective community and government management areas.
INDICATORS:
· Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other conserved areas and locally
managed areas in marine areas including sites of particular importance for biodiversity.
· Total number of marine protected areas that are effectively managed based on agreed national
protected area conditions and management effectiveness.
· Measurement of ecosystem services and equitable benefits from CAs.
· Account for Payment of Ecosystem Service (PES) and other sustainable financing strategies.
· Measure if trends in connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches integrated into
landscapes and seascapes.
· Assess impact of coastal developments through EIAs and measures of EIA enforcements and
compliance.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR MARINE ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective CME1: CME1.1: Carryout · Carry out Special 2018 VFD
CME1: Reduce Improve coastal and marine Unique Marine Areas MACBIO
Major Threats to understanding resource (SUMA) with work Project
Vanuatu’s Coastal and status of inventories, conducted to identify
and Marine coastal and biological rapid high biodiversity
Ecosystems such marine assessments and areas. VFD
as Overharveting, ecosystems identify high Ongoing
· Conduct marine
Reclamation, through research, biodiversity areas, biological assessments
Unsustainable resource important cultural on Marine Protected
Tourism assessments, sites and other Areas (MPA) and
Development, threat sites of national identify special fishing
Natural Disaster identification and significance grounds, cultural sites,
Impacts, Climate mitigation and including and conservation sites.
Change, River information information on
Dredging and management. local scale
Pollution. fisheries,
conservation areas,
tabu sites, and
LMMAs. Use
MACBIO report on
Vanuatu’s special,
unique marine
areas to inform this
work.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective CME1: CME1.2: Identify · Ensure that marine and Ongoing DEPC
CME1: Reduce Improve root causes of coastal environment
Major Threats to understanding major threats to root causes analysis
Vanuatu’s Coastal and status of coastal and marine are part of
and Marine coastal and ecosystems at local development planning
Ecosystems such as marine and national level. e.g. EIAs, foreshore
Overharveting, ecosystems development permits.
Reclamation, through research, · Identify, collect and 2018 VFD
Unsustainable resource prioritise all threats to
Tourism assessments, coastal and marine
Development, threat biodiversity.
Natural Disaster identification and
CME1.3: Develop Ensure the development Ongoing DEPC
Impacts, Climate mitigation and
and implement a and implementation of
Change, River information
national coastal coastal and marine
Dredging and management.
and marine conservation management
Pollution.
conservation plan is carried out at
management plan community site level.
to address major
threats and, where
possible, their root
causes.
CME1.4: Promote Integrate 2018-2019 DEPC

recommendations recommendations of
of MACBIO coastal MACBIO coastal and
and marine marine valuation to
ecosystem service national government
valuation report to decision making bodies.
government to
ensure national
budgets and
accounting
considers and
implements
recommendations.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective CME1: CME1.5: Conduct Carry out awareness in Ongoing DEPC
CME1: Reduce Improve awareness raising media mediums, community
Major Threats to understanding and education at awareness and posters on
Vanuatu’s Coastal and status of local and national the importance of marine
and Marine coastal and levels on the conservation and
Ecosystems such as marine importance of ecosystems.
Overharveting, ecosystems conservation and
Reclamation, through research, sustainable use
Unsustainable resource of coastal and
Tourism assessments, marine
Development, threat ecosystems.
Natural Disaster identification and
CME1.6: Capture Showcase best practices for Ongoing DEPC
Impacts, Climate mitigation and VFD
best practices outstanding marine
Change, River information
and lessons conservation areas in
Dredging and management.
learned about management and long term
Pollution.
improving sustainability.
management of
coastal and
marine
ecosystems.
CME1.7: Develop Collaborate with Ongoing DEPC
and promote government, NGOs and
partnership communities in building
between strong relationship links in
government, management and
communities and sustainability of coastal and
private sectors marine ecosystems.
towards
sustainable
management of
coastal and
marine
ecosystems.
CME1.8: Develop Create a map layer on 2018-2019 DoL

and promote mangrove occurrence DEPC
partnerships around Vanuatu islands and
between develop a national
government, mangrove management
communities and plan/ strategy.
private sectors
towards
sustainable
management of
coastal and
marine
ecosystems.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CME1.9: Monitor Develop monitoring and Ongoing DEPC

CME1: Reduce and evaluate evaluation on the effects of
Major Threats to effect of coastal foreshore developments to
Vanuatu’s Coastal developments at assess mangrove density
and Marine different scales and threats.
Ecosystems such as including
Overharveting, consideration of
Reclamation, cumulative
Unsustainable impacts.
Tourism
Development,
Natural Disaster
Impacts, Climate
Change, River
Dredging and
Pollution.
FOCUS AREA CME Objective CME2: CME2.1: Support Strengthen, enforce and Ongoing VFD
2: Inshore Fisheries Scale up the development monitor Fisheries
Management: successes in of inshore Management Plans
Strengthen sustainable fisheries according to established
Management of fisheries management species management plans.
Coastal Fisheries to management in plans at national,
Reduce customary fishing provincial and
Overharvesting grounds including village levels.
and Destructive use of locally Increase
Fishing Methods to managed marine production and
Maintain and areas tools (e.g. food security,
Improved Coastal tabus) and put in aquaculture and
and Coral Reef place supportive alternative
Ecosystems. enabling livelihoods.
mechanisms.
CME2.2: Promote Promote traditional fishing 2019 VKS
tools such as the methods and traditional DEPC
‘Community ways of establishing tabu
Based Adaptive areas.
Management’
(CBAM) in
developing
integrated
community
management
plans which
include managing
locally managed
marine areas
within customary
fishing grounds
75 | P a g e
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CME Objective CME2: CME2.3: Conduct research studies on 2019-2030 VFD
2: Inshore Fisheries Scale up Strengthen target species for proper
Management: successes in science and licencing and management
Strengthen sustainable research in for sustainability of species
Management of fisheries inshore fisheries in marine managed areas.
Coastal Fisheries to management in management
Reduce customary fishing including
Overharvesting grounds including regarding
and Destructive use of locally aquaculture,
Fishing Methods to managed marine target species
Maintain and areas tools (e.g. management,
Improved Coastal tabus) and put in licensing, and
and Coral Reef place supportive marine managed
Ecosystems. enabling areas.
mechanisms.
CM2.4: Support Placement of new 2019-2020 DEPC
the effective Environment Extension
establishment of Officers at TORBA, PENAMA
provincial and and SHEFA provinces to
district level support inshore fisheries
customary and management at provincial
traditional level.
environment
committees to
support inshore
fisheries
management at
provincial level.
CME2.5: Conduct coral reef, Ongoing DEPC

Encourage coastal mangrove and other marine VFD
rehabilitation in ecosystems assessments to
post- conduct rehabilitation (coral
disaster/climate replanting and mangrove
change affected replanting) on post –disaster
areas. and climate change issues.
CME2.6: Promote Conduct awareness on Ongoing VFD

restrictions on restriction of importation of DEPC
illegal illegal fishing gears.
importation of
illegal fishing
gear.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA CME Objective: CME3.1: Strengthen Improve and strengthen Ongoing VFD
3: Integrated CME3: Improve surveillance, surveillance, enforcement
Offshore Fisheries management of enforcement and and monitoring within the
Management Vanuatu’s monitoring within Vanuatu EEZ.
marine Vanuatu’s EEZ
resources through
within the EEZ. strengthened
partnerships with
international
stakeholders and
neighbouring states.
CME3.2: Strengthen, Identify sources and type of 208-2019 DEPC

support and secure marine environment data for DoL
data and information both inshore and offshore, DoFA
VFD
collation, establish collate and set up central
central repository, repository.
for better decision
making.
CME3.3: Conduct Utilize Special Unique 2019 VFD

valuation of offshore Marine Areas (SUMA) and DEPC
marine ecosystem Bioregions of the Vanuatu
services so that they EEZ. Reports, data and
are properly information, and MACBIO
accounted for in MESV report to inform MSP
decision making. to assist in proper valuation
of offshore marine
ecosystem services.
CME3.4: The Development marine spatial 2018-2020 DEPC

Government will planning.
build on existing
spatial planning
mechanisms,
including traditional
spatial management
systems (e.g. tabus),
for improving
management of
maritime space to
achieve economic
development,
cultural, social and
environmental
objectives.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective: CME3.5: Collate and audit Collate and audit existing 2019 VFD
CME 3: CME3: existing marine data to marine data to determine
Integrated Improve determine data gaps. data gaps.
Offshore management
CME3.6: Map biological Finalise map of biological 2018 DEPC
Fisheries of Vanuatu’s
information, including information and bioregions
Management marine
biological regions, and and report and SUMA maps
resources
existing and possible future and report, and marine
within the
uses of the marine Zone Typology report.
EEZ.
environment by different
activities and prioritisation
of high biodiversity areas to
establish MPAs and other
sustainable use areas.
CME3.7: Facilitate Develop draft Marine 2018 DEPC

workshops and Spatial Plan.
consultations to evaluate
and synthesize the data and
to start generating a Marine
Spatial Plan which provides
for zoning of Vanuatu’s
ocean.
CME3.8: Protected areas · Support the Ongoing DEPC

within the EEZ, shall be implementation of
established to ensure the offshore Fisheries
future sustainability of Management Plans to
Vanuatu’s ocean increase sustainability of
environment and so resources.
established on the basis of, · Increase awareness of the
inter alia, ecosystem offshore Fisheries Ongoing DEPC
function, ecological Management plans.
adequacy, · Establish PAs in the EEZ
representativeness, critical using MSP guidelines.
habitats, natural genetic
resources, connectivity and
scenic values.
CME3.9: Promote the Strengthen Fisheries 2019 VFD

sustainable development of Management Plans and
offshore fisheries for large enhance regulations of
pelagic species including offshore fisheries species.
through the development of
appropriate regulations for
the fishery and manage the
fisheries to maximize
benefits to Vanuatu.
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STRATEGIC AREA 4: SPECIES MANAGEMENT (SM)
TARGET
1. By 2030, the conservation status of at least 10 known threatened species has been improved and
sustained, particularly for those most in decline.
INDICATORS:
· Reduced trend in extinction risks of Vanuatu’s five priority species.
· Increased trend in population of the five priority threatened species for Vanuatu.
· Increased trends in distribution of the five selected species.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR SPECIES MANAGEMENT

BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM1: SM1.1: Strengthen IAS Finalise draft Homo Bay 2018-2019 DEPC
SM1: Establish Strengthen IAS related policies and CCA management plan.
Effective related policies legislations to support
Management and legislations effective eradication, Register Homo Bay CA. 2018-2019 DEPC
Arrangement to support introduction on new
for the effective invasive alien species and
Conservation eradication, inter-island introduction of
of Endemic, introduction on invasive alien species.
Endangered new invasive SM1.2: Strengthen IAS Conduct Desktop review 2018 DEPC
and Culturally alien species and related policies and of existing literature on
Important inter-island legislations to support remnant vegetation of
Species and introduction of effective eradication, Tanna and prepare report
Habitats. invasive alien introduction on new on status of vegetation.
species. invasive alien species and Develop conservation 2018-2024 DEPC
inter-island introduction of plans for all the remnant
invasive alien species. sites. DoF
Update current vegetation 2018-2030
map of Vanuatu.
SM1.3: Establish a Conduct community 2018-2019 DEPC

conservation plan for the consultation to get their
Petaview catchment on consent to protect
Epi. Petaview waterfall area on
Epi and develop
management Plan for the
site.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM1.4: Establish a · Develop specific site 2018-2025 DEPC
SM1: Establish SM1: conservation plan for the mangrove
Effective Strengthen Petaview catchment on Epi. management plans for
Management IAS related each island.
Arrangement policies and · Develop mangrove 2018-2025 DEPC
for the legislations to occurrence map layer DoL
Conservation support for mangrove sites
of Endemic, effective around Vanuatu.
Endangered eradication,
SM1.5: Establish a Conduct community 2018-2020 DEPC
and Culturally introduction
conservation plan for the consultation to get their
Important on new
Petaview catchment on Epi. consent to protect the
Species and invasive alien
area and develop
Habitats. species and
management plan for
inter-island
Creek Ai towards
introduction
registration for CCA.
of invasive
alien species. SM1.6: Establish a · Make awareness on 2018-2019 DEPC
conservation plan for the proposal for
Petaview catchment on Epi. establishing areas on
Tongoa as CCA for
protection of Royal
Parrot Finch and
Megapode.
· Work with local
communities to
initiate establishment
of the CCAs.
SM1.7: Flying Foxes on Conduct survey on Banks 2018 DEPC

Mota Lava –raise awareness Flying Fox on Banks
of the Mota Lava Islands.
community that it is the
only island supporting four
species of flying foxes.
Encourage chief, community
leaders and landholders to
manage the flying foxes and
the habitat by implementing
conservation site/s and
delivering information and
education.
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AGENCY
BY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM1.8: Crocodile on Vanua Assess status of 2018-2030 DEPC
SM1: Establish SM1: Lava – Facilitate local Crocodile population;
Effective Strengthen monitoring of the crocodile develop its monitoring
Management IAS related population. Prepare a tool and its management
Arrangement policies and management plan that plan.
for the legislations to considers the needs of the
Conservation support local people, financial
of Endemic, effective resources and international
Endangered eradication, scientific concerns.
SM1.9: Conservation of · Strengthen the 2018-2030 VFD
Important on new
coconut crab habitat on existing local CC
Hui, Tegua, Loh, Toga Linua conservation
and Metoma in the Torres initiatives with the
inter-island
Group. enforcement of
introduction
Fisheries Regulation
of invasive
on Coconut Crab.
alien species.
· Carry out awareness 2018-2030 DEPC
to Tourism Product DoT
owners and develop
information materials.
SM1.10: Conservation of bat Conduct community 2018-2030 DEPC

roosting caves and feeding consultation to get their DoT
areas on Malo, northwest consent to protect the
Malekula, Vanua Lava, Santo area, establish sites as
and Efate. conservation area and
develop the sites (Malo,
Malekula, Santo, Vanua
Lava and Efate caves) for
eco-tourism.
SM1.11: Support the Register Lake Letas as 2018-2019 DEPC

implementation of the Lake CCA and implement its
Letas management plan as management plan.
one of the national wetland
sites and the- first Ramsar
Site for Vanuatu and is also
a registered CCA.
SM1.12: Conservation of Conduct community 2019-2030 DEPC

Megapode bird (Namalau) consultation on Efate,
on Tongoa, Ambrym, Efate Tongoa, Ambrym and Epi
and Epi. to get their consent to
protect and establish
megapode sites as CCAs.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM1.13: Conservation of Conduct community 2018-2022 DEPC
SM1: Establish SM1: Collared Petrel on Tanna consultation to get their
Effective Strengthen and Vanua Lava, and of the consent to protect and
Management IAS related Vanuatu petrel on Vanua establish Collared Petrels
Arrangement policies and Lava. on Tanna and Vanua
for the legislations to Lava and Vanuatu
Conservation support Petrels on Vanua Lava as
of Endemic, effective CCAs.
Endangered eradication,
SM1.14: Conservation of · Finalise management 2018-2022 DEPC
natural stands of Carpoxylon plan for Nusumetu
Important on new
macrospermum on the Conservation Area,
islands where they exist. Tanna and register to
protect Carpoxylon
inter-island
macrospermum
introduction
stands at Nusumetu
of invasive
CCA forest.
alien species.
· Develop
2018-2030 DEPC
management and
recovery plan for the
Carpoxylon
macrospermum
species.
SM1.15: Conservation of Carry out awareness on 2018- 2020 DEPC

Anietyum Skink (Emoia Aneityum Skink and
aneityumensis). habitat, develop
information/awareness
materials and include in
draft specified species
regulation.
SM1.16: Conservation of the Develop 2018-2030 DEPC

six hot spots (IUCN Red list/ information/awareness
CBF Ecosystem profile): materials on the
Aneityum, Futuna, Tanna, biodiversity Hot Spots
Tongoa Laika Island Santo (Aneityum, Futuna,
Mountain Range, Gaua Tanna, Tongoa-Laika,
(Banks). Santo Mountain Range
and Gaua), set up
conservation areas and
finalise draft specified
species regulation.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM1.17: Conservation of Set up CCAs on turtle 2018-2030 VFD
SM1: Establish SM1: leatherback, green and nesting and feeding DEPC
Effective Strengthen hawksbill turtles (Aneityum, grounds at specific sites
Management IAS related Tanna, Erromango, Efate in Vanuatu.
Arrangement policies and and offshore islands, Epi,
for the legislations to Malekula, Santo, Malo,
Conservation support Aore, Gaua, Vanua Lava,
of Endemic, effective Ureparapara and Torres
Endangered eradication, Groups).
SM1.18: Conservation of Implement dugong 2018-2030 DEPC
Important on new VFD
dugongs (sea grass areas on management plan and
Aneityum, Efate, Epi, finalize Specified species
Malekula, Vanua Lava, regulation with wildlife
inter-island
Santo, Gaua and Vanua standards.
introduction
Lava).
of invasive
alien species.
Objective SM2.1: Conduct appropriate Develop resource 2018-2030 DEPC

SM2: To research to develop inventory on terrestrial
FOCUS AREA
establish, resource inventory on and freshwater/marine
SM2: Establish
maintain and terrestrial (including insects) biodiversity and
Data Collection
update the and freshwater/marine establish NRI database.
and storage
National biodiversity and establish
systems for
Resource NRI database.
Endemic,
Inventory
Endangered, SM2.2: Link the NRI Link the NRI database to 2018-2022 DEPC
(NRI)
Threatened database to Biodiversity Biodiversity Clearing
database for
and Critical Clearing House Mechanism House Mechanism
all species and
Species. (CHM) and other databases (CHM) and other
their status
to support MEAS, UNCBD, databases to support
and link to.
UNCCD and UNFCCC such as MEAS, UNCBD, UNCCD
the Vanuatu CCCD national and UNFCCC such as the
information system Vanuatu CCCD national
maintained by DEPC in information system
collaboration with relevant maintained by DEPC in
stakeholders. collaboration with
relevant stakeholders.
SM2.3: Undertake Undertake research on 2019 DEPC

conservation management- species for cultural,
oriented research on subsistence and
prioritised species that are economic uses.
threatened or exploited for
cultural/subsistence and
economic purposes.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM2.4: Explore potential Develop the framework 2018-2030 DEPC
SM2: Establish SM2: To sustainable use of non- and mechanism for
Data establish, threatened and endangered identification of the
Collection and maintain and species in collaboration with status of rare and
storage update the Conservation Officers, endangered species of
systems for National tourism, customs, Vanuatu.
Endemic, Resource biosecurity and community
Endangered, Inventory representatives.
Threatened (NRI)
SM 2.5: Develop a national Link all flora, fauna and 2018-2025 DEPC
and Critical database for
biodiversity database of all environment databases
Species. all species and
species at DEPC; classifying to the national
their status
level of significance and environment information
and link to.
status (IUCN Red List) that is system.
accessible to all
stakeholders inclusive but
not limited to government,
non-government
organisations, and private
business and communities.
SM 2.6: Draw up an Draw up an appropriate 2018-2025 DEPC

appropriate framework and national framework and
mechanism for identifying, mechanism for
monitoring and identifying, monitoring
documenting the status of and documenting the
rare and endangered status of rare and
species. endangered species.
FOCUS AREA Objective SM3.1: Formalise Follow up with the 2018 DEPC
SM3: SM3a: To relationships/collaborations current status of the
Decrease in assist in with border control and MOU in place and have it
Trade of improving enforcement authorities formalise between DEPC
Endangered enforcement through memoranda of and Biosecurity and
and of border understanding (Biosecurity, Customs with the
Threatened control and Customs, Border control respective sectors.
Species. monitoring, and DEPC).
and increase
SM3.2: Empower authorised Amend EPC Act to 2018-2025 DEPC
support and
officers from DEPC, empower authorized
capacity for
Customs, Border control officers from DEPC,
enforcement
and Biosecurity, to enforce customs, border control
and
EPC related Acts effectively. and biosecurity, to
monitoring of
enforce EPC related Acts.
EPC Act and
CITES.
84 | P a g e
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM 3.3: Quarterly Carry out quarterly 2018-2030 Relevant
SM3: SM3b: To surveillance of markets, surveillance of markets, Agencies
Decrease in increase traders etc. by trained and traders etc. by trained
Trade of capacity for gazetted officers under the and gazetted officers
Endangered enforcement International Trade (Flora under the International
and of the and Fauna) Act No. 56 of Trade (Flora and Fauna)
Threatened International 1989 [Cap 210]. Act No. 56 of 1989 [Cap
Species. Trade of Flora 210].
and Fauna Act
1989 and its SM 3.4: Review all native Review all native species 2018 DEPC
regulations, species and other related and other related
and increase provisions in the provisions in the
monitoring of International Trade (Flora International Trade
endangered and Fauna) Act No. 56 of (Flora and Fauna) Act No.
protected 1989 [Cap 210]. 56 of 1989 [Cap 210].
species. SM 3.5: Establish Carry out establishment 2018-2028 DEPC
administrative of administrative
responsibilities and responsibilities and
strengthen capacity within strengthen capacity
relevant line ministries and within the NBSAP
authorities. Stakeholders.
SM 3.6: Appoint of Appoint of athourized 2018-2024 DEPC

athourized officers under officers under
International Trade (Flora International Trade
and Fauna) Act No. 56 of (Flora and Fauna) Act
1989 [Cap 210]. No. 56 of 1989 [Cap
210].
SM 3.7: Establish an Set up an effective 2018-2024 DEPC

effective electronic CITES electronic CITES
permitting system to permitting system to
manage and ease annual manage and ease annual
reporting. reporting.
FOCUS AREA Objective SM4.1: Increase DEPC Carry out capacity 2018-2019 DEPC
SM4: Extend SM4: To representation/participation building in the Provinces
Government develop /presentation at islands and to mechanism
contribution mechanisms provincial governance representation of DEPC
to for facilitating mechanisms and forums in the provinces and the
Conservation community and private sectors. communities.
activities at feedback to
community DEPC on
levels. management
of species of
special
concern.
85 | P a g e
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective SM4.2: Develop a reporting Develop reporting 2019 DEPC
SM4: Extend SM4: To mechanism in collaboration mechanism for the
Government develop with Provincial Councils and Provicial councils and
contribution mechanisms other user groups such other user groups to use
to for facilitating tourisms, farmers and in reporting
Conservation community others. conservation status and
activities at feedback to budgeting.
community DEPC on
SM4.3: Increase resources Carry out capacity 2018 DEPC
levels. management
to support communities to building and support
of species of
annually report to DEPC on resources for CCAs on
special
their CCA activities. annual reporting.
concern.
STRATEGIC AREA 5: MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
TARGET:
1. By 2030 Vanuatu’s invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritised, priority species are
controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction
and establishment.
2. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining current status of native species, improving border control,
developing inter-island biosecurity programmes, IAS eradication and control.
3. Communities’ understanding on invasive alien species is increased.
INDICATORS:
· Assessment and measure of impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity and food security.
· Impact of policy responses, legislation and management plans to control and prevent spread of
invasive alien species.
· Required information and data on invasive alien species are available.
· National government commitment through financing of management of IAS.
· Level of invasive alien species understanding increased.
· More improve legal frameworks and policies are available.
· International border control system improved and internal quarantine system established.
· Invasive alien species population density are reduced.

· The population density of invasive alien species in Conservation Areas are reduced.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN- MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS1.1: Raise Conduct awareness and Ongoing DEPC
MIAS1: Building MIAS1a: To awareness and carry inventory on Invasive Alien BV
a strong increase out outreach on Species in the Provinces DARD
foundation for understanding impactof IAS on and communities.
effective of the impacts biodiversity,
Invasive Alien of priority economy, health and
Species invasive alien cultural values.
Management. species on
MIAS1.2: Develop Develop national priority 2018-2022 DEPC
biodiversity,
community focused invasive alien species
economies,
education awareness community tool kit and
livelihoods and
resources and farmers pocket guide to
health and
materials for the address awareness
actions to
wider public. resources.
manage them
are supported.
MIAS1.3: Develop Assess Teacher’s guide on 2018 DEPC
syllabus in schools on Invasive alien species and
IAS. update sections on
Invasive Alien Species
Impacts and management
control measures.
MIAS1.4: Develop · Develop awareness 2018-2020 VFD

materials on marine materials for COTs. DEPC
invasive alien species · Develop guideline on
of most threat to management measures 2018-2025 VFD
Vanuatu. for COTs eradication.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS1.5: Develop Develop Island-specific 2018-2020 BV

MIAS1: Building MIAS1a: To Island-specific materials as part of inter- DEPC
a strong increase materials as part of island biosecurity
foundation for understanding inter-island management.
effective of the impacts biosecurity
Invasive Alien of priority management.
Species invasive alien
Management. species on MIAS1.6: Encourage Work with MSG secretariat 2018-2030 DEPC
biodiversity, collaboration in the to establish the
economies, management of IAS Melanesian Invasive
livelihoods and between Vanuatu species council.
health and and other regional
actions to countries and
manage them institutions.
are supported.
Objective MIAS1.7: Upgrade Update the Vanuatu Ongoing DEPC

MIAS1b: To national invasive Invasive Alien Species
ensure alien species Database, Van Invasive.
appropriate database and make
policies, it accessible for
legislations, public viewing and
protocols and information input.
procedures are
in place and
MIAS1.8: Identify Carry out assessment to Ongoing DEPC
operating to
knowledge gaps and find out distribution of
underpin the
prioritise terrestrial, national priority IAS in
effective
freshwater and Vanuatu.
management of
marine invasive alien
IAS.
species surveys for
Vanuatu.
MIAS1.9: Collect Collection and update out 2018-2030 DEPC

baseline data for baseline data for
terrestrial, aquatic terrestrial, aquatic and
and marine invasives. marine invasive alien
species.
MIAS1.110: Put in Analyse data in the Ongoing DEPC

place an IAS VanInvasive species
Information review database and provide
process to informationand research
continually assess gaps.
capacity, skills,
information and
research gaps.
88 | P a g e
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS1.11: Put in Identify inter island 2018-2025 DEPC
MIAS1: Building MIAS1b: To place an IAS biosecurity capacity BV
a strong ensure Information review training needs and
foundation for appropriate process to develop training
effective policies, continually assess programme.
Invasive Alien legislations, capacity, skills,
Species protocols and information and
Management. procedures are research gaps.
in place and
MIAS1.12: Encourage Liaise with Vanuatu Ongoing DEPC
operating to
environmental Scholarship Office to
underpin the
science studies for promote studies in
effective
Ni-Vanuatu students. invasive alien species
management of
management.
IAS.
MIAS1.13: Provide Develop trainings for Ongoing DEPC
training for harbour harbour masters and
masters, custom customs officer on
officers and other Vanuatu priority Invasive
port staff on Alien Species.
identifying invasive
species issues
associated with
shipping and border
controls.
MIAS1.14: Provide Develop training 2018-2020 DEPC

training to programmes for
community leaders community leaders on
to identify invasive Vanuatu priority Invasive
alien species in the Alien Species.
communities.
MIAS1.15: Upgrade Develop trainings for 2018-2020 DEPC

government and government and NGOs on
NGO technical skills identifying Vanuatu
and knowledge on priority Invasive Alien
management of Species.
invasive alien
species.
89 | P a g e
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS1.16: Advocate Refer to MIS 1.6 By 2020 DEPC
MIAS1: Building MIAS1b: To for the establishment
a strong ensure of a Melanesian IAS
foundation for appropriate council in partnership
effective policies, with the Melanesian
Invasive Alien legislations, Spearhead Group
Species protocols and (MSG) with support
Management. procedures are by the Vanuatu
in place and Government.
operating to
underpin the
effective
management of
IAS.
Objective MIAS1.17: Enact the Finalise and enact 2018 BV

MIS1c: To current draft Biosecurity Bill.
ensure Biosecurity Bill and
appropriate translate it into local
policies, language.
legislations,
MIAS1.18: Include Incorporate management 2018 & 2030 DEPC
protocols and
management of of invasive Alien species in
procedures are
invasive alien species Agriculture, Livestock,
in place and
in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
operating to
Livestock, Forestry Policy review.
underpin the
and Fisheries Acts.
effective
management of MIAS1.19: Amend Develop regulation to 2018-2020 DEPC
IAS. the Environmental control importation of
Protection and foreign organisms and
Conservation Act to management of invasive
include additional alien species.
regulations on IAS
and regulations of
importation of new
organisms that are a
risk to the
environment.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS1.20: Revise Amend EPC Act to 2018-2020 DEPC,
MIAS1: Building MIS1c: To national regulations recognise the provincial by Province
a strong ensure (DEPC) and the laws on management of
foundation for appropriate provincial legislation invasive alien species.
effective policies, for DEPC Act to
Invasive Alien legislations, override provincial
Species protocols and laws and by-laws.
Management. procedures are
MIAS1.21: Amend Amend Ports and Harbour 2018-2030 Ports and
in place and
legislation (e.g Ports Maritime Act to include Harbour
operating to
Act) to address ballast water and ship
underpin the
management of cleaning and use of
effective
ballast water, ship antifouling paints.
management of
cleaning and the use
IAS.
of anti-fouling paints
in line with
international
conventions.
MIAS1.22: Revise Revise and updateew of 2019-2020 DEPC

and update NISSAP. NISSAP in 2019.
MIAS1.23: Develop Develop island or 2018-2025 DEPC

island or province- province-based BV
based regulations to regulations to assist inter-
assist inter-island island biosecurity
biosecurity programmes.
programmes.
MIAS1.24: Enforce Amend Livestock Policy to 2019 DLiv

current livestock regulate cattle transport in
regulations to weed spreading.
prevent cattle
spreading weed and
seeds between
islands.
MIAS1.25: Revise Collaborate with PWD to PWD

Public Works ensure clean machinery
Department policy for new road
and legislation for developments and inter-
clean machinery for island movements include
new roads in inspection by DEPC and
developments and BV prior departure is
inter-island included in the next
movements. revised PWD policy.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS2.1: Identify Carry out IAS survey on 2018-2024 DEPC
MIS2: Establish MIS2a: To priority islands (e.g Malekula and Santo to BV
National ensure Malekula, Santo) to identify full range of
Baselines and appropriate carry out surveys to priority IAS.
Monitoring of policies, identify full range of
IAS in Vanuatu legislations, priority IAS at initial
protocols and stages and then
procedures are target all islands.
in place and
MIAS 2.2: Carry our Carry out survey and map 2018-2024 DEPC
operating to BV
surveys to delimit out priority invasive alien
underpin the
priority IAS such as species in all islands of
effective
fire-ants, climbing Vanuatu.
management of
vines (Merremia
IAS.
peltata), including
others.
MIAS2.3: Develop an Develop an invasive alien 2018-2030 DEPC

invasive alien species species alert system for BV
alert system for Vanuatu.
Vanuatu
MIAS2.4: Secure Include sustainable 2018-2030 DEPC

sustainable funding financing mechanism
mechanisms for component in regulation
surveillance, to control importation of
monitoring and foreign organisms and
enforcement. management of invasive
alien species.
Objective MIAS2.5: Assess and Assess and review existing Ongoing DEPC
MIS2b: Improve review existing national response BV
research and national response framework.
knowledge for framework.
priority IAS
MIAS2.6: Develop Develop control Ongoing DEPC
biology and BV
control programmes programmes for priority
impacts and
for priority invasive invasive alien species.
development of
alien species.
effective
management MIAS2.7: Train Train government and Ongoing DEPC
techniques. government and NGOs on management BV
NGOs on aspects of IAS.
management aspects
of IAS.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS2.8: Secure Secure adequate financial 2018-2030 DEPC
MIS2: Establish MIS2b: Improve adequate financial and technical resources for
National research and and technical management of invasive
Baselines and knowledge for resources for alien species.
Monitoring of priority IAS management of
IAS in Vanuatu biology and invasive alien
impacts and species.
development of
MIAS2.9: Develop Develop protocols for EIA 2018-2030 DEPC
effective BV
protocols which by an independent body
management
require an EIA by an prior introduction of exotic
techniques.
independent body species.
before the
introduction of exotic
species, in line with
the EPC Act.
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS3.1: Carry out surveys to 2018-2030 DEPC

MIAS3: Improve MIAS3: To Control/eradicate indicate fire ants and
Management of eliminate or little fire ants and apply control measures.
established reduce and other invasive ants’
Invasive Alien manage impact species at priority
Species of priority sites following
established surveys.
invasive alien
MIAS3.2: Control Develop and provide 2018-2030 DEPC
species by BV
Mynah to reduce training for government
eradication or
range on locations and NGOs on
control.
where control is still management of invasive
feasible on Malekula alien species.
if recommended
following survey.
MIAS3.3: Implement Refer to MIS 2.5

biocontrol for
African tulip tree
when programme
and bio-control
agent is available .
MIA3.4: Encourage Develop protocols for EIA 2018-2030 DEPC

spreading of by an independent body BV
established bio- prior introduction of exotic
control agents onto species.
other islands and
locations.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS3.5: Develop Work with regional 2018-2030 BV

MIAS3: Improve MIAS3: To biocontrol options institutions or CROP DEPC
Management of eliminate or for further priority agencies to develop
established reduce and weeds (as part of biocontrol for other
Invasive Alien manage impact Melanesian sub- priority invasive alien
Species. of priority region projects). species.
established
MIAS3.6: Develop an Develop control 2018-2022 DEPC
invasive alien
invasive alien species programme for Hyptis
species by BV
alert system for brevipes and train local
eradication or
Vanuatu communities to eradicate
control.
the species.
MIAS3.7: Include IAS Ensure that invasive 2018 DEPC

management in species found in the PAs
protected areas are included in the
management plans management plan for
and control priority eradication.
invasives identified
in additions to
Merremia, pigs, cats
and dogs.
MIAS3.8: Dispatch of Dispatch of clean Ongoing DEPC

clean machinery by machinery by PWD for
BV
PWD for new road new road developments to
developments to prevent spreading of
prevent spreading of invasive alien species.
invasives.
MIAS3.9: Provide training to local Ongoing VFD

Disseminate communities on control
implementation of method for COTs.
control protocol to
rural communities.
MIAS3.10: Develop Assess existing models for 2018-2024 DEPC

an IAS Management Merremia peltta control
model for community and develop handbook for
management of management of the
Merremia peltata. species.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MIAS3.11: Restore Promote rehabilitation Ongoing DEPC

MIAS3: Improve MIAS3: To sites and biodiversity programmes for
Management of eliminate or after IAS restoration sites and
established reduce and management occurs. biodiversity affected by
Invasive Alien manage impact invasive alien species.
Species. of priority
MIAS3.12: Support enforcement of Ongoing DEPC
established
Strengthen IAS invasive alien species
invasive alien BV
related policies and related policies and
species by
legislations to legislations to support
eradication or
support effective effective eradication,
control.
eradication, introduction on new
introduction on new invasive alien species and
invasive alien species inter-island introduction of
and inter-island invasive alien species.
introduction of
invasive alien
species.
STRATEGIC AREA 6: MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY ACROSS SECTORS AND SOCIETY (MB)

TARGET:
1. By 2020, government has put in place relevant legislations and policies and Access and Benefit-
Sharing (ABS) protocols to support NBSAP implementation; businesses and production sectors are
adopting Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan; and stakeholders at all levels have
taken steps and implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption.
INDICATOR:
· Trends in population and extinction risk of utilized species, including species in trade.
· Trends in ecological footprint and/or related concepts.
· Ecological limits assessed in terms of sustainable production and consumption.
· Trends in biodiversity of cities (decision X/22).
· Trends in extent to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated into
organizational accounting and reporting.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN- MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY ACROSS SECTORS AND SOCIETY

BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MB1.1: To carry out Review existing legislations 2018-2030 Relevant
EEM1: Appropriate EEM1: Ensure the review of and policies that supports Agencies
Legal, Policy and environment environment related implementation of NBSAP.
Institutional and related Acts, Regulations and
Frameworks that policy Environment Policies
support framework are
Implementation of in place.
Vanuatu’s NBSAP
in place.
MB 1.2: Establish Support enforcement of 2018-2030 Relevant
and strengthen an environment related Agencies
effective and efficient legislations and regulations
enforcement systems by empowering authorised
of environment Laws officers.
at national, provincial
and local levels
MB 1.3 Increased Carry out nation-wide Ongoing DEPC

public awareness on awareness on related
VFD
environment related environment Acts,
Acts, Regulations and regulations and policies. DoF
Policies
MB 1.4: Increase Carry out awareness with 2018-2025 DEPC

political awareness member of parliaments on
and will to support environment related Acts.
environmental good
governance and
implementation.
MB M1.5: Carry out Conduct institutional 2020-2018 DEPC

an institutional and assessment
capacity building
Review organisational
assessment of the
structure to support
environment sector
implementation of NBSAP.
and develop an
institutional
development
strategy to support
NBSAP
implementation.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA Objective MB 1.6: Strengthen Amend the EIA 2018-2020 DEPC
EEM1: Appropriate EEM1: Ensure enforcement and Regulations to prescribe
Legal, Policy and environment identify gaps for set penalties for EIA-
Institutional and related effective related offences by the
Frameworks that policy implementation of end of 2020: Update the
support framework are EIA DEPC Guide to
Implementation of in place. guidelines/standards Compliance and
Vanuatu’s NBSAP and strengthen Enforcement
in place. national capacities of
EIA consultants.
FOCUS AREA EEM2 Objective MB 2.1: Define the Develop the ABS 2020-2030 DEPC
: Strengthen EEM2a: overall ABS strategy, strategy, policy and
application and Strengthen policies and action action plan for Vanuatu.
operationalisation inter-agencies plan for Vanuatu.
of the Nagoya collaboration to
Protocol on Access put in
to Genetic appropriate ABS MB 2.2: Put in place · Review 2018-2022 DEPC
Resources and policies, the appropriate ABS Bioprospecting
Benefit Sharing legislations and regulation in Vanuatu provision EPC Act of
(ABS) in Vanuatu institutional including review of 2018.
arrangements existing · Develop national PIC
for Vanuatuand Environmental for Vanuatu on ABS.
strengthen links Protection and · Develop national
at regional level Conservation (EPC) contract for Mutually
for lesson Act covering ABS. Agreed Terms (MAT).
learning and to
support regional
mechanisms.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA EEM2 Objective MB 2.3: Establish · Develop national 2018-2022 DEPC
: Strengthen EEM2a: institutional institutional
application and Strengthen arrangements and arrangements and
operationalisation inter-agencies assignment of role assignment of roles
of the Nagoya collaboration to and responsibilities and responsibilities
Protocol on Access put in within national framework.
to Genetic appropriate ABS institutional · Recruit Research
Resources and policies, landscape to Officer. 2019
Benefit Sharing legislations and implement ABS.
(ABS) in Vanuatu institutional
arrangements MB 2.4: Review and · Develop national PIC 2018-2022 DEPC
for Vanuatuand define procedures for Vanuatu on ABS.
strengthen links and rules for access · Develop national
to traditional contract for Mutually 2018-2020
at regional level
for lesson knowledge, to Agreed Terms (MAT).
learning and to protect the rights of
support regional indigenous and local
mechanisms. communities and to
ensure equitable
sharing of benefits
such as Prior
Informed Conscent
(PIC) and Mutually
Agreed Terms (MAT).
MB 2.5: Define with Develop regional level 2020-2030 DEPC

regional level model for ABS.
Relevant
countries and
Agencies
partners of common
level of ABS
arrangements. Eg.
Model laws,
guidelines and
principles.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA EEM2 Objective MB 2.6: Integrate an Involve other ministries 2018-2030 DEPC
: Strengthen EEM2a: education and with awareness of ABS.
application and Strengthen awareness
operationalisation inter-agencies programme on ABS
of the Nagoya collaboration to through government
Protocol on Access put in ministries, NGOs,
to Genetic appropriate ABS schools and
Resources and policies, provincial
Benefit Sharing legislations and government.
(ABS) in Vanuatu institutional
arrangements MB 2.7: Compile and Conduct inventory of 2018-2020 DEPC
for Vanuatuand Inventory of all ABS biotrade. VANIPO
strengthen links related industries or
at regional level biotrade industries
for lesson and strengthen
learning and to partnership and
support regional awareness on ABS
mechanisms. related activities.
Objective MB 2.8: Strengthen Assess capacity building 2018-2022 DEPC

MB2b: Review role of the needs for ABS focal point
and put in place competent authority, and BAC.
appropriate focal point and
2
protocols and National Biodiversity
procedures for Advisory Council
different ABS established under
related EPC Act to review
activities. protocols and
procedures of ABS.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA EEM2 Objective MB 2.9: ABS contract Develop appropriate 2018-2025 DEPC
: Strengthen MB2b: Review agreements, interim contracts, interim VANIPO
application and and put in place guidelines, guidelines, negotiation VKS
operationalisation appropriate negotiation procedures and legal
of the Nagoya protocols and procedures and customary protocols in
Protocol on Access procedures for legal/customary accordance with NP.
to Genetic different ABS protocols developed
Resources and related in accordance with
Benefit Sharing activities. the Nagoya Protocol
(ABS) in Vanuatu and the Traditional
Knowledge and
Expressions of
Culture Act.
MB2.10: Set up the national 2019-2030 DEPC

Establishment of network first and expand
national and regional to include regional
networks amongst network for research
research stakeholders
stakeholders
(researchers, food
security, medicinal,
bio-prospecting,
community interests
including
government, NGO's,
private sector and
community groups).
MB 2.11: Organise Conduct awareness 2018-2030 DEPC

awareness raising raising on ABS at
amongst government provincial and
departments, community levels.
divisions and
provincial levels
workshops on ABS
for stakeholders and
facilitate site/field
visits where
appropriate.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA EEM2: Objective MB 2.12: Establish Set up national ABS trust 2022-2030 DEPC
Strengthen MB2b: Review benefit sharing fund.
application and and put in place mechanism (e.g.
operationalisation appropriate Trust Fund) for ABS
of the Nagoya protocols and strengthened
Protocol on Access procedures for contributes to the
to Genetic different ABS conservation of
Resources and related biological diversity.
Benefit Sharing activities.
MB 2.13: Establish Strengthen ABS 2018-2030 DEPC
(ABS) in Vanuatu.
and strengthen agreement for
administrative negotiations between
systems / procedures government and other
for ABS agreement relevant MATs.
negotiations
between the
government and
relevant MATs and
other relevant
agreements.
Strategic Area 7: RESOURCE MOBILISATION FOR THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN
TARGET:
The Ministry of Finanance will need to set realistic annual budgetary targets and DEPC to do 3
yearly resource mobilisation plan based on realistic NBSAP Actions & Targets.
INDICATORS:
· Aggregated financial flows, in the amount and where relevant percentage, of biodiversity
related funding, per annum, for achieving the Vanuatu NBSAP National Targets,
· Number of assessments values of biodiversity in accordance with CBD,
· Identified and reported funding needs, gaps and priorities,
· Developed National Financial Plans for Biodiversity,
· Amount of national financial support, per annum, in respect of those national activities which
are intended to achieve the objectives of NBSAP.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN RESOURCE MOBILISATION FOR THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY
BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM1: Objective RM1.1: · Conduct awareness 2019-2030 DEPC
Resource RM1: To Organise to relevant
Mobilisation for increase stakeholder government
the National understading engagement sectors such as
Biodiversity and buy-in to consider fisheries and
Strategy and from relevant biodiversity forestry on
Action Plan. government, and ecosystem
NGOs, ecosystem valuation principles
implementing services to be and approaches.
partners and the key · Develop and
communities priority areas costing of 2019-2030 DEPC
on the for economic ecosystem Relevant
resource valuation and valuation for Agencies
mobilisation assessments. marine, terrestrial
approach, and wetlands in
methodology collaboration with
and action relevant
plan. stakeholders.
RM 1.2: Carry out · Undertake 2020-2030 DEPC

ecosystem ecosystem Relevant
assessments, assessments and Agencies
mapping, indicators valuation of each
and valuation for ecosystem types
each focal areas. such as marine,
terrestrial and
wetlands
ecosystems.
· Conduct costing of
each focal area of 2020-2030 DEPC
the NBSAP.
· Develop
2020-2030 DEPC
sustainable DoFT
financing strategies
for implementing
the NBSAP.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM1: Objective RM1: RM1.3: Carry out Carry out the capacity 2019-2030 DEPC
Resource To increase capacity building building training to Relevant
Mobilisation for understading activities to equip equip relevant actors Agencies
the National and buy-in from actors with with required skills to
Biodiversity relevant necessary skills to carry out value-based
Strategy and government, carry out value- actions as indicated in
Action Plan. NGOs, based actions e.g RM 1.3.
implementing tools to gather
partners and information on
communities on biodiversity and
the resource ecosystem advising
mobilisation them on how to
approach, incorporate
methodology biodiversity and
and action plan. ecosystem service
values into their
business plans
make economic
and financial sense.
RM1.4: Engage Carry out a study or 2019-2030 DEPC

funders survey on this action to Relevant
strategically and map out sectors Agencies
identify key sectors benefiting from
benefitting from biodiversity and
biodiversity and ecosystem service
ecosystem service values, who are
values who are primary users, how will
primary users, how they benefit from
will they benefit investing in
from investing in biodiversity ecosystem
biodiversity services and what
ecosystem services ongoing financial
and what ongoing system are in place to
financial secure sustained
mechanism are funding.
available to secure
sustained funding.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM1: Objective RM1: RM1.5: Assess Carry out the financial 2019-2030 DEPC
Resource To increase financial flows assessment with DoFT
Mobilisation for understading associated with biodiversity loss drivers
the National and buy-in from drivers of and how they can be
Biodiversity relevant biodiversity loss influenced to reduce
Strategy and government, such as harmful their impacts.
Action Plan. NGOs, incentives, and how
implementing they can be
partners and influenced to
communities on reduce their
the resource impact.
mobilisation RM1.6: Conduct Carry out annual 2019-2030 DEPC
approach, annual meetings with NBSAP Relevant
methodology stakeholders’ Stakeholder Agencies
and action plan. meeting to discuss Administration to
budget and report assess update on
on progress of species
NBSAP species implementation work.
component
implementation.
Species
conservation
implementation to
include
enforcement roles
of the relevant
authorities e.g.
biosecurity.
RM1.7: Establish a Initiate the idea of 2019-2030 DEPC

conservation trust developing a
fund to be Conservation Trust
managed by DEPC Fund.
under government
budgetary process.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM2: Objective RM2: RM2.1: Conduct Undertake ecosystem 2020-2030 DEPC
Development of Develop an ecosystem service mapping to Relevant
Vanuatu NBSAP Resource service mapping to assess state and trend Agencies
Resource mobilisation assess state and in ecosystem service
Mobilisation Plan. plan using best trend in ecosystem provision and human
available data service provision well-being.
and scenario and human well-
development. being, to provide
spatial
quantification of
ecosystem services
and their values.
RM2.2: Conduct Carry out economic 2019-2030 DEPC

economic valuation valuation of DoFT
of ecosystems and biodiversity and
biodiversity using ecosystems different
variety of economic methods to determine
valuation methods monetary value of
to determine biodiversity.
monetary value of
biodiversity i.e
direct market
valuation
approaches,
revealed
preferences and
stated preference
approaches.
RM2.3: Assess the Carry out assessment 2020-2030 DEPC

cost of NBSAP of the NBSAP strategies DoFT
strategies and and actions cost to find
action, identify out financial gaps and
financial gaps and scale up the finance
scale up finance mechanism
mechanism.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM2: Objective RM2: RM2.4: Integrate Develop project 2019-2030 DEPC
Development of Develop values of proposal to use the DoFT
Vanuatu NBSAP Resource biodiversity and BIOFIN conceptual
Resource mobilisation ecosystems into framework to integrate
Mobilisation Plan. plan using best national accounting values of biodiversity
available data frameworks using and ecosystems into
and scenario the Biodiversity national accounting
development. Finance (BIOFIN) frameworks.
conceptual
framework of
public expenditure
review, pressure-
state-response,
scenario
development and
comparison and
root cause analysis.
RM2.5: Develop a Develop national 2019-2030 DEPC

Vanuatu Resource Resource Mobilisation DoFT
Mobilisation plan plan to implement the
to include policy NBSAP and address
and institutional this action.
analysis,
expenditure
review, strategies,
actions and costs,
projected future
states with
investments,
opportunities for
mobilisation of
resources, making a
case of for
biodiversity
investments and
consolidate
resource
mobilisation plan
with finance
mechanism, actors
and timelines.
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BY AGENCY
FOCUS AREA RM2: Objective RM2: RM2.6: Integrate Integration resource 2019-2030 DEPC
Development of Develop resource mobilisation plan into
Vanuatu NBSAP Resource mobilisation plans national plans and find
Resource mobilisation into national plans out national strategies
Mobilisation Plan. plan using best and identify and entry point.
available data national synergies
and scenario and entry points.
development.
8.0 PROVINCIAL PLANS

Most of the NBSAP work will be implemented in partnerships with communities through their provincial
government and administration in collaboration with DEPC and national level stakeholders. The six
provincial implementation plans provide the background of each province, the population, and total land
and sea areas under provincial management. It then provides the provincial vision and mission of the
whole province. The key components are:
a. MARINE:
(i) Existing conservation areas,
(ii) Proposed conservation areas,
(iii) Marine biodiversity,
(iv) Threat to marine species,
(v) Action to address threats.
b. FOREST AND INLAND WATERS

(i) Existing conservation areas,
(ii) Proposed conservation areas,
(iii) Forest and inland biodiversity,
(iv) Threat to forest and inland species,
(v) Action to address threats.
c. PROVINCIAL TARGET FOR 2018 -2030

The following provincial NBSAP Implementation plans were developed through an extensive
consultation process based on the current NBSAP.
8.1 Torba Province– NBSAP Implementation Plan
8.2 Sanma Province - NBSAP Implementation Plan
8.3 Penama Province - NBSAP Implementation Plan
8.4 Malampa Province - NBSAP Implementation Plan
8.5 Shefa Province - NBSAP Implementation Plan
8.6 Tafea Province - NBSAP Implementation Plan
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8.1 TORBA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.1.1 Background
Torba Province is one of the six provinces in Vanuatu that is located far north of Vanuatu. Torba province is a
chain of small islands that include two island groups - the Banks and the Torres group. The name of this province
is comprise of these two groups of islands: Tor from Torres and Ba from Banks. The islands of Vanuatu were
formed in a series of geological activities over three geological time periods, resulting in newer and older islands
within Vanuatu. There has been 3 major geological periods of activity resulting in island formation and Torres
group of islands were the first islands to form along with Malekula and Espiritu Santo. The Banks group were
formed later with some of the other younger islands in the central part of Vanuatu.
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8.1.1.1 Population & total land area
The total population of Torba province from the 2016 mini census is 9,875 people with a total land area of 882
km2 (VNSO, 2016). The main source of income for Torba people comes from copra, cacao, kava, sale of fish, food
and root crops, handicrafts and other invertebrates like coconut crab in Torres Islands.
The largest single landmass area of Torba province is the island of Vanua Lava which is where the Torba Provincial
headquarters is located in Sola.
8.1.1.2 Torba Provincial Government
Provincial Governments have been established through the Decentralisation Act of 1994. Through this
decentralisation system, government extension offices were then established at the provincial headquarters.
The department extension services form a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) that makes decisions along with the
key personnel of Torba province for the development of the province. Torba Province with the advice of the TAG
has developed a provincial policy that guides development of this province for the good of the province and its
people.
8.1.1.3 Vision
Torba’s future generations enjoying abundant natural resources by 2060 through wise use, improve livelihoods,
maintaining custom values and healthy island ecosystems.
8.1.1.4 Mission
To have a healthy, wealthy and sustainable environment by year 2050.
8.1.2 Marine
Torba Province has a large marine area with small land mass. The small islands of Torba are surrounded with a
high density of coral reefs. Some of the islands are not inhabited with people and so nearby habited islands use
these islands as fishing grounds. Torba province has classified Key Biodiversity Areas /Hotspots wthin its islands
according to the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
There is a vast marine biodiversity with different habitats but coral reefs dominate most of the small islands with
invertebrates and fishes. Turtles and coconut crabs and various marine mammals are well known in Torba
Province especially in the Torres group. Habitats listed for Torba are seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangrove
areas with diversity of marine organisms. Offshore having areas of good pelagic and benthic fisheries such as
tuna, poulet, snapper, seamounts, canyons, trench, etc. The only management system that is used to protect
the marine resources is by community or landowners emphasizing tabu systems on the resources.
The following are the list of areas listed as being protected with community or landownership management
system.
8.1.2.1 List of Existing Marine Conservation Areas for Torba Province

Existing Marine Area Location (Island) Important to the community National Priority
Losalava Marine Park (MPA Gaua Big lagoon with great fringing Process for CCA
reef with marine resource
Turtle Sanctuary (Northeast Vanualava Turtle nesting site and eco- Process for CCA
Vanualava) tourism activity
Crocodile Conservation Vanualava Protect marine crocodile Process for CCA
species
Rah Motalava Protect fish breeding/ fish
nursery ground, coconut crab
and MPA
Totonglang Motalava Protect marine resources and
fishing grounds
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Existing Marine Area Location (Island) Important to the community National Priority
Qeremangde Motalava Protect marine resources and
fishing grounds
Avar Motalava Protect nursery grounds
Nerenigman Motalava Protect nursery grounds and
MPA
Rah Rock Motalava Protect fishing ground
Reef Island Conservation Reef Island Protect marine resources Process for CCA
Area around the island and also
good fishing ground
Toga Torres Coconut Crab protection and
MPA
Loh – Lenua Coconut Crab Torres Coconut Crab protection and
MPA
Lilepe Coconut Crab Torres Coconu Crab protection
Metoma – Coconut Crab Torres Coconu Crab protection and Process for formal
Conservation Area MPA registration
Proposed Marine sites Location (Island) Important to the community National Priority
Lembot- Mangrove Gaua Mangrove protection
Dundu-Mangrove Gaua Mangrove protection
Aver- Mangrove Gaua Mangrove protection
Casca- Mangrove Gaua Mangrove protection
Masivona – Turtle nesting Gaua Protect turtle nesting
Matanoda- Turtle nesting Gaua Protect turtle nesting
Taplon- Turtle nesting Gaua Protect turtle nesting
Biam – Turtle nesting Gaua Protect turtle nesting
Kerebuak-Mangrove Vanualava Mangrove protection
Aligator river-Mangrove & Vanualava Mangrove and seagrass
seagrass protection
Quanglap - Mangrove & Vanualava Mangrove, seagrass and turtle
seagrass & turtle nesting nesting protection
Leon Bay- Mangrove Vanualava Mangrove protection
Mosina- Mangrove Vanualava Mangrove protection
Divers Bay -Mangrove Ureparapara Mangrove protection
Ambek- Turtle nesting Vanualava Protect turtle nesting
Ravenga – Turtle nesting Vanualava Protect turtle nesting
Honeymoon beach (Lenua)– Loh, Torres Protect turtle nesting
turtle nesting
Loh lagoon- Mangrove & Torres Mangrove, seagrass, turtle
seagrass nesting and coconut crab
protection
The above list is created as a list of important marine sites that are of great significance to the people of Torba
Province. Their livelihood is entirely dependent on marine resources for consumption and earning money.
8.1.2.2 Marine Species Biodiversity
Marine biodiversity in Torba is diverse where coral reefs are covered with invertebrates and fishes sea mammals,
reptiles, sea birds and other marine species of importance to the Torba people. Offshore having areas of good
pelagic and benthic fisheries such as tuna, poulet, snapper, seamounts, etc Marine biodiversity has been
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observed to be slowly decreasing over the past few years and today some of the species that were once plentiful
are rarely seen.
The species on the list are of importance to the Torba people and all the species are common in most of the
islands and suggested marine areas. The ecosystems listed are those that are supporting a good population of
marine resources, and hence identified as needed to be protected.
8.1.2.3 List of important Marine Species in Torba
Fish Invertebrates Mammals/ birds Marine Ecosystems
Eelfish Crabs Dugong Beaches
Fish Green snail Sea Birds Coral Reefs
Marine Crocodile Lobster Wild Ducks Mangrove
Turtle Octopus Seagrass bed
Sea cucumber
Shells
Trochus
8.1.2.4 Threats to the Marine Species

Marine resources have been decreasing slowly in this province as seen in the smaller sizes and lower numbers
of fish catches. Human consumption is stressed as being the major contributing factor that drives the decline
of marine resources in Torba and concern was raised during the discussions that fishing grounds extend to the
uninhabited islands where resources are currently plentiful.
8.1.2.5 Key Actions to Address Decrease of Marine Resources
The people of Torba know that their marine resources are declining. The chiefs and communities have taken
some measures to manage the rate at which resources are declining through initiation of marine tabu areas.
Threats to marine resources identified during the validation workshop are population pressure on resources,
lack of respect for conservation or tabu areas, lack of technical knowledge on risk of depletion of marine
resources, and Crown of Thorns (COTs) infestation on coral reefs.
Threats Action Plans to Agency responsible Timeframe
Address Threats
Overfishing/ over Ban one finger fishing VFD 2020
harvesting due to net Torba Province
rapid population
growth
Lack of finance Ecotourism activities DoT 2020
Torba Province
Lack of respect of · Enforcement of VFD 2020
conservation areas conservation Torba Province
management laws
· Higher penalties
Lack of Information Consider registering VFD 2030
and technical advice areas with the DEPC
on the risk of depletion Department of Torba Province
of marine resources Environment
Crown of Thorn Eradication method VFD 2020
starfish invasion Torba Province
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8.1.3 Forest and Inland Waters
T Torba Province is made up largely of small islands with less land area and thus limited terrestrial resources.
Most of the large forest area can be found on the larger islands, of Vanua Lava and Gaua. Since the land mass
is scarce, and resources limited there is no real consideration of forest conservation, as every piece of land is
vital and can be utilized. There are a number of inland water areas that have given rise to consideration for
forest conservation. Inland water are interconnected with forest areas, therefore the inland waters that are
listed are very much linked with their surrounding forests/watersheds and catchment areas.
The list below shows the inland water areas that needs to be protected due to their importance as alternative
water sources for daily household uses. The surrounding forests must also be conserved to protect these water
sources.
8.1.3.1 List of Existing and Proposed Forest and Inland Water Conservation Areas in Torba
Existing Forest/ Inland Location (Island) Important to Community National Priority
Waters
Lake Letes Gaua Protect forest, water source, Process for Ramsar
lake and species
Doctor Mark Special need Gaua Protect Forest
school
Vanualava Geological Park Vanu Lava Protect site for tourist activity
(Volcano Area)
Valua Telvet Mota Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Melebay Mota Lava Protect forest
Abet Mota Lava Protect water catchment
Sleeping Mountain Mota Lava Protect forest
Mountain Bird Mere Lava Protect special bird to this
Conservation island
Sletes Conservation Area Ureparapara Protect forest
Proposed forest / inland water areas

Nebehei River Mota Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Tinision Lake Vanu Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Blue lake Vanu Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Port Patterson Vanu Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Alligator River Vanu Lava Protect mangrove forest, fish,
coconut crab and crabs
Twin Waterfall Vanu Lava Protect forest and water
catchment
Moi River Ureparapara Protect forest and water
catchment
Sirifall Waterfall Gaua Protect forest and water
catchment
Mount Gharat Boiling Mud Gaua Protect geological features
Hiu Hiu Island Protect forest
Tegua Tegua Island Protect forest
Toga Toga Island Protect forest
Linua Loh Island Protect forest
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8.1.3.2 Forest and Inland Water Species Biodiversity
The two larger islands of Torba Province, Gaua and Vanua Lava harbours high numbers of endemic species of
flora and fauna. Torba province has classified Key Biodiversity Areas /Hotspots wthin its islands according to
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) with Gaua being a priority KBA. On Gaua, can be found the largest
volcanic lake in Vanuatu and in the Pacific region outside of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Lake Letas sits
at 450m altitude and Mt Garet is at 600m above sea level. Lake Letas is now a conservation area with a finalized
mangement plan ready for legal registration as a recognized CCA. It is also the first Vanuatu national Ramsar
wetland sites resultant from the accompanying signing document for Vanuatu to accede to the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands in 2018. The lake is also in the World Heritage tentative listing for Vanuatu as a national
World Heritage natural site. Lake Letas has 33 water sources feeding into the 12km by 2km lake. A healthy
population of three freshwater eel fish species and freshwater prawn species of Macrobrachium lar are found
in the Lake. A number of rivers are found in Vanua Lava, including Selva River and Alligator River which are both
national wetland sites for Vanuatu and only habitats in Vanuatu which are home to saltwater crocodile
populations. The Island constitutes various suitable habitats and ecosystems for endemic sea bird species, such
as the Vanuatu Petrel. Mota Island is home to four flying fox species including the endemic Vanuatu Flying Fox
and the Banks Flying Fox.
Terrestrial species are restricted to the confines of the land mass areas that make up Torba Province. In addition
to diversity of species found in this province, there are also some local lianas/bush ropes and wild cane species
of siginificance to the people of Torba which are used for making traditional baskets and traditional house
materials and construction. These vines and wild cane must be protected to enable the continuous use and
practice of traditional knowledge. This province has a unique traditional way of preserving breadfruit and
Canarium nut (Nangae) that can still be consumed months after their fruiting seasons.
8.1.3.3 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species in Torba
Plant Animal
Bara Palm tree Birds
Blue Water Coconut crab (Birgus latro)
Breadfruit Crocodile
Bush Vines Eel fish
Cordia allidora Flying fox
Flowers Marine Birds
Glyricidia Megapod- Incubator bird
Loya cane Water prawns
Nangai (Ngali nut) Snakes
Namele Vanuatu mountain pigeon
Oil Palm Wild duck
Palms Wild pigs/ cows
8.1.3.4 Threats to Forest and Inland Waters

The people of Mere Lava have raised concerns over flying foxes and birds that feed on the ripe Canarium fruits.
As they are consumed, and the nuts arey dispersed away from the fruiting trees and thus causing a reduction
on the local harvest from the fruiting trees, as the canarium nut is an important food source to the people of
Mere Lava.
Threats that have impacts on the forest and inland waters biodiversity include over harvesting, population
pressure on resource due to low income, clearing forest for gardening activities, weak governing system by
village chiefs, invasive Merremia peltata and Little Red Fire Ant, and natural disasters such as earthquakes,
volcanic ashes and climate change. The provincial validation workshop also set actions to address these threats
in the matrix below.
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8.1.3.5 Key Actions to Address Decrease of Forest and Inland Water Resources
Forest and Inland waters maintanence are not really a highlighted problem to Torba people for now. The
disappearance of some of these important species draws attention to taking actions in conserving their forest
and inland waters. The list of measures below is what Torba Province put together to address these threats.
8.1.3.6 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species in Torba
Threats Action Plans to Agency Responsible Timeframe
Address Threats
Human being (users) Environment must be DoE 2017- 2030
taught in schools Torba Province
syllabus and
awareness raised to all
people of Vanuatu.
· Population growth · Seek for donor DEPC 2020
· Low income rate support Torba Province
· Integrated farming
system
(Aquaculture)
Invasive species (Big Environment should DEPC 2020
leaf & fire ants) be part of everyone’s Torba Province
business
Governing system Strengthen existing DEPC 2020
Custom governance chiefly governance Torba Province
(enforcement)
· Land dispute Producers cooperative Torba Province 2020
· Garden clearing (Agriculture)
8.1.4 Torba Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030

During the NBSAP Torba Provincial Validation Workshop, there was a lot of discussions on existing protected
sites and new ones in the marine and terrestrial environment. Torba province decided to put up some of its
areas as target sites to contribute to the protection of Vanuatu’s natural environment with the timeframe from
2018 until 2030.
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8.1.4.1 Forest and Inland Waters Target
Forest Types Conservation Objectives Target by 2030
1. Dark Bush: Towlap Hill Forest Protect water catchment, Community Management
and catchment (VL) plus source of water supply-
Provincial area
2. Metoma Hill and forest- Protect wild life Community Management
Torres
3. Forest interior of land- Protect coconut crab, Community Management
Touvetman- Motalava- protect wildlife, benefit
through project (Carbon
credit- climate change
project)
4. Vanua Lava Geo Park Geological landscape Formal Registration
Inland Waters
1. Tingsion – Vanua Lava, Breeding ground for marine Formal Registration
2. Twin waterfall plus source life
(Vanua Lava),
3. Melebay (Mota Lava),
4. Moi (Ureparapara)
5. Blue lake- Vanua Lava Habitat for crocodile- sea Formal Registration
6. Port Nawono (Aligator)- crocodile in Vanuatu
Vanua Lava
7. Mota-Lava- Melebay Tourist hotspot Formal Registration
8. Valua Telvet – Mota Lava Protection of water source/ Formal Registration
catchment
9. Abit River- Ureparapara- Main water source, supply Community Management

for the community
- Protect water catchment
10.Moi River- Ureparapara Same as above- continue Community Management
reason
11.Lake Letas Largest volcanic lake in the Formal Registration
Pacific and unique plants
and animals in the forest.
World heritage site and
wetland site
Replanting of trees to
protect water source
Total: Formal – 10 & Informal - 5
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8.1.4.2 Marine Areas Target
Potential Marine Area Conservation Objective Target by 2030
1. Reef Island Trochus, green snail, giant Formal Registration
clam, sea cucumber- for
restock purpose/ tourist
attraction
2. Mangrove area- alligator Fish nursery grounds, coastal Formal Registration
river (Vanua Lava) protection from erosion and
3. Dundu (Gaua) cyclone
4. Lembot (Gaua)
5. Aver (Gaua)
6. Divers bay (Ureparapara)
7. Metoma Island (Torres) Coconut crab reserve Formal Registration
8. Black Rock- Toga, Island
(Torres)
9. Linua (Loh, Torres)
10.Lilepe conservation area
(Loh, Torres)
11.Masivunu (Gaua) Turtle Nesting Community Management
12.Matanda (Gaua through MPA
13.Quanglap (Vanua Lava)
14.Ravenga (Vanua Lava)
15.Ambek (Vanua Lava)
16.Ontar Marine ParK (Gaua)
17.Trochus conservation (Gaua Continues breeding for On and off conservation
Island) economic benefits
18.Vetangde Stone Island Fish Breeding & tourism Formal Registration
19.Losolava (Gaua) Fish breeding & tourism Community management
20.Rah Island Fish breeding Community management
21.Vetvai Conservation – Mota Fish breeding Community management
Lava
Total: Formal – 11 & Informal 10
8.1.5 TORBA Provincial Target Statement

Torba Provincial will protect 11 marine areas and 10 forest and inland waters with a formal management
system under the Environmental Protection & Conservation Act CAP 283 Act for Community Conservation Areas
by 2030 and 5 forest & inland waters and 10 marine areas will be under traditional resource management
system by the community and land owners.
8.1.6 Reference
Coleman, P. J. 1970: Geology of the Solomon and New Hebrides Islands, as part of the Melanesian Re-entrant,
Southwest Pacific. Pacific science 24: pp. 289-314.
Vanuatu National Statistics Office. (2016). 2016 Post- TC PAM Mini- Census Report, Port Vila, Vanuatu
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8.2 SANMA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.2.1 Background
Sanma Province is located to the northern region of Vanuatu. It has the largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo,
with its neighbouring islands, of Malo and Aore and a number of other offshore islands. The name Sanma is
formed from the beginning of the two first letters of the main islands, San from Santo and Ma from Malo.
Geologically, the islands of Sanma province areamong the oldest islands in the Vanuatu archipelago, comprised
of ancient volcanic rock dating back from Late Eocene until the middle Miocene Era (Coleman, 1970).
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8.2.1.1 Population & Total Land Area
Sanma Province has a population of 52,145 people with a total land area of 4,248 km². Santo Island is the largest
land mass of the province and Vanuatu as a whole with a total of 4,010 km2. The highest peak in Vanuatu stands
at 1,879 m and is named Mount Tabwemasana in west-central Espiritu Santo. Santo, Malo and Aore are the
three main islands with ten more small offshore islands.
The people of Sanma rely on subsistence farming for food, raising cattle, pigs and chicken with yams, taro, root
crops and vegetables. The main source of income is from copra, cacao (being the largest exporting island), kava
and sale of crops in the market. The neighbouring islands sell fish catches to earn money. Handicraft is becoming
one of the increasing sources of income due to increase in tourism. Tourism is on the rise and has developed in
Sanma tremendously, now also with upgraded access entry of cruise ships to an improved Luganville harbor,
which generates a good source of income for the handicraft markets. In the previous years, Santo received a
decent number of cruise ships. However eleven crusise ships are scheduled to arrive in Santo in 2018.
8.2.1.2 Sanma Provincial Government
The headquarters of Sanma Province is located in Luganville Town; which is the second largest township in
Vanuatu after Port Vila. All government offices and private businesses are located in Luganville town. The
establishment of Sanma provincial government is through the Decentralization Act of 1994. The Provincial
Government of Sanma has established area secretaries (Administrators) according to district areas. Sanma
Province has 12 area secretaries. The appointed area secretaries represent the voices of their respective areas
to the provincial government for different development initiatives including the protection of natural resources.
The validation workshop helped the people of Sanma through the area secretaries to raise important areas for
protection. Sanma Province has a Corporate Plan that states that each area secretary has to register at least 1
or 2 conservation area (s) with the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act CAP 283 by 2020.
8.2.1.3 Vision
The Sanma Provincial Government Council (SPGC) envisages; building a stronger, developed and self-sustaining
province, while sustainably managing its unique abundant natural resources and Key Biodiversity to benefit all
its citizens.
8.2.1.4 Mission
To ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of its unique, abundant natural resources and
Key Biodiversity for the people of Samna Province and Luganville in a coherent manner: ensuring that
resources are utilized efficiently and sustainably.
8.2.2 Marine
Sanma Province constitutes the largest land area in Vanuatu, subsequently with very long stretch of coastline
area. Sanma also possesses some of the largest marine areas compared to other provinces in Vanuatu. . The
main island has about twelve (12) surrounding smaller sentinel islands. The island of Santo is a tourist diving
hotspot with many shipwreck dive sites (like the world renowned “president coolidge”which is also a marine
reserve), healthy rich, coral reefs and nice stunning white sandy beaches like the famous champagne beach with
its crystal clear water.
People of Sanma province also depend on marine resources for food and income, however, not as heavily
dependent on it, as they tend to use more of the resources on land rather than those of their marine
environment due to the large size and abundance of resources on Espiritu Santo Island. Participants at the
validation workshop however, felt that measures should be taken now to protect the marine resources, even
though people do not heavily depend on it at this stage yet. This idea of protection and conservation measures
seems to be important at this present time as more immigrants from neighbouring islands are moving to
Luganville to live and find job, with rural to urban drift.
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Conservation is not a new approach for Sanma Province, as it also has the greatest number of four registered
conservation areas that are found in Sanma Province. These are Vatthe Conservation area, covering both
terrestrial and marine areas, Loru Protected area (forest); Penoru conservation area (forest and inland waters)
and Edehope (forest) conservation area.
The list below shows the existing marine areas that are protected under private/ landownership or community
managements with proposed marine areas that are considered important for protection and are threatened in
some ways are also listed.
8.2.2.1 List of Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas in Sanma Province
Existing Marine areas Location (Island) Importance to the National Priority
Community
East Malo Malo Fisheries resource
Loru Conservation Area Santo Forest Conservation Registered CCA
(registered)
Tutuba Tutuba island Nursery and fishing ground
Araki Araki island Protect fisheries resources
Bokisa Bokisa Island Protection of marine
resource on the island
Keven Anderson Plantation Santo Private owner Process to CCA
registration
Malo pass Malo Island Protection for fishing ground Proposed for MPA
with rich marine biodiversity
Olpoe Santo Protection of Marine life
Pasena Santo Protection of Marine life
Baigaragara Santo Protection of Marine life
Tamalum Santo Protection of coral reef and
fishes
Ratua Ratua Island Private Island Process for CCA
Oyster Oyster Island Private Island
Pilotin Pilotin island Private
Tangis Santo
Natawa (Nerenit fish feeding) Santo Tourism, fish feeding
Banban (Traditional Tabu) Santo Overharvesting
Saint Michelle (Private) Santo Private to protect
environment
Cape Quaros (Traditional Tabu) Santo Protection of marine
resource
Lajmoli (Traditional Tabu) Santo Protection of marine

resource
Beao (Traditional Tabu) West Malo Protection of marine
resource
Savakas Plantation (Traditional Santo Protection of marine
tabu) resource
Belvus (Traditinal Tabu) Big bay, Santo Protection of marine

resource
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Proposed Marine Areas Locations
Sarakata River (Formal) Santo Over harvesting
Unity Park Seafront (Formal) Santo Protection of marine and
freshwater species
Beachfront (Red corner near Santo Protection of Marine
oil mill) resource
Samansin to Banban Santo Protection of Marine
resource
Elephant Island Santo Protect the Island marine
resource
Dolphin Island Santo Protection of Marine
resource

Marine ecosystems that are found in Sanma are mangrove areas, lagoons, seagrass beds largely on the East
Coast o the South. Estuarine environments. In parts deep water is close to coast ,as a result benthic and pelagic
fishing grounds are close to coast, evidently, also rocky coastline, cliffs, boulder bank areas and long stretches
of black sand beaches that drop off into deep are found all along the west coast.
Most widely common ecosystem found throughout are rich with different types of coral reef systems. These
ecosystems are populated with a vast great diversity of marine species of vertebrates and invertebrates, fish,
sea mammals, sea reptiles, seabirds from coastline to the reefs crest and beyond. Offshore having areas of good
pelagic and benthic fisheries such as tuna, marlin, poulet, snapper, proximity to trench, canyons, seamounts,
(notably the seamount off the Southwest Coast being protected under fisheries regulation) , etc Marine species
are very important for food and generating income.
8.2.2.3 List of important Marine Species in Sanma
Invertebrates Fish Sea Mammals Marine Ecosystems
Clam Eel fish Dugong Coral reefs
Coconut crab Dolphin Whale Mangrove
Crab Turtle Sand (beaches)
Green snail Sea grass bed
Lobster
Octopus
Prawns
Sea Cucumber
Shellfish
Squid
Triton Shell
Trochus

The main threat to the sizes and population of marine resources resources is the catch of undersized fish, which
are regularly caught in large numbers for subsistence, food and consumption and sale at the stores and local
market outlets. This has caused pressure on marine resources especially fish stock.
COTs is also one of the natural threats to coral reefs. In 2015 a huge outbreak of COTs was encountered within
and along the main channel between Luganville and Aore Island.
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Different management methods were used to manage different threats. The Fisheries Department for example,
has used trialed and tested injection methods using feld tested and locally developed serum and technologies
to eliminate COTs along Luganville coastline. (Dumas et al. 2014).
Address Threats
Overharvest of Register Areas (CCA/ DEPC 2020
resources MPA) VFD
Crown of Thorns Stop invasive species VFD 2020
invasion with management
plans
Remove Crown of
Thorns
2 (two) finger net Stop foreign uses of VFD 2020
fishing gear
Soil erosion (Coastal Replanting of DoF 2020
erosion) mangroves VFD
High population Register CCA DEPC 2020
growth
Cutting and clearing Create by-laws DoF 2020
of mangroves DEPC
VFD
Lack of respect on · Consultation of VFD 2020
tabu areas laws to community Chiefs
· Enforcement of
tabu laws
· Improve awareness
Snorkelling with fish Ban snorkelling with VFD 2020
gear fish gear DEPC

Sanma Province has an immense vast expanse of forest area and forest type and inland water systems, that
range from coastal to mountain/cloud forest, wet to dry, and deciduous forest, grassland, swamp, marshland,
large river systems,(having the largest river in Vanuatu; Jordan River, Big Bay) lakes. water bodies, limestone
geology of the island include karst systems that make up vast largely unknown interconnected subterranean
waterways some running many kilometers beneath the island, also incorporating the famous ‘blue holes’ the
large bodiesof freshwater found mostly on the eastern part of Santo with theirclear prisitine, fresh water, giving
it its famous blue hue. Below are list of different forest areas and water zones that are being protected and will
be considered for legal protection.
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8.2.3.1 List of Existing and Proposed Forest and Inland Water Conservation Areas for Sanma Province
Existing Forest area Location (Island) Importance to the National Priority
Community
Kole/ Loru (registered) Santo Forest Area Conservation Registered CCA
with birds and coconut crab
Matantas (registered) Santo Forest Area conservation Registered CCA
Penauro (registered) Santo Protect for Agathis & Registered CCA
Sandalwood Forest, Water
Catchment, Endemic &
Endangerd Spp
Tasmate (registered) Santo Forest Area conservation Registered CCA
Botmas (On process for Santo Protect for Forest, water In process for CCA
registration) Catchment, Endemic & registration
Endangered Spp
Mt Tabwemasana (On process Santo Endemic bird- Santo IBA and in process
for registration) Mountain Starling from CCA
registrations
Hydro Sarakata River and forest Santo Protection of water source hydropower
Buevunsupe – Eden Hope Santo Protection of forest- Private
(Private) ownership
Tawifield (on process for Malo Protect forest In process for CCA
registration) registration
Freshwater plantation (Private Aore Private ownership
& landowner)
Bokisa Bokisa Island Protection of the whole
island and its environment
Proposed Forest and Inland water Area Location (Island)

Saroa Catchment area (Sarakata Santo Protection of water sources
River)
Kerewia River (West Santo) to Santo Protection of water sources
Lopelope (South East Santo)
Navaka Catchment South Santo Protection of water
catchment
Belie River North West Santo Protection of water
catchment
Karaifas river & catchment Santo Protection of water
catchment
Lape river &catchment Big Bay, Santo Protection of water
catchment
Wanamput catchment & river Santo Protection of water
catchment
Jordan river Big bay, Santo Protection of water Vanuatu Wetland Site
catchment
Valampil Catchment & river South East Santo Protection of water
catchment
Raovi River, Matevulu River Big Bay, Santo Protection of water
catchment, Tourist site
Wailapa Catchment & river South Santo Protection of water
catchment
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Existing Forest area Location (Island) Importance to the National Priority
Community
Tavol River, Riri blue hole Santo Protection of water
(Matevulu) catchment, tourist and
recreational site
Wailo catchment & river Big Bay, Santo Protection of water
catchment
Beilapa river Big Bay Santo Protection of water
catchment
Bufo Catchment & river South Santo Protection of water
catchment
Bua river North West Santo Protection of water
catchment
Venua River South Santo Protection of water
catchment
Sauriki River West Santo Protection of water
catchment
Benavos river West Coast Santo Protection of water
catchment
Malo Pass Catchment & river Malo Protection of water
catchment
8.2.3.2 Forest and Inland water species biodiversity

Larger and older islands generally support both a greater diversity of terrestrial ecosystems, and a greater
diversity of plants and animals (Taiki et al, 2002. Unpublished). Sanma Province has a wide range of species
diversity due to its largeness, the large mass area of land, with its vast and varied terrain. Santo being the the
oldest island and largest island in Vanuatu, it it hosts a greater diversity of plant and animal species which allows
for high endemism, some are listed in the endemic species list (Annex 8). For example, some of the palm tree
species on Santo are special and unique, and have adapted to exist primarily according to the temperature,
climate and altitude gradient experienced in the mountain range on the island. It is also home to the Santo
Mountain Starling, an endemic bird confined to and aroundthe highest peak in Santo and Vanuatu, Mt
Tabwemasana. Sanma is listed as having a number of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA’s). The Santo Mountain chain
being the largest KBA, and priority KBA in Vanuatu (according to CEPF classification status), is therefore a highly
important KBA as a number of endemic and threatened species are found within this area and warrant significant
attention for protection. Conservation is not new to Sanma Province as having the most number of the
conservation areas legally registered, and exhibiting special and unique flora and fauna due to high rate
ofendemism. Below is the list of plants and animals that are important to Sanma Province;
8.2.3.3 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species in Sanma
Plants Animals
Bamboo Birds
Banyan Tree Coconut crab
Black Palm Eel fish
Canoe Flying fox
Namele Freshwater crabs
Bush Ropes Fresh water fishes
Watercress Prawns
Other trees Santo Starling - Mataweli
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8.2.3.4 Threats to Forest and Inland waters
Sanma is the largest and the geologically speaking oldest province in Vanuatu. Its geological age and greater
land mass, it harbours abundant terrestrial biodiversity and has a high levelof endemism of plants and animals.
Large parts of the island still have intact coastal forests and much of the inland areas still have primary forest
remaining, considering size of land area to population density. Alot of the eastern and southern parts of the
islands primary forests have been logged in the past and until recentlyand converted into coconut plantations
with cattle farms. It is understood that the Merremia peltata (Big Lif), the invasive vine regenerates prolifically
in areas of disturbed vegetation. This is evident on coastal, middle and high altitude regions of Santo where the
invasive vine is invading a lot of garden areas, secondary forest areas, as well as encroaching the primary forests
from these disturbed areas. This is creating loss of forest trees as the vine encompasses covers and “crowds out”
large tracts of forest. It is spreading at an alarming rate as no management action has been taken in many areas
of Santo and in other islands where the vine exists.
Other threats indentified during the consultation workshop include, bush fires, extensive gardening, domestic
and feral livestock farming, overharvest of resources, population pressure on resources, agricultural activities,
soil erosion and Taccidental introduction of Tilapia into rivers.
8.2.3.5 Key actions to address decrease of forest and inland water resources
Some intact forest areas in Sanma Province have been lost due to M. peltata and some measures were taken to
manage the invasion of this invasive species in (2005-2006). M. peltata has destroyed forests structures and
ecology particularly impacted are the large, elder, mature important trees of the forests.
Address Threats
Logging operations · Registration of DoF 2020
forest areas to stop
cutting of trees
· Management plan
for logging
operations
Bush fires · No burning for DARD 2020
gardening
· Agro-forestry
Gardening/ Farming Agro-forestry DARD 2020
Invasive species (big · DEPC and Forestry DEPC 2020
rope (Meremia), Piko to deal with big leaf DEPC
plant, mahu bird, invasion
pengali) · Stop invasive
species with
management plans
Overharvest Register sites to restrict DEPC 2020
access.
Population growth and Integrated farming; DoF 2020
pressure on forest livestock, tilapia DARD
farming and crop
gardening
Agricultural activities Intergraded farming DARD 2020
Soil erosion Reforestation DoF 2020
Tilapia in rivers Awareness on side VFD 2020
effects of tilapia
farming
124 | P a g e
8.2.4 Sanma Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030
During the NBSAP Sanma Provincial Validation Workshop, a lot of discussions were on existing protected sites
from the Marine and Terrestrial environment. Sanma province has shown a good trend with registration of
conservation areas since 2004 to date. . Sanma province has decided to put up some of its areas as target sites
to contribute to the protection of the natural environment within the timeframe from 2018 until 2030.
8.2.4.1 Forest and Inland Waters Conservation Areas Target
In-land waters Conservation Objective Target by 2030
Santo · Oli link wetem Sarakata river Main Formal Registration
1. Soroa River & catchment water source blong Luganville
2. Karaefas River & catchment · Main source blo hydro powerHome
3. Wanamput River catchment blong wild life
4. Valampil river catchment · Blong usum long future
Santo · Main water source Informal

1. Navaka Catchment (S. Santo) · Home to wildlife inside forest
2. Waialo river · For future use
3. Ajone river
4. Wailapa river
5. Bufo river
6. Venue river
7. Kerewai river (W. Santo)
8. Sauriki river (W. santo)
9. Penafos river (W. Santo)
10.Belie river NW. santo)
11.Lape river (BBay)
12.Jordan River (BBay)
13.Apuna River (BBay)
14.Aovi river (BBay)
15.Tavol River (BBay)
16.Beilapa river (BBay)
17.Lopelope river (SE Santo)
18.Riri Blue Hole (SE santo)
Malo Same as above Informal
1. Green river – Navura river
2. Malopass river – wailapa
river
3. Sevtirtir river- wainawetu
river
4. Assersere river
5. Watabelo river
6. Vathwere river Formal Registration
7. Wairus River
8. Botmas (Canal Fanafo) Animals and forest area Formal Registration
9. Nampauk (C/Fanafo) Sustain living things in forest Formal Registration
10.Mt, Tabwemasana (W. Protect trees and animals Formal Registration
Santo)
11.Tawi Field (W. Malo Protect trees and animals Formal Registration
12.Hydro Site (C/Fanafo) Protectem ol plants/ trees and animals Formal Registration
Total: Formal- 10 Informal - 24
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8.2.4.2 Marine Targets Areas
Marine Areas Conservation Objective Target by 2030
1. Malo Pass to waesale (E. Protect water source 2017 – 2030 to legally
Malo) Protection of Forest registered
2. Tutuba Island (SE Santo) Protection of Environment
3. Sarakata River, PB Wharf, Protection of Fisheries
college De Santo, Rotary Protection of Coral
Park and Samansin Wharf Protection of Nursery areas
4. Hog Harbour Protection of Coral reef
5. Port Olry Protection/ increase stock of fish
6. Lolot Protection of Mangrove and
7. Tangis Mainland fisheries
8. Belvus (Big Bay) Protect of water source 2017 – 2025 to Informal

9. Nokuku (NW Santo) Protection of Forest management
10.Hokua (NW Santo) Protection of Environment
11.Pesena (BBay) Protection of Fisheries
12.Wusi Protection of Coral
Protection of Nursery areas
Protection of Coral reef
Protection/ increase stock of fish
Protection of mangrove and
fisheries
Protect mangrove and species that Formal Registration
13. Malo pass (E. Malo) live within
14.Tasmalum (S/S AI)- South Protect fish and reef Formal Registration
Santo Area 1
15.Ambakura (E. Malo) Fish and reef protection Formal Registration
16.Tutuba Island (SE) Reproduction of marine life Traditional Tabu
17.Baigaragar (S/S AI) Reproduction of marine life Traditional Tabu
18. Olpoe (N/W Santo) Reproduction of marine life Traditional Tabu
19.Pesena (Big Bay Coast) Reproduction of marine life Traditional Tabu
Total Formal: 10 Informal: 9
8.2.5 SANMA Provincial Target Statement
By 2030, Sanma Province will legalise ten (10) forest and inland water areas and ten (10) marine areas. There
will be twenty four (24) forest and inland water areas and nine (9) marine areas to be protected under tabu
management with landowners or communities. Sanma Province has a corporate plan that includes a plan for all
12 area councils to register at least one (1) terrestrial or marine conservation area by 2020.
8.2.6 Reference
Southwest Pacific. Pacific science 24: pp. 289-314.
Dumas, P., Ham, J. and Kaku, R. (2014). Community-based management of Crown-of-Thorns Outbreak in Santo
(Vanuatu) - Project Report, Port Vila. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267271300_Community-based_management_of_Crown-of-
Thorns_outbreak_in_Santo_Vanuatu_-_PROJECT_REPORT
Taiki N.L., Whyte J., Phillips B and Kalfatak D. (Unpublished). Updated in 2011. A Review of Literature about
Vanuatu’s Biodiversity 2003.
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8.3 PENAMA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.3.1 Background
Penama Province is one of the six province of Vanuatu comprising the three islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and
Maewo. Penama is located on the northeast of Vanuatu, east of Sanma Province. The name Penama derives
from the beginning of each of the three islands, Pen from Pentecost, A from Ambae and Ma from Maewo. The
islands of Pentecost and Maewo were formed during the period of Late Eocene until Pliocene (Coleman, 1970)
and Ambae was formed later with the Central Chain of islands at the age of Late Miocene.
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Penama Province has a population of 31,334 people and land area of 1,198 km2. Penama is one of the provinces
in Vanuatu where their traditions and culture is highly valued, maintained and respected. The people of Penama
depend upon their natural resources to sustain their livelihood. The main source of income is the sale of marine
fish, garden crops, livestock and their traditional handicrafts of mats and baskets.
8.3.1.2 Penama Provincial Government
Penama Provincial government was established through the Decentralization Act 1994. The main headquarter
for Penama Province is in Saratamata, Ambae. Some of the government departments established their extension
services under the Penama Provincial government in order to implement the National Policy right down to the
community level. The department extension services form a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) that make
decisions along with the key personnel of Penama province for the development of the province. Area
secretaries are elected to govern their people in remote areas to represent and voice their respective areas’
need to the provincial government. All of the area secretaries were present at the NBSAP provincial validation
workshop.
8.3.1.3 Vision
A diverse and prosperous Penama founded upon good governance respecting and protecting nature for
tomorrow.
8.3.1.4 Mission
A sustainable environment and ecosystem to support social and economic development for the people of
Penama by 2050, where culture and nature live in harmony.
8.3.2 Marine
Marine ecosystems in Penama province are restricted, to the layout and geological and topographical form and
features of the islands in this province, due to the geological formation and biophysical attributes of two islands
of Pentecost and Ambae in particular where most coastline are comprised of volcanic rocks as opposed to the
more common limestone substrate, on most islands throughout Vanuatu. Some coral reef areas are found in
some parts of the islands, mostly on Pentecost and Maewo, with ambae having the least, due to its volcanic
nature. There are areas of pelagc, deep water benthic, offshore species, that are a utilized fishery.. Currently
there is no traditional marine tabus or marine conservation areas but some landowners have interests to protect
their adjacent marine areas.
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8.3.2.1 List of Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas in PENAMA
Existing Marine Areas Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Community
Laone North Pentecost Nice beach, good
fishing ground
Baie Omo South Pentecost R2R- Forest, GEF 4/ GEF 5
watershed, tourist Project site,
activity and marine SUMA Site
resources
Matasavi Navanda East Ambae
Black stone- sand mining Ambae Mining of sand
Tabu system on its
marine resource
Proposed Marine Areas

1. Devils Rock Ambae Fish feeding- SUMA Site
upwelling, fishing
ground and tourist
activity
2. Lolowai Harbor Central Ambae Fishing ground
3. Losarai Sese Reef East Ambae Fishing ground
4. Red cliff South Ambae Fishing ground
5. Tahimamaui North Ambae Fisheries resource
6. Wansa Conservation North Pentecost
7. Lawai Reef Conservation North Pentecost
8. Lavatmangemu reef North Pentecost Fishing ground
9. Laone reef conservation North Pentecost
10. Warugu reef conservation North Pentecost
11. Van Rewerep reef Central Pentecost
12. Point Cross South Pentecost
13. East Pentecost Pentecost Geothermal site SUMA Sites
and Hot Spring
14. Pangi Pentecost
15. Ranputur – yellow eel Pentecost Yellow eel
16. Naone Bay North Maewo Geothermal site SUMA Site
and Hot Spring
17. Asanvari reef conservation South Maewo Protection of
marine resources
and tourist activity
18. Kerebei reef conservation Maewo Protection of
marine resources
19. Nasoa Maewo
20. Naumumu Maewo Fishing ground

Like other proviinces, Penama communities also rely on coastal and marine resources for food and they
recognise the importance of managing marine ecoystems and protection of marine biodiversity.
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8.3.2.3 List of important Marine Species in Penama
Fish Invertebrates Birds Marine Ecosystems
Eel fish Coconut Crab Comorants Coral reefs
Finfish Crabs Petrels Mangrove site
Fish Octopus Reef Heron Sea grass beds
Sharks Trochus Shearwaters Upwelling reefs
Turtle Sea Cucumber Other sea birds (feeding ground)
Shellfish
Penama workshop participants indicated in the consultation that the main threat is overfishing. People are
continuously harvesting the resources, not knowing or being informed by expertise on technical information on
the different marine species, the life cycles of the species, stockand management measures. Such information
can help the communities to find ways to sustainably manage their resources. Other threats raised in the
workshop are poaching in tabu areas, inland water discharge, runoff, floating debris (waste), and Crown of
Thorns.
8.3.2.5 Key Actions to Address Depletion of Marine Resources
It was learnt from the validation workshop that not enough awareness on importance of biodiversity and
conservation has been conducted at Penama province. Information and knowledge from awareness could have
helped them to focus more efforts on protection and conservation of their natural resources.
Address Threats
Overfishing · Make awareness DEPC 2020
about seasons and VFD
species life cycles Penama Province
· Include marine
environment
information in
school curriculum.
· Introduce
aquaculture farming
to relieve pressure
on natural systems
Inland water Reforestation reduce VFD 2020

discharges soil erosion up land Penama Province
Floating debris on DEPC and Province to DEPC 2018-2030
coastal areas of east implement clean up Penama Province
Pentecost
Crown of thorn starfish Eradication method VFD 2018-2030
Penama Province
Poaching · Formalise DEPC 2018-2030
conservation areas VFD
· Province to Penama Province
enforce traditional
management
systems to
conserve and
manage resources
130 | P a g e
Penama has reasonably good forest cover overall, amongst the three isands with patches of intact forest on
Pentecost Island and dark bush, and primary forest found around Ambae and Maewo Island. These forests
protect different water sources, watersheds and catchment areas, springs, streams, creeks, rivers and lakes
(notably Lake Manaro and vuigesa on ambae). Ambae Island and Pentecost Island have less surface water of the
three islands with most water sources being derived from ground water and rain water stored in cement tanks.
Maewo Island has the most surface water in Penama Province, with big rivers, streams waterfalls and cave
waterways.to be found littered throughout the island These waters are protected by the vegetaion density of
forest areas.
8.3.3.1 List of Existing and Proposed Forest and Inland water Conservation Areas in PENAMA
Existing Forest and Inland Location Importance to National Priority
Water Areas Communities
Lini Memorial College (LMC) North Pentecost Cultural Site- Father Cultural Site
Walter Hadye Lini
Grave Site
Vatumagemu East Pentecost Protect forest
Abutuntora North Pentecost
Red cliff South Ambae
Nanigama East Ambae
Naone North Maewo Protection of forest
and coconut crab
Naomumu North Maewo
Diamond River & Catchment South Pentecost Protection of Potential mineral
watershed resource
Baie Omo South Pentecost Protection of marine R2R with GEF 4/GEF 5
and forest wildlife Project site
Duviara Conservation Area North Ambae Protection of forest
and water catchment
Proposed Forest and Inland Water Areas Location

Talise River & catchment South Maewo Potection of water Proposed mini Hydro
source power
Asanvari river & catchment South Maewo Protection of
watershed, tourism
site
Nasawa river & catchment South Maewo Protection of water
source and wildlife
Naviso river & catchment East Maewo Protection of
watershed, Forest and
wildlife
Narovorovo South Maewo
Nasawa to Baetora South Maewo Protection of
watershed
Manaro Lake forest Central Ambae Sacred lake and National Wetland Site
volcanoe
Waisala, wai lawua, wainasasa Ambae Protection of
– creek & catchments watershed
Lolobanga lake & catchment West Ambae Protection of
watershed
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Existing Forest and Inland Location Importance to National Priority
Water Areas Communities
Wai Memea lake & catchment Ambae Protection of
watershed
Wai Lebutaga Lake & Ambae National Wetland Site
catchment
Wai meuri catchment, North Ambae Protect water source
Lomanga and wildlife
Matamata mei quro (Ambanga North Ambae Protect water source Akihito- Endemic
Wai Maeto) freshwater species
Lolovoli Community South Ambae Protect water source
Conservation Area (forest) and wildlife
Matawando catchment South Ambae Protect water source
and wildlife
Wai Sine catchment South Ambae
Vatinaqili to Lologaro South to West Ambae
Wairoro catchment Aute North Pentecost Protection of
Village watershed
Banmatmat river catchment South Pentecost
Wanur Forest South Pentecost
Waet Water catchment, South Pentecost Protection of
Ranmawot School watershed
Waterfall catchment South Pentecost Protection of
watershed & waterfall
Melsisi river catchment Central Pentecost Protection of
watershed
Patnafni river catchment Central Pentecost
Metanami forest (near Levaka Central East Pentecost
Village)
Aliku river & catchment East Pentecost Protection of
watershed
Walbongi river& catchment North East Pentecost Protect water source
and wildlife
Tuleo forest North Pentecost Protect Forest
Namaram river & catchment, Central Pentecost Protection of
Surukavien area watershed
Loltong river & catchment North Pentecost Protection of

watershed
Waiboe lake North East Pentecost Protection of
watershed

Penama forest and freshwater systems contain some endemic species of plants and animals. One such is the
freshwater gobby species, Akihito vanuatu, which is only found on Ambae and Pentecost. Some Important Plants
and Animals Species that are important to the people of Penama are listed below.
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8.3.3.3 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species in Penama
Plant Animals
Black Palm Akihito Vanuatu
Bush vines (ropes) Flying fox
Cane - Rattan Freshwater prawn
Namele Cycad Green Palm Lorikeet
Palm trees (Niniu) Incubator bird
Verns Lolowai fish
Wild Orchids Other wild life
The main threat to forest and inland waters is the pressure on resources due to high population growth in the
three islands. Resources are being used faster than they are able to be replenished resulting in their decline. At
present Ambae Island is facing natural disaster threats through volcanic ash fall from the eruptions of Lobenben
volcano, which also has impacted severly on vegetation, forests and water sources watersheds and systems.
Below are some of the the threats that affect these resources and actions to address them.
8.3.3.5 Key actions to address decline of Forest and Inland Water Resources
Threats Action Plans to Address Threats Agency Responsible Timeframe
Population pressure Educate on natural resource DoE 2020
on resources management DEPC
Educate through schools Penama Province
Fire Reforestation DoF 2020
DEPC
Penama Province
Gardening system- Integrated farming system DARD 2020
clearing and burning Penama Province
Over-harvesting of Formalise conservation areas DEPC 2020

resources DoF
Penama Province
Forest clearing close Set water buffer zones DoF 2020
to water sources for Carry out awarenss on impact of DGMWR
building materials clearing close to water sources DEPC
Penama Province
Big Lif impact on Eradicate Big Lif DEPC
forest biodiversity Penama Province
Invasive Shrub, Eradicate the shrub DEPC 2020
Solanum torvum (Piko) BV
impact on secondary Penama Province
forests
Lack of knowledge on Implementing and promote local Local Chiefs 2020
objective of or custom governance to help Penama Province DEPC
conservation zoning or planning how each
activity to take place
Strengthening custom Tabu
Develop by laws to help or
control hunting, fishing or
harvesting of some resources.
Eg: coconut crab & birds.
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8.3.4 Penama Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030
During the NBSAP Penama Provincial Validation Workshop, the discussions were directed at focus on
protectingof marine and forest areas as target plans for the NBSAP Provincial plan. Penama province decided to
put some of its forests and inland waters areas as target sites to contribute to the protection of the natural
environment. Some of the sites have been categorised timeframes for legal registration under the EPC Act, while
some sites have not been given timeframes for registration.
8.3.4.1 Existing Conservation Areas Target in Terrestrial and Marine
Conservation Conservation Management Status of Target by 2030
Area Objective System Conservation
Phase 1: 2016 - Area
2022
1. Hot Water · Protect water Informal, custom Informal Formal
(South source, governance, Registration
Pentecost) · Potential site Ulinsalean Council
for geo- of Chief – AC:
thermal
Robinson T
energy,
· Proposed PPA
2. Matamwado · Protect water Informal custom Informal Formal
Water ways source, governance Registration
(South Ambae) · Protect Vatueulu
habitat, AC: Annalyn
· Proposed PPA-
Provincial
Tourism site
3. Big Wota · Protect water Informal custom Informal Formal
Qwilorua, Naone- source, governance, Registration
North Maewo · Habitat Bangun Vanua
protection,
· Hydro power AC: Nanu Bani
generation,
· Proposed PPA
(Tourism Site,
Fish farming,
Fresh water
prawn farming
4. Manaro Gesa · Tourism In formal Custom Informal Formal
& Manaro Vui attraction, governance, Registration
(Central Ambae) · Habitat for AC: Stanley &
Orchid Morris & Edmond
protection & Hoke, Tokotara,
other Vatuerlu, Lungei
protection Takaro,
species Vatubuebulei
Takaro
134 | P a g e
Conservation Conservation Management Status of Target by 2030
Area Objective System Conservation
Area
Phase 2: 2022-2030
5. Ambanga · Endemic fish Vatuboiboleitakaro Informal Formal
Water ways protection, Registration
Informal custom
(North Ambae) · Tourism site, governance
· Cultural
village-
Lolosori
6. Vatmangemu · Protect Vatumalanvanua Informal Formal
(North East marine and Registration
Informal custom
Pentecost) forest habitat, governance
· Custom
Village/ AC: Marsden
Tourism. Rongo
Phase 3: 2016 – 2030
· Waterfall (S.P) Custom Custom

· Waimemea/ Governance Governance
Wailembutaka (Informal)
(NE Ambae)
· Forestry Area
(NE Ambae)
· Nanigama (E
Ambae)
· Qwala Stone
(W Ambae)
· Vilakalaka
(SW Ambae)
· Tawate Forest
(North
Ambae)
Total: Formal = 6 Informal =8
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8.3.4.2 Forest and Inland Waters Area Target
Forest Area / Types Conservation Objective Target by 2030
Inland Water/ Types
Existing
1. Diamond River (South · Potential mineral site Informal- custom tabu
Pentecost) · Protection of water source (Malbangbang AC)
and catchment
2. Duviara Conservation Area · Protect forest water Formal Registration (Vatuboe
(Forest & water Catchemnt & catchment bulei Tagaro AC)
creek- waimaeto, Ambanga- · Protect water and special
N.Ambae endemic fish (Akihito)
3. Waimeuri Water Catchment · Protect safe drinking water Formal Registration (Vatubue
(Lomalonga, N.Ambae) sources bulei Tagaro AC
· Prepare for population
growth
· Protect wild life
4. Vutinaqili to Lolokaro · Protect intact forest and Formal Registration (Togatara
Conservation Area (S/W water catchment & Vatueulu AC)
Ambae) · Protect wildlife (corridors)
Proposed – Pentecost · Protect water source for Formal Registration (
5. Wairoro Water Catchment majority of N. Pentecost Vatumalanvanua AC)
(Aute, N. Pentecost) · Protect water catchment
and wild life
6. Loltong water source · Protect water source saving Formal Registration
over 2000 people (Vatumalanvanua AC)
· protect wild life
7. Melsisi River and Catchment · Protect water source Formal Registration (Central
· Main water source for Pentecost 2, Ulinsalean AC)
health center
· Water saving over 2000
people
Proposed – Maewo · Protect water source & Formal Registration (roronda
8. Talise River (S. Maewo) catchment AC)
· Mini hydro power site
9. Naviso river (E. maewo) · Protect water source & Formal Registration
catchment (Baganvanua AC)
· Cultural site
Total: Formal: 8 Informal: 1
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Marine Area Conservation Objectives Target by 2030
Loltong Mangrove · Rare in Penama Formal Registration
Conservation (N. Pentecost) · Habitat long marine species (Vatunmalauvanua Area
mo inland Council)
· Hemi wan breeding
siteProtectem marine life
Devil’s Rock Conservation (W. · Natural Habitat blo marine Formal Registration
Ambae) species (Tokutara Area Council)
· Upwelling cause feeding
grounds
· Protectem existing
resources we I stap lo hem
Assanvari Conservation (S. · Unique reef blo Formal Registration
Maewo) protectemHabitat blong (Roronda Area Council)
marine
· Protectem coral reef
Ranputor reef (S. Pentecost) · Yellow eel fish Formal Registration
· habitat blong marine life (Malbangbang AC)
· snorkelling site for tourist
Naone Bay (N. Maewo) · Habitat blong marine mo Formal Registration (
freshwater species Bugauvahua AC)
· Passage blo namarae mo
naura blo release egg
· Bay I aggregate fish mo nara
marine species
Lawai (Aligu, E. Pentecost) Habitat blong difren marine Formal Registration
species (Vatunmalanvanua AC)
Lolowai Harbor (E. Ambae) · Protect from open sea Informal
· frequent by mangru, (Lungei Tagaro AC)
· spawning area blong fish
East Pentecost (Nokat vilij · Special reef blo ol fresh Informal
between Metaname to Levetlis wota species (Suru AC and Ulinsalean AC)
vilij) · Protectem coral reef
Laone (N. Pentecost) · Protectem Coral reef Informal
· Habitat blong marine life (Vatunmalanvanua AC)
Total : Formal: 6 Informal: 3
8.3.5 Penama Provincial Target Statement

Penama Provincial Target for 2018 to 2013 is 14 forest and inland water areas and 6 marine areas for legal
registration. Some of the areas are set as targets to be registered as custom tabu areas, 6 marine areas and 6
forest areas.
8.2.6 References
Coleman, P. J. 1970: Geology of the Solomon and New Hebrides Islands, as part of the Melanesian Reentrant,
Southwest Pacific. Pacific science 24: pp 289-314.
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8.4 MALAMPA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.4.1 Background
Malampa Province is situated in the central part of Vanuatu and consists of three main islands; Malekula, Ambrym
and Paama (lopevi being uninhabited). Malekula itself has other small islands, Uripiv, Norsup, Uri, Atchin, Vao
and the Maskelyne islands and four (4) more along the southern part. Malekula is the second largest island in
Vanuatu with a land mass of 2,053km2.
The name of Malampa province is derived from the beginning of the three main islands; MALalakula, AMbrym
and PAama. The island of Malekula is geologically grouped with Espiritu Santo and Torres group of islands as
the oldest formed islands in the late Eocene until the Middle Miocene (Cole, 1970). Ambrym Island is known for
its two volcanic craters, Marum and Benbo volcanoes that attract tourists to this island.
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Malampa province has a population of 39,997 people and a land area of 2,779 km2. The main business
centre for Malampa is Lakatoro located in the central part of Malekula. The people of Malampa earn
their living through the sale of cash crops; copra, cocoa, kava and fish the market at Lakatoro. Tourism
has become one of the developing businesses in Malampa with its rich and colorful diversity of strong
cultures and traditions still maintained, handicraft being the main product. The people of Ambrym are
specialised in carving, using master carvers, they carve with different species of forest trees and
common fruit trees like breadfruit tree (renowned for their ‘tamtams’; slit gongs’). Carving is a very good
income for the people of this island, which has volcanic ash-enriched soils conducive also for gardening
of crops.
8.4.1.2 Malampa Provincial Government
Under the Decentralization Act 1994, the country was divided administratively into six provinces and
Malampa Province was established. Malampa province has a role play to establish government
institutions within its management. All national government extension services have a role to implement
the National Plan under provincial governance and they exist under Malampa Provincial umbrella.
Malampa province has a President and a Secretary General to head the administration of this province.
Malampa Province has a Corporate Plan that was set to guide this province by the Technical Advisory
Group (TAG) with the help of the Area council secretary elected by the people under each districts
within the three islands of Malampa.
8.4.1.3 Vision
Manage and preserve our resources for a clean environment for Malampa future generations.
8.4.1.4 Mission
Protect and sustain biological diversity for today and tomorrow and for the enjoyment of natural benefits
from our forest, waters and marine resources for Malampa Province.
8.4.2 Marine
Malampa Province has many small sandy islands, islets, sand cays that are uninhabited particularly
around malekula. These small islands are rich in marine resources. For example the Maskylenes. The
marine ecosystems around the three main islands of Malampa constitute mangroves estuarine
swamplands, extensive seagrass beds and meadows (the largest in Vanuatu found in Malekula),
lagoons, mud flats and most commonly a multitude array of coral reef ypes and systems (fringing,
barrier, and atoll) with stretches of white and black sandy beaches. Offshore having areas of good
pelagic and benthic fisheries such as tuna, marlin, poulet, snapper, proximity to trench, canyons, and
seamounts.
Crab Bay is on the east coast of Malekula and it is one of the legally registered conservation areas due
to its large pristine mangrove sites that connects land and the marine environment. Crab bay and Port
Stanley have the largest mangrove sites in Vanuatu with 2100ha (Baereleo et al. 2013). It was protected
for its mangrove density and the high population of crabs inhabiting the site.
Some of the small islands to the southern part of Malekula example the maskelynesare home to some
of the richest marine life; biota and ecosystems found in Vanuatu and are subsequently also very good
fishing grounds generating a large fishery/industry to the locals(with marine produce even being sold to
fish markets as far as Port Vila and Luganville) . The islands of Ambrym and Paama have smaller
marine resources compare to Malekula Island.
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8.4.2.1 List of Existing Conservation Areas in Malampa Province
Existing Conservation Areas Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Community
Vagaus Northwest Malekula Protect for food source
Wiawi Northwest Malekula R2R Forest wildlife and KBA site/ SUMA Site
marine resources
Lasanwei Northwest Malekula R2R Forest, watershed FPAM Proposed site
and fisheries to CCA
resources
Leviamp Northwest Malekula Mangrove site, tourism
site & historical site
Radek Northwest Malekula Food source/ Economy
Tanmial Northwest Malekula Food source/ Economy
Rano Northeast Malekula Tourism activity- over
exploitation
Pinalum Northeast Malekula Over harvest-protect
area
Betel Northeast Malekula Food source/ Economy
Vao Northeast Malekula Food Source & cultural
sites
Lehuru bay Northeast Malekula Food source/ Economy
Uri Central Malekula Marine breeding site
(Mangrove)- MPA
Amal Crab bay Central Malekula Food source and Registered CCA/
Mangrove protection & SUMA Site
Coastal Forest
Litzlitz Central Malekula Food source/ Economy
Aop Central Malekula Recreational and food
source
Uripiv Central Malekula Food source/ Economy
Mbankir, Tisman South East Malekula Food source/ Economy
Unua, Michel South East Malekula Food source/ Economy
Benaguai & Ronevie South East Malekula Mangrove
conservation & tourism
activity
Aulua, Batqierv (Sason) South East Malekula Food source/ Economy
Ringitesu South Malekula Food source and giant SUMA Site
clam conservation/
Tourism site, Turtles
Maskelynes South Malekula Fisheries resources Pathways Project Site
and Tourism in process for CCA
Avock island South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Hokai South Malekula Fisheries resource
Faru South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Lomanya South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Akhamb South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Lamap Point South Malekula Food source, fisheries Proposed for CCA-
resources, Dugong site VESS
Water Catchment- Lamap South Malekula Watershed
Vulai South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Sakau Island South Malekula Food source/ Economy
Arof South malekula Food source/ Economy
Lagoon South West Malekula Food source/ Economy
Bamboo bay South West Malekula Bamboo density & SUMA Site
marine resources
Lawa South West Malekula Food source/ Economy
Dixion, Larbang South West Malekula Food source, fisheries SUMA Site
resources, Economy
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Existing Conservation Areas Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Community
Batpang South West Malekula Coconut crab, flying
fox and tourism site
Lanen Malekula Food source/
Economy
Lake lonwolwol West Ambrym Forest Protection /
Economy
Deep Point – Namalau West Ambrym Protection of Proposed for CCA
Megapod
Volcanoe Site West Ambrym Remaining Primary
Forest
Wild yam Paama Food Source- Wild
yam
Lopevi Lopevi The whole island not
being habitated-
Volcanoe
8.4.2.2 List of proposed Marine conservation Areas

Proposed Marine Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Areas Community
Rano Island North East Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Pinalum North East Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Bethel North East Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Vao North East Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Maskylines South Malekula Marine Protected MPA and Pathway
Area sites/ SUMA Site
Lamap Point South Malekula Protect Mangrove & SUMA Site
Seagrass
Hokai South Malekula Protect marine
resources - MPA
Akhamb South Malekula Protect marine
resources - MPA
Uri Central Malekula Mangrove, fisheries
site
Aop Central Malekula Recreational and
marine resource
Lebinwen Southwest Malekula Protect Lagoon SUMA Site
Letohkas Southwest Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Dixon Southwest Malekula Protect marine
resources - MPA
Batbang Southwest Malekula Protect Coconut Crab
Wiawi Northwest Malekula Protect Marine KBA
Resources- MPA
Matanvat Northwest Malekula Due to decrease of
marine resource
Leviamp Northwest Malekula Protect Lagoon and
its resources
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Proposed Marine Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Areas Community
Lehuru bay Northwest Malekula Protect Marine
Resources
Luemial Northwest Malekula Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Ronevie Southeast malekula Protect Mangrove
Banon Bay Southeast malekula Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Tisman Southeast malekula Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Unua Southeast malekula Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Graig Cove Ambrym Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Ranverevou Ambrym Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Baiap Ambrym Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Liro Paama Protect due to
decrease of marine
resource
Lopevi Lopevi Protect the whole
island
Part of Malekula and Western part of Ambrym are categorised as biodiversity hotspot. (Key Biodiversity Areas
according to CEPFclassification)Stretches of black sand beaches on Ambrym’s coastline being some of the only
remaining nesting beaches in Vanuatu for the endangered Leatherback Turtle.(MACBIO VU SUMA report 2018)
A survey of Amal-Crab Bay displays a very healthy mangrove environment with 11 mangrove species, confirmed
through the MESCAL project (Baereleo et al. 2013). The name ‘CRAB Bay’ was derived from the area being
heavily populated by the land crabs.
In the southern part of Malekula, coral reefs have abundance of marine resources. Fishes caught from Maskelyne
Island and Lamap, south Malekua are frequently shipped and sold in Port Vila. Marine conservation areas
established by landowners and communities have helped repopulate coral reefs around Malekula. These
ecosystems flourish with a vast great diversity of marine species of vertebrates and invertebrates, fish, sea
mammals (dugongs), sea reptiles (turtles), seabirds from coastline to the reefs crest and beyond. Offshore having
areas of good pelagic and benthic fisheries such as tuna, marlin, poulet, snapper, with the proximity to trench,
canyons, and seamounts.
8.4.2.4 List of important Marine species in Malampa
Fish Invertebrates Mammals/Birds/ Marine
marine plants Ecosystems
Fish Clams Dugong Coral reefs
Shark Crabs Mangroves Lagoons
Turtles Green Snail Marine life Mangrove
Octopus Sea birds Mud flats
Sea cucumber Sea weed Seagrass beds
Trochus Swamps
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Human consumption and lack of respect of tabu marine areas are common threats in Malampa Province. There
has not been enough law enforcement to limit both sizes of catches and invertebrates being harvested.
Amal Crab bay has been surveyed by Fisheries Department and indicated the invasion of Crown of Thorn starfish
(COTs). COTs has had an impact on coral reefs in Malampa. The Department of Fisheries had conducted an
assement on its outbreak and also carrid out its clean up. The predation of corals by COTs cause coral mortality
that contributed to habitat loss resulting in displacement of marine organisms inhabiting the coral reef ecosystems.
8.4.2.6 Key Actions to Address Depletion of Marine Resources

Human pressure on marine resources is regared as one of the most common threats in Malampa province.
Participants at the workshop raised concern that the conservation or tabu areas need to go through legal
registration with the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act CAP 283 to address these marine resource
depletion issues. Below are some of the threats and action to address them.
Threats Action Plans to Agency Timeframe

Address Threats Responsible
Overhavesting of Carry out DEPC 2020-2030
marine resources awareness on the VFD
impact of Malampa Province
overharvest.
Night dive to spear Work with Fisheries VFD 2020-2030

fish cause declining to regulate night Malampa Province
of resources. diving.
Population · Conduct DEPC
pressure on awareness VFD
resources. about the Malampa Province
impact of
population
increase on
resource use.
· Register
marine areas.
Impact of COT on Eradicate COTs in VFD 2020-2030

coral reefs affected areas. Malampa Province
Use of ‘tu finga’ Regulate VFD 2020-2030

mesh fishing net. importation of the Malampa Province
‘tu finga’ mesh
fishing net.
Development Ensure application DEPC 2020-2030

activities on coastal of EIA on Malampa Province
areas commercial
activities.
Climate change Replant mangroves DoF 2020-2030
impact on coastal and other coastal VFD
areas plants. Malampa Province

Malampa Province has a very good forest cover made up of primary forest that covers a number of large rivers,
lakes, swamps, streams and brackish lagoons. With reference to the land mass of the three islands, Malekula has
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more forest cover compared to Ambryma and Paama. Primary forest areas are confined to upland and interior of
Malekula while most settlements are concentrated along the coastal zones. Malekulas is the second largest island
in Vanuatu hosts an abundant diversity of plants and animals. Resources are harvested from food and earning
income.
Ambrym’s primary forest surrounds the Benbow and Marum volcanoes located in the interior of the island. The
volcanic earth of this island creates suitable habitat for a high population of Megapode/Incubator Birds.
Hydro-derived electrical energy that supplying over 2000 plus households on malekula is generated from Brenwei,
one of the largest Rivers in Malekula Island.
8.4.3.1 List of Existing and Proposed Forest and Inland water Conservation Areas at Malampa
Forest and Inland Waters Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Area Community
Existing sites
Deep Point (Namalau) Ambrym Megapode Site Suggested for CCA
Volcanoe Sites Ambrym · Last primary Protected through tabu
forest. system by local communities
· Harbours Tree
Ferns,
· Trees used for
carvings.
Proposed forest sites

Sawoh forest Ambrym Primary Forest
Yaleada forest Ambrym Primary Forest
Ghornaviung Malekula Primary Forest
Lasinuei Northwest Malekula · Forest & Proposed for FPAM project
watershed,
· tourist hike
site
· Under tabu
system by
landowner
Grassland North Malekula
Wiawi North Malekula Forest and Marine KBA
Under Tabu
system
Venabuas Malekula Forest
Potwalin, Botko, Lalep Northeast Malekula Forest &
watershed
Batnier Aulua, Southeast Forest
Malekula
Asen Southeast Malekula Forest
Bangkir Southeast Malekula Forest &
Watershed
Lakatoro & Aop Source Central Malekula Water source
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Proposed Inwaters Sites
Forest and Inland Waters Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Area Community
Brenwei River & Northwest Water source Process for hydro power
catchment – Shared with Malekula
4 other rivers; Lasinue,
Brenwei, Malua Bay and
Palanua River
Lonwolwol Lake & Ambrym Forest &
Catchment Watershed
Beparlif Swamp Malekula Forest &
swamp
Vao Catchment- Viavor, Northeast Water source
Belker, Hirang Malekula
Potnanghal catchment- Malekula Forest & water
Taubih, Lehuru, source
Lambetbak, Luemial,
Ghambalev, Ghimbu –
Lue Top, Randun, Luekol
Tinsop Ambrym Forest &
watershed
Vavua, Hokai, Lamap, South malekula Water source
Arof, Paroas, Asuk,
Levetpao, Aulua, Burbar
Espigils Bay, Malua Bay, Northwest Forest &
Lekan (Utapep) Malekula watershed
8.4.3.2 List of Forest and Inland Water Species Biodiversity

Plants Animal and fish
Black palm Coconut crab
Bamboo Crab
Namariu Flying fox
Nangai (ngali nut) Megapode
Orchids Mudfish
8.4.3.3 Threats to forest and Inland waters

Malampa forest resources are affected by the use of chainsaws brought from New Zealand and Australia by
returning workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE). These are being used without permits from
Department of Forest. . The permit system restricts where in the forest trees may be cut. The current practice is
that the chainsaw operators cut wherever they are requested by landowners and so it is affecting the forest and
its biodiversity. Merrema peltata, the invasive vine is one of the common threats to the gardening areas as well
as secondary and primary forests.
The invasive vine, traditional Shifting Agriculture Practices also has impact on primary intact forest and its
biodiversity. At present local people tend to clear primary forest for new gardens other than going back to old
garden areas that have been in fallow period for some years.
8.4.3.4 Key actions to Address Depletion of Forest and Inland Waters Resources
Below are some of the common threats that affect forest and inland waters in Malampa and the key actions to to
address the threats.
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8.4.2.5 List of Threats and Actions for Malampa
Threats Action Plans to Address Agency Timeframe
Threats responsible
Unlawful chainsaw · Work with Forestry DoF 2020-2030
operators – · Extension Officer to Malampa
Unregistered under ensure that illegal use of Province
forestry due to chainsaws are registered.
purchase in New · Enforce Forestry Act,
Zealand by RSE provision for licensing
Workers) and use of chainsaw.
Traditional farming · Make awareness about DARD 2020-2030
system (bush clearing the impact of shifting DoF
and burning) agriculture practices on Malampa
forest biodiversity. Province
· Encourage farmers to
use Sustaiable
Agriculture Practices and
Agroforestry system.
Invasive species (Big · Train local communities DEPC 2020-2030
Lif) and fire ants about existing methods to BV
control or manage Malampa
Merrimia peltata. Province
· Consult DEPC and
biosecurity on fire ants &
big leaf
Increased pressure on · Conduct awareness on DoF 2020-2030
natural resources due impact of overharvest of VFD
to increased human natural resources due to DEPC
population. high population. Malampa
· Register conservation Province
sites
· Eco-tourism activities
· Cultural arts festival
8.4.4 Malampa Provincial Target for 2016 to 2030

During the NBSAP Malampa Provincial Validation Workshop, there was discussion on existing protected sites
from marine and terrestrial environment as conservation is not new to Malampa. There has been a good approach
to registration of the biggest mangrove conservation areas in Malekula. Malampa Province has decided to put up
some of its areas as target sites to contribute to the protection of the natural environment with the timeframe from
2018 until 2030.
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8.4.4.1 Existing Conservation Areas Target in Terrestrial and Marine
Conservation Conservation Management Conservation Target
Area Objectives System Status
Wiawi –NW Forest/ marine Informal Process Formal
Malekula Forest-Dark bush, Registration
wildlife, coconut crab
Marine-Turtle, fish,
shell
NB: proposed plan –
Tourism
Regentesur – Marine – Turtle, fish, Informal On going Formal
South AC shell, tourism, Registration
(Maskelyn) breeding site
Deep point lake Historical site – Informal On-going Formal
lowalwal (West Tourism site, Registration
Ambrym Council) breeding site for
namalao, carving
(rich with natora-
wood)
Bamboo Bay Marine – marine life Informal On-going Formal
(south west bay such as fish, turtle Registration
area council) etc.
Lamap Point Forest/ marine – Informal On-going Formal
(South Area historical site, cowfish Registration
council)
Leviamp (N/W Marine- breeding site, Informal On-going Formal
malekula area mangroves, tourism, Registration
council) historical site
Proposed sites : 2nd phase
Lausinwei (N/W Marine/ Forest Informal On-going Formal
Malekula Registration
Council)
Uri Island Marine Informal On-going Formal
(Central AC) Registration
Benaghai (S/E Forest/ River Informal On-going Formal
Malekula area Registration
council
Lamap, okai, Water sources Informal On-going Formal
Varum (South Registration
Malekula area
council)
Lebenwen (SWB- Tourism/ forest & Informal On-going Formal
South west marine Registration
malekula area
council)
Total: 11 formal regitrations
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8.4.4.2 Forest and Inland Waters Area Target
Forest & Inland Water Area of Site Conservation Objective Target by
Area 2030
Venambuas SW Malekula Increase of population growth Formal
AC- Alester Kensen Registration
Asen SE Malekula Agricultural activities – forestry & Formal
AC: Edwin Manron forestry Registration
Increase of population growth
leads to increase of logging
(unregistered) and farming
Ghornaviung NW Malekula A Population growth increasing Formal
AC Wesly Lambi rapidly and if not careful there Registration
will be no more dark bush. It will
be the only one in this area. Wild
life livestock as pigs & buluks
colony
Lakatoro water source Central malekula Shortage of water and main Formal
AC: Laurent Malres center of malekula and Registration
development is increasing. We
need to conserve, no logging
activity by the surrounding
Brenwei North west B Proposed Hydro power plant and Formal
Melekula source area need to be protected Registration
AC Wesly Lambi
Beterlive Swamp NE Malekula This swamp supplies water to Formal
AC Tasso Kalep Palamia & Molin river Registration
Vao NE Malekula Historical site and now natives Formal
AC: Tasso Kalep use for washing Registration
Ambrym
Sawoh West ambrym Over hunting and hunters dong Formal
AC Bong Massing destroys namalau’s eggs Registration
Volcanoe Surrounding AC: Jackson Willy & Tourist visitors increase and Formal
Forest Bong Massing & natives destroy endemic species Registration
Kereby Norman on plants (flowers) and killing of
wildlife (pigs & buluks)
Yalenda forest West Ambrym ( Over logging and yalenda has the Formal
Bong massing) only vegetation for conservation Registration
Tinsop water source WEST Ambrym No develop for people to use and Formal
AC: Bong Massing nee conservation Registration
Sesivi/ Baiap Hot spring W Ambrym Tourism attraction Formal
AC: Bong Massing Preserve for water management Registration
Botanic garden
Target : 13 inland waters & forests areas
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Marine area Conservation Area Management Target by 2030
Objectives council system
1. East Rano island Tourism activity NE Informal Formal
Fish over exploit
AC:
Tasso
Kalep
2. Banon Bay Breeding nursery for South Informal Formal
(Remef) marine lives east Registration
Malekula
Marine is disappearing
Area
Tourism advantage
council
3. Batbang Protect marine life South Informal Formal
west Registration
Tourism, protect
Malekula
coconut crab and fly fox
4. Wiawi Marine & tourism NW Informal Formal
activity Malekula Registration
5. Vao, Pinalum High population growth NE Informal Informal

so protect marine life Malekula
6. Aop, PRV Mangrove conservation Central Informal Formal
7. Lamap, Okai High population S Informal Formal
growth, marine malekula Registration
conservation, protect
marine life
8. Tisman, Rowevie Marine protection, SE Informal Formal
mangrove Malekula Registration
conservation, tourism
activity
9. Dixon, Lebinwen High population SW Informal Formal
growth, marine Malekula Registration
conservation, protect
marine life
Marine Target: Formal – 8, Informal - 1
8.4.5 Malampa Provincial Target Statement

By 2030, Malamp province will legally protect 32 areas of marine, forest and inland waters under the
Environmental Protection and Conservation Act CAP 283, and one marine area under the tabu management
system.
8.4.6 Reference
Baereleo, R.T., Kalfatak, D., Kanas, T., Bulu, M. H., Ham, J., Kaltavara, J., Yuen, L. (2013). Mangrove Ecosystems
for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihoods (MESCAL): Biodiversity Assessments Technical Report (Eratap
and Amal/ Crab Bay). Port Vila: Vanuatu
Southwest Pacific. Pacific science 24: pp 289-314.
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8.5 SHEFA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.5.1 Background
Shefa Province is one of the six provinces located on the central part of Vanuatu. It consists of the Shepherd
group which has many small islands grouped together and the two bigger islands, Epi and Efate. The name Shefa
is derived from the initials of Shepherd and Efate. SH from Shepherds and EFA from Efate. The Shepherd groups
consist of these small islands; Buninga, Emae, Epi, Makira, Mataso, Tongoa and Tongariki which are formed by
volcanic activity. Shefa Islands were formed as Central Chain during the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene to
Holocene (V. Hanus & J. Vanek 1983). Due to the young geological age of Efate, its biodiversity is not as diverse
as the older islands of the Western Belt and the Eastern Ridge, though a significant number of endemic and
150 | P a g e
restricted range species do exist. The Island contains a number of marine conservation areas which ranges from
the northern part of the island starting from Takara hot springs with mangrove ecosystems right through to
Lelepa Island on the northwest. (Kalfatak D., 2014. Unpublished).
The total population of Shefa Province is 96,405 people which includes Epi and the Shepherd group and Efate
and the offshore islands. The total land area of all the Shefa province islands is 1,455 km2. The headquarters for
Shefa Province is in Port Vila, on Efate. Port Vila is the captal city of Vanuatu. Efate has an area of 899.5km2 and
a population in 2009 of 68,829, of which 44,040 lived in the national capital Port Vila.
8.5.1.2 Shefa Provincial Government
Shefa Provincial Government was set up through the Decentralization Act 1994 that allows the national
government to establish its extension services down to the Provincial level so to implement the National policies
and plans at the community level. . The Government of Vanuatu is centred on this island and it is the gate way
to the regional and international connections.
The Shefa Provincial Government is set up on Efate has extension services within the provincial centre to
safeguard the communities of Shefa Province. The Shefa President and Secretary General are the key people
that head the Shefa Provincial Administration. It has its council and Area Secretaries (Administrators).
The main discussion group for the Shefa Validation Workshop was made up of the Area Secretaries that came
from the Villages and nearby islands. The target areas in this provincial NBSAP implementation plan were
generated by this group.
8.5.1.3 Vision
Living in a green and sustainable environment for the survival of our unique environment and our future
generations.
8.5.1.4 Mission
To uphold the integrity of harmony and to respect our environment in sustaining, managing, owning and
preparing all for the benefit of Shefa Provincial Government Council and its good citizens.
8.5.2 Marine
Marine protected area are not a new approach for the Shefa Province, though there are no conservation areas
that are currently registered under the Environment act, some are soon to be, and many of them mostly have
been initiated from the community level.well known marine reserves like Hideaway island marine sanctuary
With Efate having the Capital city of Port Vila, Efate and to a lesser extent somewhat , other islands have had
the added benefit of being exposed directly by government services, NGO and foreign aid influence. Thus Efate
specifically has the longest history of marine conservation efforts and initiatives, (one such being the Nguna Pele
marine protected area Network,the oldest in Vanuatu) in collaboration between communities, government and
non-government stakeholders,wih some critics arguing that too much effort has been focused on Efate and
shefa at the expense of other provinces, In any case Shefa province hosts a great number of marine ecosystems
consisting of mangroves estuarine swamplands, extensive seagrass beds and meadows
, lagoons, mud flats and most commonly a multitude array of coral reef ypes and systems (fringing, barrier, and
atoll) with stretches of white and black sandy beaches. Offshore having areas of good pelagic and benthic
fisheries such as tuna, marlin, poulet, snapper, proximity to trench, canyons, and seamounts.
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8.5.2.1 List of Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas at Shefa Province
Existing Marine Areas Location (Island) Importance to Community National Priority
Marae Emae Protection on fishing grounds MPA/ SUMA Site
Makatea Emae Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Tongomea Emae Protection on fishing grounds
Vaitini Emae Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Epau Efate Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Takara Efate Protection on fishing grounds
Siviri Efate Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Emau Efate Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Nguna/Pele Efate Protection on fishing grounds MPA Network/ SUMA
Site
Moso Efate Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Lelepa Efate Protection on fishing grounds
Emau - Marou Efate Protection on fishing grounds SUMA Site
Pangnangisu Efate Protection on fishing grounds
Ngala East Epi Protection of beaches for
turtles nesting
Nuvi East Epi Protection on marines SUMA Site
resources and long sandy
beach
Nigaura East Epi Protection on marines
resources
Moriu East Epi Protection on marines SUMA Site
resources and long beach
Paya East Epi Protection on marines
resources
Laman Bay West Epi Protection on dugon and SUMA Site
turtles, good fishing ground
Laman Island West Epi Protection on marines
resources
Yopuna West Epi Protection on marines
resources
Ruo West Epi Protection on marines
resources
Mavelau North Epi Protection on marines SUMA Site
resources long sandy beach
Votlo North Epi Protection on marines SUMA Site
resources and good anchorage
Red Stone South Epi Protection on marines
resources
Proposed Marine areas

Cooks Reef Emae Protection to control fishing MPA/ SUMA Site
activities
Mataso Monument rock Mataso Protection to prevent illegal
fishing and preserve historical
site
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Existing Marine Areas Location (Island) Importance to Community National Priority
Tongoa/ Shepherds Tongoa To sustain marine resource for
future use
Tongoa Wall Tongoa Protection on its marine
resources and tourist site
Mere sauwia Efate To protect seamounts Marine Mammal
Sanctuary
Eratap & Erakor Mangrove Efate Mangrove protection SUMA Site
Conservation
Mele, Ifira, Pango Efate Protect marine resources LELEMA MPA
Eton Efate Protect marine resources, SUMA Site
Tourist sites, recreational site
Pangpang Efate Protect marine resources
Epule Efate Protect marine resources
Mangaliliu Efate Protect marine resources
Tanoliu Efate Protect marine resources
Siviri Efate Protect marine resources SUMA Site
Ngala, Nuvi, Nikaura, Paia, Epi Protection of turtle nestling
Lemaru, Laman Island, beaches, leatherback turtle
Ruwo, Wampi

Like all the other islands of Vanuatu, Shefa Province has similar marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems with
plentiful marine resources and some good fishing grounds, including Cook Reef on Emae Island.Shefa marine
environment comprising coastal lagoons (mangroves) and estuaries with seagrass, hosting shellfish, crab, fishes
and grazers, marine mammals/reptiles and seabirds, beaches identified as nesting ground for turtles.(Epi being
one of only few nesting beaches for endangered Leatherback turtles). Particular lagoons and mangrove areas
identified on Efate were; Eratap mangroves and lagoons, Erakor 1st and 2nd Lagoon, Undine Bay, Moso,
Paunganisu and areas of North Efate that have mangroves. Also mangrove stands found on Epi and Emae,
Massive corals on the seaward side, good coral reefs, parrotfishes, unicornfishes, “strong skin fish” (sand paper
fish), squid, green snail, Trochus, natural barrier to fishing activities on exposed (windward) side. Shepherd
Islands: Strong tides from southeast trade winds, tuna and poulet fishing around the area (eg. Monument rock
mataso). Seaward/ windward differs from the leeward side; this applies to all islands in this central group. On
Efate on the leeward side (from the south to the west), the majority of lagoons, bays, inslets and islands can be
found, with barrier and fringing reefs. These physical feature attributes extend to some extent to the other
islands located in the central region. Similar biophysical characteristics apply to Epi (MACBIO VU Bioreions report
2018). One of the biggest marine conservation area in Shefa is the Nguna-Pele MPA. It was set up by the two
islands and helped in reducing pressure of overharvesting. It is currently managed through traditional resource
management system.
Listed below are some of the marine species and ecosystems that were listed as being important to the people
of Shefa Province.
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8.5.2.3 List of important Marine Species in Shefa
Fish Invertebrates Mammals/ Birds Marine
Ecosytems
Colourful reef fish Giant Squid Dugong Coral Reefs
Fishes Green snail Sea birds Mangrove
Snapper Giant clam shell Mud flats
Turtle Nautilus Swamps
Sea Cucumber Sea grass bed
Shellfish
Trochus

Shefa Validation workshop participants stated that the most common threat to marine species is human
pressure due to increase of population as a result of influx of islanders seeking to earn a living in Port Vila.
Surrounding villages on Efate also regularly fished and sell their catch at the Port Vila green market outlets and
restaurants. Fish catch on Cook’s Reef on Emae Island and some Shepherd Islands are also sold in Port Vila.
Crown of Thorns (COT) is a threat to coral on Efate. An outbreak in 2015 on Efate’s offshore island of Emau was
cleaned up the Department of Fisheries using its new invented lime juice injection method. An awareness
activity also took place to help the local communities to understand the biology, impact of the COTs on coral
reefs and right method to use to eradicate the COTs.
Threats Actions Plans to Address Therats Agency Timeframe
Responsible
Population rapid growth Council of chiefs to produce management DEPC 2020
cause harvest pressure on plan according to custom/ traditional ways Village or
resources- Awareness Community
Over harvest/ overfishing Chiefs
Shefa Province
Undersize harvest Fisheries to regulate and make awareness VFD 2020
Shefa Province
Crown of thorns Eradication and management plan VFD 2020
Shefa Province
Coastal erosion Replanting of mangrove VFD 2020
DoF
Shefa Province
Sand mining & coral mining Stop sand extraction DEPC 2020
VFD
Shefa Province
Urban Drift, Luck of Respect Put up management plan to apply to Chiefs 2020
everybody even the man-come Shefa Province
Cooperation with SPGC, environment
department to make management plans,
Informal management is highly encouraged.
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Threats Actions Plans to Address Therats Agency Timeframe
Responsible
· No Proper Monitoring Register sites to allow proper monitoring DEPC 2020
· Luck of Funds Shefa Province
· Pouching Proper agreement between chiefs to make Chiefs 2020

· Man Come management plans Shefa Province
Mangrove clearing Eratap, Erakor to work together with SPGC Chiefs 2020
Environment for a Mangrove management VFD
plan Shefa Province
The main forest cover for Shefa Province exist in the bigger islands, Efate and Epi. The main primary forest on
Efate is the Efate Land Management Area (ELMA). It is in the centre of Efate and is in the process of being legally
registered as a CCA. The forests on Efate and Epi and some of the small islands cover critical water
sources/watersheds/water catchment areas. The Water source for Port Vila town comes from the Tagabe River
Catchment area. International Waters (IW) Ridge to Reef (R2R) project is working with relevant government,
private and communities surrounding the Tagabe Catchment to protect this water source.
Some of the Forest and Inland waters areas are listed below for protection.
8.5.3.1 List of Existing and proposed Forest and Inland Water Conservation Areas for Shefa Province
Forest & inland Water Existing Location Importance to Community National Priority
Areas (Island)
Lokorui East Epi Protect Forest and water source
Wampi North Epi Protection of Megapod
Vilakara South Epi Protect forest & water source
Proposed forest and inland waters
ELMA Central Efate Protection of remaining dark GEF 5 Project Site
forest for Efate Island
Mangaliliu Northwest Efate Protect forest
Meten Hill Northwest Efate Protect Forest and water source
Epau & Pangpang East Efate Protect Forest and water source
Epule North Efate Protect Forest and water source
Siviri North Efate Protect Forest and water source
Takara North Efate Protect Forest and water source
Paunangisu North Efate Protect Forest and water source
Mele Efate Protect Forest and water source
Melemat Efate Protect Forest and water source
Erakor Efate Protect water source and marine
Eton Efate Protect Forest and water source
Marou – Emau Efate Protection of forest
Mapua – Emau Efate Protection of Forest
Ngurua Efate Protection of Forest
Ifira Island Efate Forest & Bird Protection
Tasariki, Moso Efate Protection of Forest
Sunai, Moso Efate Protection of Forest
Natapau, Lelepa Efate Protection of Forest
Nikaura East Epi Protect Forest and water source
Ngala East Epi Protect Forest and water source
Nuvi East Epi Protect Forest and water source
Lokopui East Epi Protect Forest and water source
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Forest & inland Water Location (Island) Importance to National Priority
Existing Areas Community
Paia East Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Alak West Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Wenia West Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Mafilao West Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Sara North Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Votlo North Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Nul South Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Vilakara South Epi Protect Forest and water
source
Roimata Domain- Cultural Efate Protect Cultural site World Heritage Site
site
Lubukuti South Tongoa Protect Forest
Tongalapa South Tongoa Protect Forest
Simat South Tongoa Protect Forest &
watershed
Tavalapa Central Tongoa Protect Forest
Lupalea Central Tongoa Protect Forest &
watershed
Kurumambe North Tongoa Protect Forest &
watershed
Purao North Tongoa Protect Forest
Itakuma North Tongoa Protect forest
Merhi/ Bonsabong Tongoa Protect Forest &
watershed
Makatau Emae Protect Forest &
watershed
Reisu Emae Protect Forest &
watershed

Shefa forest and inland waters are home to some of Vanuatu’s listed endemic species. Birds, reptiles,
freshwater fish, palms and many more are listed as special species.A number of KBA’s have been identified
throughout shefa province, the majority being found on Efate and a priority KBA being Tongoa island for its
large number of Megapode congregation around geothermal sites on the island, Diamond birds, and large
prescence of Shearwaters on adjacent Laika Island Some of the important species are listed due to their use
by the people of Shefa.
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8.5.3.3 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species in Shefa
Plants Animals
Bamboo Birds
Banyan tree Coconut Crab
Canoe trees Crabs
Custom Medicine Eels
Ferns Flying Fox
Nuts (Wild Fresh Water Fish
Ork trees Fresh Water Prawns
Orchid Megapode (incubator bird)
Pam trees Mud Crab Taputa (Royal Parrot Finch)
Timber trees Wild Pigs
Wild yam
Vines

Efate is experiencing some concentrated and exacerbated threats being host to the main urban centre in
Vanuatu it faces the greatest challenges associated with having this ‘price tag’ of being most developed . Some
common threats are increasing subdivisions of land and other developments, including purchase of lands and
clearing of primary and secondary forest on it. This is taking place annually at an expansive rate with population
increases, many outer island immigrants migrate to Efate and many also illegally squatter on urban and rural
land, seeking to find a place to stay, to earn a living and find job in Port Vila associated with urban drift.
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Key actions below are suggested as to move forward to address the threats and what has been done to manage
threat so far within the threat impact areas.
Threats Actions Plans to Address Agency Timeframe
Therats Responsible
· Urban Drift (Illegal · Legally register protected DEPC 2020
settlement) sites Chiefs
· Luck of Respect · Create Area Committees to
· Over harvest oversee resources Shefa Province
No Proper Monitoring Enforce government DEPC 2020

department laws VFD
Dof
Shefa Province
Gardening- Slushing and Integrated farming, Agro- DARD 2020
burning forestry DoF
Shefa Province
Logging Regulate/ manage logging DoF 2020
Stop logging Shefa Province
Land Dispute Settle land boundaries DoL 2020
Shefa Province
Sub division EIA DEPC 2020
Development Shefa Province
Population growth pressure on Register site with EPC DEPC 2020
resource Shefa Province
Invasive species Management plan DEPC 2020
BV
Shefa Province
Climate Change Reforestation DoF 2020
Shefa Province
8.5.4 Shefa Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030

During the NBSAP Shefa Provincial Validation Workshop, there was discussions on existing protected sites
marine and terrestrial environment as conservation is not new to Shefa Province. There has been a good
approach to Community conservation areas in in Efate and Epi. Shefa Province decided to put up some of its
areas as target sites to contribute to the protection of the natural environment with the timeframe from 2018
until 2030.
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8.5.4.1 Forest and Inland Waters Targets
Forest Area/ Types Conservation Objectives Area Council Exact Area Target by 2030
Efate: ELMA Conservation of water All area councils Center of Efate Formal
catchment and forest of Efate Registration
biodiversity
Meten Hill To protect water source& Havannah Area North West Efate Formal
Magalili forest biodiversity Council Registration
Hat Island
Emua Ridge to reef & water North efate AC North efate Formal
Registration
Paungnangisu Ridge to reef & water North Efate AC North Efate Formal
Registration
Epule & Takara Ridge to reef North Efate AC North Efate Formal
Registration
Emau – Marou Ridge to reef Emau AC North Efate Formal
Registration
Emau - Ngurua Protect forest and Emau AC North Efate Informal
biodiversity
8. Nguna/Pele Protect water source Nguna/ Pele Area Pele Island Formal
*Tapiata (Pele) council Registration
9.Tapu Toara Protect water source Nguna/ Pele Area Farealapa, Formal
(Nguna) council Utanlangi Registration
10. Tongoa -protect water source & Tongoa AC Kurumambe, Burao Informal
forest biodiversity
-reforestation
11. Epi R2R Varsu Ngala (Lopevi) Formal
Registration
12. Epi Protect forest biodiversity Varsu Nuvi, Ngevin Formal
& water source Registration
13. Epi Forest biodiversity and Vermali Wenia Informal
water source
Epi Protect lake & its Varsu Nul, Nalema Informal
biodiversity
Epi Forest biodiversity Vermaul Vermaul wampai Formal
Registration
Epi Forest biodiversity & water Vermaul Mafilau Informal
catchment
Ifira Bird sanctuary Ifira AC Ifira island Formal
Registration
Mele Forest & water source Mle/ melemaat Mele Informal
Emae R2R Emae Makatea & Rasu Informal
Eton R2R & water source East Efate Eton Village Formal
Registration
Epau R2R & water source East Efate Epau community Formal
Registration
Lelepa Forest Havannah Lelepa island Formal
Registration
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Forest Area/ Types Conservation Objectives Area Council Exact Area Target by 2030
Moso Forest Havannah Moso Island Formal
Registration
Makira Protect wild goat and Mataso/ makira Makira Informal
forest
Mataso Marine Same as above Mataso Informal
Erakor R2R Erakor Erakor Informal
Eratap R2R Eratap AC Eratap Informal
Pango R2R Pango AC Pango Village Informal
Total: Formal – 16 and Informal - 12

8.5.4.2 Marine Area Target
Conservation Area Conservation Objective Area Council Target by 2030
1. Epi (Votlo) · Protect leatherback Vermali Area Formal Registration
2. Wampi turtle Council
3. Laman Island · Protect scrab duck
· Protect marine species
Tongoa: Protect koroliko & marine Tongoa area Formal Registration
species council
4. Laika,
5. Tevala
Emae Island: Protect marine species Emae area Formal Registration
(green snail, sea council
6. Marae
cucumber, turtles,
7. Makatea
trochus)
8. Tongameu
9. Vaitini
Efate: Protect marine species East efate Formal Registration
area council
10. Epau
11. Emau Protect marine species Emau Area Formal Registration
Council
12.Siviri Protect marine species North Efate Formal Registration
AC
13.Lelepa/ Moso Protect marine species NW Efate Formal Registration
14.Nguna (Mere Sauwia Protect marine species North Efate Formal Registration
marine & forest)
15. Cook Reef Control Fishing Activities Emae Formal Registration
for future use
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16. Mataso Monument Prevent illegal fishing and Mataso Formal Registration
Rock preserve historical site
17. Tongoa/Shepherds To Sustain Marine Tongoa, Formal Registration
Group Resources for future use Emae,
Buninga,
Tongoariki,
Makira/Mata
so
18. Tongoa Wall Reef Make it a Conservation Tongoa Formal Registration
Area and a tourist
attraction site
19. Mere Sauwia (Deep To protect Sea Mount and Nguna/Pele Formal Registration
Sea) make it a Marine/Mamal
sanctuary
20. Eratap & Erakor, Ifira Protect Mangrove on Eratap, Formal Registration
, Mele Mangrove these sites Erakor, Ifira,
Conservation Mele
21. Mele, Ifira, Pango Control fishing activities to Mele, Ifira, Formal Registration
sustain marine resources Pangoormal
for future use
22. Moso & Lelepa (Giant Protect area to become a West Efate Informal
Squid) tourist attraction
23. Efate (General) To protect Marine Efate Area Informal
resources and conserve Council
Mangrove species
24. Epi (General) To protect Marine Epi Area Informal
resources and conserve Council
Mangrove species
25. Emae Protect Mangrove species Emae Informal
Total: Formal – 21 & Informal - 4
8.5.5 SHEFA Provincial Target Statement

By 2030, Shefa Province will register 21 marine conservation areas and 16 forest and inland waters. Four marine
and 15 forest and inland waters’ areas will be established under customary tabu.
8.5.6 Reference
Hanuš, V.,& Vaněk, J., (1983) Deep structure of the Vanuatu (New Hebrides) island arc: Intermediate depth collision of
subducted lithospheric plates, New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 26:2, 133-154, DOI:
10.1080/00288306.1983.10422513
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8.6 TAFEA PROVINCIAL NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.6.1 Background
Tafea Province is the last province in the southern part of Vanuatu. Tafea is made up of the five islands, Tanna,
Aneityum, Futuna, Erromango and Aniwa. The name Tafea derives from the initial letter of all of these islands in
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Tafea. The islands of Tafea were geologically formed during the formation of the Central Chain during the Late
Miocene to Early Pliocene to Holocene (V. Hanus & J. Vanek 1983).

The total population of Tafea Province is 36,799 people. The province has a total land area of 1,627 km2. Tanna
Island has a mini township of Lenakel infamously known throughout Vanuatu as “Black Man town” where the
headquarters of the province is situated. The island of Tanna is one of the most fertile islands in Vanuatu and
produces kava, coffee, coconut, copra, and other fruits and vegetables from the rich volcanic soils. Recently,
tourism has become the main important economic industry on tanna, as tourists flock to visit one of the world’s
most accessible active volcano; Mt Yasur Volvano on Tanna and also the rich tannese traditional culture.
Aneityum is the southernmost inhabited island of Vanuatu in this province. The island is roughly circular, with
an area of 159.2 km2; its highest point is Mount Inrerow Atamein, with a height of 852m. The larger of its two
villages is Anelghowhat, on the south side. The adjacent offshore island to Anelghowhat village is Mystery Island,
surrounded by its crystal clear waters and healthy coral reefs. The stretch of coral reefs from southeast to west
and northwest is designated as a Marine Protected Area managed through traditional resource management
system. Cruise ships routinely visit Mystery Island every year, by which Aneityum people earn income through
eco-tours, the sale of artifacts and display of cultural activities. Erromango is the most sparsely populated island
in Vanuatu. It is famous for its tracts of huge and toweringKauri trees, Agathis macrophylla. The island
environment is still intact with abundant resources from both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Futuna is a
raised rock island, land size is smaller to the aforementioned three islands. It is famous for its traditional fishing
practice of night fishig for the species of large pelagic ocean going flying fish. Aniwa Island is smaller than all the
other four islands of Tafea province. It has a very healthy mangrove lagoon and it is famous of its very sweet
native oranges.
8.6.1.2 Tafea Provincial Government
Tafea Province was set up as a Province under the Decentralization Act 1994 and like all the other provinces,
Tafea has a President and a Secretary General that heads the institution. Councillors and Area Secretaries are
also elected by the Provincial Government. A TAG team is represented by extension services from the National
Government present in the province. The TAG team and the Area Secretaries fromed the discussion group during
the Tafea Provincial Validation Workshop.
8.6.1.3 Vision
Terrestrial and Marine resources of Tafea is sustainably managed for healthy environment and for the
socioeconomic benefits for the current and future generations
8.6.1.4 Mission
By 2050 Tafea will:
- Formalise every proposed forest and marine conservation areas
- Grow with friendly people with healthy natural environment
- Grow in tourism with beautification of marine and forest conservation
- Become more unique with protection of its endemic species and become resilient to sustain cultural activities
in relation to forest and marine areas.
8.6.2 Marine
Marine conservation areas in Tafea are administered under custom land tenureship and community tabu area
management. Mystery Island in Aneityum is not a legally registered conservation site but is a tourism site which
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receives 5,000 tourists on a cruise ship day. The marine resources from Mystery Island are the main attraction
for the tourists and generates a substantial income for aneityum natives.
Mystery Island is a classic example of the benefits of conservation of marine areas. The marine species in the
protected site become abundant under the locally respected and upheld management regime .Also endowed
with picturesque white sandy beaches and vividly clear crystal waters with its healthy coral reefs. The Fisheries
Department is using the Mystery Island Conservation area to collect green snails and restock poor resource
depleted reefs on Epi Island.
8.6.2.1 List of Existing Marine Conservation Areas for Tafea Province
Existing Marine Areas Location Importance to Community National
Priority
Enafa to Launapaiu North Tanna Protect marine resource, tourism activity
Imaelone West Tanna Protect marine resource, tourism activity
Kamti East Tanna Protect marine resource, marine park
Waisisi East tanna Protect marine resources for tourism
activity
Cook Bay Erromango Protect Marine resources for tourism
activity
Ipota Erromango
Iuo Erromango
Sipyompwi Erromango
Itjabo North Aniwa
Ikaukau South Aniwa
Watatua Aniwa
Umei Marine Conservation Aneityum Protect marine resources
Mystery Island Conservation Aneityum Generate income through tourism Tourism Site
Three mile reef conservation Aneityum Protect Marine Resources
Announse Marine Aneityum Protect Marine Resources
Conservation
Isia Marine Conservation Aneityum Protect Marine Resources
Intau anivat conservation Aneityum
Port Patrick Aneityum Protect Marine Resources Fisheries
Marine
Reserve
Watatua – VCAP project Aniwa VCAP Project for protection on marine
resources
Proposed Marine areas

Taimarino – VCAP Project Aniwa Protect Marine resource with VCAP
Project
Lagoon Aniwa Protect Lagoon biodiversity
South Aniwa – VCAP Project Aniwa Protect Marine resource with VCAP
Project
Suvu Erromango Protect Marine Resources
Ifo Erromango Protect Marine Resources
Isvi Erromango Protect Marine Resources
Pota sipsip Erromango Protect Marine Resources
Tipnaku South Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Nuianatum South Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Kumera South Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Ienpervar South Tanna Protect Marine Resources
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Existing Marine Areas Location Importance to Community National Priority
Shark Bay Southeast Protect Marine Resources
Tanna
Segau – Coconut crab Futuna Protect Marine Resources-
Coconut Crab
Tafea Coop – White grass – West Tanna Protect Marine resource with
Grace of the sea Grace of the Sea Project
Kipilpilu Northeast Protect Marine Resources
Tanna
Kanimasaga Point Southwest Protect Marine Resources
Tanna
Lainiel Lanamtain Central Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Imaelonet West Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Laniakpam West Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Lawakus West Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Ipak West Tanna Protect Marine Resources
Anahoya – ridge to reef Aneityum Protect Marine Resources
Louanpakel North Tanna Protect Marine Resources

Like most of the islands of Vanuatu, Tafea islands have similar Marine Ecosystems and marine species.
Anelgowhat villagers on Aneityum have dedicated the whole of Mystery Island and its surrounding coral reefs
to be under protection or conservation. The initiative by local communities was co-jointly supported by the Coral
Garden Project of Foundations of the Peoples of the South Pacific Vanuatu (FSPV) and the Department of
Fisheries in mid 1990s. The initiative allows maintenance and increase of marine resources. Port Patrick in the
north of Aneityum is also a protected marine reserve under the Fisheries Act, due to restocking of trochus on its
reefs. It is protected under Fisheries Regulation. Apart from protection of marine resources, people also depend
on them for their daily subsistence and to earn income. Aneityum in particular has abundant pelagic fishes (e.g.
tuna) and deep bottom fish. Reef fishes include parrotfishes, surgeonfishes, mullet, mangru (scat fish), giant
trevally and rabbitfishes. This bioregion includes the Mystery Island Marine Protected Area, and the
southwestern coast of Aneityum, where most of Anetyum’s prominent bays and barrier reefs are found. The
upper ocean depth is 500m and the lower depth is 3,000m. This area is rich in pelagic (tuna) and deep-water
species, particularly near and around Aneityum due to a “warm pool” of water associated with underwater
volcanoes.(MACBIO VU BIOREGIONSReport 2018)
Below are the list of species that are useful to the local communities as well as the species and ecosytems that
attention should be given to their protection.
8.6.2.3 List of important Marine Species in Tafea
Fish Invertebrates Sea Mammals/ Sea Marine Ecosystems
Birds
All reef fish Clamshell Dugong Coral reef
Crab Turtle Mangrove
Lobster Mud flats
Shellfish Sea grass beds
Sea cucumber
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Common threat for Tafea Marine species is high human consumption due to high population (this is highly
evident on Tanna, being the most densely populated island in Vanuatu). The population is increasing every year
which causes a lot of pressure on its Marine Resources. Mystery Island itself indicated that Tourism is a threat
to the marine environment. Too many tourist on a cruise ship day enjoys the white sandy beaches, sunbathing
and watching cultural performances as well as snorkelling. Local people realised that snorkelling also has impact
on coral reefs. Other threats to the marine environment are Crown of Thorns (COTs) infestation, not adherering
to Fisheries regulation on size limits and lack of respect on ‘no take’ rules on species under protected or
conservation areas. The Workshop also identified that high number of tourists visiting Mystery Island every year
has caused impacts on the coral reefs during snorkelling and also depletion of resources. For example pandanus
being used for weaving baskets for sale to tourists is now taken from other neighbouring islands.
8.6.2.5 Key Actions to Address decrease of Marine Resources
Some of the key actions are blended according to threats below;
Threats Actions Plans to address threats Agency Timeframe
Responsible
Rapid population · Information & awareness DEPC 2020-2030
increase– overfishing, · Develop laws to address VFD
under size harvest, · Register areas under Environment Tafea Province
disrespect laws
COTs Investation on Proper assessment/ stock taking on VFD 2020-2030

Coral Reefs problems Tafea Province
Usage (money, food, · Chiefs must organise better and DEPC 2020-2030
breeding fish sites) control their people – educate VFD
people on how policies/ laws give Tafea Province
power to chiefs)
· Develop sustainable marine and
freshwater farming (aquaculture)
· Install FADs
Poaching in tabu Chiefs must organise better and Chiefs 2020-2030
areas due to no control their people – educate people DEPC
respect on tabu on how policies/ laws give power to Tafea Province
system place on chiefs)
resources
High number of · Work with Dept of Tourism to find DoT 2020-2030
toursts visiting ways to manage 5,000 tourists on VFD
Mystery Island on cruise ship days. DEPC
Cruise ship days · Review tourism management plan Tafea Province
for Mystery Island

Forest cover in Tafea Province varies from island to island. , Erromango has larger areas of forest that are still
intact. It has prominent Kauri stands within primary forests that are going through the process of legal
registration by local communities soon. Tanna is the most heavily populated island in Vanuatu where people live
right into the interiors of the island. It has some patches of remnant forest left with the larger tracts being limited
to high mountain areas (Mt Tokusmera). Due to the fertile soil of this island, agriculture activities happen
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extensively in most areas of the islands, unknowingly without realising the impact on its forest, inland waters
and their associated biodiversity. Tanna has a designated priority Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in nusumetu due
to the wild stands of the critically endangered palm, Carpoxylon macrospermum found there (according to the
CEPF Ecosystem Profile). It is a rare and endemic palm and its natural habiat is within theNusumetu Conservation
Area on north Tanna. Tanna also has a number of other Key Biodiversity areas with regards to significant endemic
plant and animal species. On Aneityum, most of its intact forest is upland. The drier or western side of the island
dominated by Acacia spirorbis and Leucaena leucophala and is prone to bushfire and soil erosion. Iniatives
have taken place with restoring the vegetation of the degraded and eroded forest areas through establishment
of vetiver grass.
Aneityum seems rich in its terrestrial biota for its size. Exhibiting endemic flora and Fauna.This Island is
interesting because of the compression in altitudinal range of species compared with islands further north.
In particular a number of endemic palms on Aneityum. A lot of endemism and restricted range species also
exist on this island. With the island being designated as a priority CEPF KBA.
8.6.3.1 List of Existing Forest and Inland Water Conservation Areas for Tafea Province
Existing Forest and Inland Location (Island) Importance to the National Priority
Water areas Community
Green Hill (Nusiematu) North Tanna Protect Forest
Launa Milo Central Tanna Protect forest and
biodiversity
Botanical Garden (GH) North Tanna Protect Forest and endemic
plants
Keasi Reserve Southeast Tanna Reserve remaining forest
Imaus Central Tanna Protect forest and
biodiversity
Laupukas Central Tanna Protect forest and
biodiversity
Blue Zone Lanarei Central Tanna Protect forest
Lamkail Kil Forest West Tanna Protect forest
Lamnatu Forest Central Tanna Protect forest
Mt Tukusmera, Mt Melen Tanna Protect remaining dark
forest and water source
Kauri Reserve South Erromango Reserve primary kauri forest Process to CCA
Urantop forest North Tanna Protect forest and wild life
Rapunmoungo forest South Erromango Protect forest and wild life
Nwalcon North Erromango Protect forest and wild life
Anijem hag Forest Aneityum Protect forest and wild life
Anahoya forest Aneityum Protect forest and wild life
Anumej forest Aneityum Protect forest and wild life
Proposed Forest and inland water areas

Vekal river Southeast Tanna Protect forest & water
source
Kasrasir river Southeast Tanna Protect forest & water
source
Tekiskis Isangel area Protect forest & water
source
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Existing Forest and Inland Water Location (Island) Importance to the National
areas Community Priority
Black beach river & water Southwest Tanna Protect forest, water
catchment & waterfall catchment and waterfall
Laulri river & catchment Lamnatum, Central Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Lausialus river & catchment Lamlu Catholic Mission Protect forest and water
source
Niaulul river & catchment Lounatum, Central Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Keasi forest, Emaio Southeast Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Forest close to Yasur Volcano Takoarao, Southeast Protect forest
Tanna
Latanu river & catchment (Busaini Central Tanna Protect forest and water
forest) source
Iatapu Forest Southeast Tanna Protect forest
Kakuasei forest to Isaka Southeast Tanna Protect forest
Louwawila river & catchment Central Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Lamalipen river & catchment Central Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Kawiakme forest Central Tanna Protect forest
Ipinien forest & water catchment Northeast Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Iatukei forest and water catchment Southeast Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Iatepin forest & water catchement Southeast Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Imarap Cloud forest Tanna Protect primary forest
Launipina forest North Tanna Protect forest
Lounuou (Nasapil) Southwest Tanna Protect forest
Mt Tatafu forest &Water Futuna Protect forest and water
catchment source
Tafigi Forest Aniwa Protect forest
Mt Santop Erromango Protect forest
Mt Simrap, Mt Naparo, Mt Melon, South Tanna Protect forest and water
Mt Kuarua, Mt Lenmarei source
REDD + proposed sites
Komera water source South Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Nuwip water source South Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Kwakian water source South Tanna Protect forest and water
source
Mt Lamanikiapen Central Tanna Protect forest
Mt inrerou Aneityum Protect forest
Mt Tahegjei Aneityum Protect forest
Anelwuhat river Aneityum Protect forest and water
source
Mt Nakapuearip North Tanna Protect forest
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8.6.3.2 List of important Forest and Inland Water Species
Plants Animals
Black Palm Birds (Tikirkar)
Pudding leaves Flying fox
Wild cane Wild chicken
Bamboo Freshwater eel fish
Bush ropes Prawns
Snake Palm Freshwater fish
Carpoxylon macrospermum Snake
Agathis macrophylla (Logging resource)

The threats to forest and inland waters identified during the provincial validation workshop are population
pressure on resources, no respect for tabus set on resources for maintenance and protection, deforestation due
to logging, agricultural practices and bush fires, infrastructure such as road development, traditional gardening
practices, impact of invasive species such as guinea grass, Merremia peltata and Mynah Bird. Other threats are
natural.
Addressing forest and inland water resource management can be supported through:
- By-laws, Sectoral analysis/ scoping, Strategic action plan, Tribe council – by-laws, Land management
forces
Threats Actions to address Agency Time frame

threats responsible
Populations growth/ Awareness (educational DEPC 2020-2030
pressure on resources dissemination) DoF
Aquaculture VFD
No respect on tabu/ stealing Enforce heavy penalties DEPC 2020-2030

Enforcement officer- DoF
DEPC VFD
Big leaf, minah bird Management of invasive DEPC 2020-2030
species - Eradication DoF
BV
Wild bamboo (siwi area, SE Create alternative DEPC 2020-2030
Tanna, near volcano) resource from wild DoF
bamboo DoT
Kini grass – grows fast/ wild Management DEPC 2020-2030
Deforestation – logging Reforestation DoF 2020-2030
Develop management
plans (ridge 2 reef)
Traditional gardening system Integrated farming DoF 2020-2030
Agro forestry DARD
Infrastructure EIA DEPC 2020-2030
PWD
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8.6.4 Tafea Provincial Target for 2018 to 2030
The workshop participants discussed on existing protected sites for the marine and terrestrial environment.
Conservation is not new to Tafea province as protected sites are alreay happening on Tafea through traditional
resource management system. There has been a good approach to setting up community conservation areas.
For example Mystery Island at Aneityum, and Kauri Resere on Erromango. Tafea Province has a plan to work
with local communities to set up some areas as target sites to protect them starting from 2018 until 2030.
8.6.4.1 Forest and Inland Water Target
Conservation Area Conservation Objectives Area Council Target by 2030
Forest & Inland Water
types
1. Nusienmatu · Water catchment area NTAC (North Formal
conservation area · Existing endemic tanna area
species council)
· Forest
2. Keisi – Karpesu- · Water catchment area SE AC Formal
Ieniang conservation · Wildlife habitat area
· Existing endemic
species (Nalulu)
3. Loupakas · Endemic Species (Nip) CAC Formal
Conservation Area · Water catchment
· Wildlife habitat
4. Blue Zone Water Catchment CAC Formal
5. Imarap Cloud forest · Water catchment NEAC Formal
· Endemic species
6. Mt Melon, · Water catchment SEAC, STAC, Formal
Tokosmera, Kuarua · Endemic species WTAC
· Wild life sanctuary
7. Lanamir · Preserve last forest area WTAC Formal
Conservation Area in west tanna
· Wildlife revival
· Protection of cultural
site
8. Kauri reserve · Endemic species SEAC Formal
· Gene pool conservation
· Water catchment area
· Wild life habitat
· Forest resource
conservation
9. Urantop forest · Water catchment NEAC Formal
· Wildlife habitat
10. Anahoya (idee isia) · Ridge to reef Aneityum Informal
· Water catchment
· Endemic species
· Ecosystem
· Reserve area
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Conservation Area Conservation Objectives Area Council Target by 2030
Forest & Inland
Water types
11. Mt Tatafu forest · Main water catchment Futuna area Formal
and water area council
catchment (futuna) · Main water source
· Protect wildlife
· Protect forest
12. Tafigi forest · Protect coconut crab & Aniwa area Informal
(aniwa) habitat council
· Habitat for wild life
13. Aneityum · Protect mountain forest Aneityum area Informal
(Anumeij forest, Mt · Protect catchment council
Inrerou, Mt Tahegjei, · Protect water source
Anelcouhat river) – · Protect wild life
Ridge to reef GEF 5 · Protect rare species
FAO project
14. Rampuntom ·Protect mountain forest South Informal- formal
forest ·Protect catchment Erromango AC
·Protect water source
·Protect wild life
·Protect rare species
15. Mt Lamanikiapen ·Protect forest West Tanna Formal
·Protect wild life Area council
·Endemic species
·Eco-tourism
·Protect cultural belief
16. Iipinian Hill & ·Protect forest NE Tanna Formal
catchment ·Main water source
·Protect wild life
·Endemic species
17. Lavri Forest ·Protect forest Central Tanna Formal
·Main water catchment
·Protect birds
·Endemic freshwater
species
18. Mt Nasienmatu · Protect forest North Tanna Formal
& water catchment · Main water catchment
· Protect birds
· Endemic freshwater
species
· Eco-tourism
Total Formal: 14 & Informal: 4
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Conservation Area Conservation Objective Area Council Target by 2023
1. Enafa – Launapaiu · Tourism Attraction N Tanna AC Formal
· Presevem coral reef
· Protect
· Marine resource
2. Imaelone · Tourism attraction W Tanna AC Formal
· Preserve coral reef
· Protect marine and
increase marine
resource
· Ecosystem
3. Kamti · Protect coral reef NE Tanna AC Formal
· Ecosystem
· Marine park
4. Shark Bay · Protect marine SE Tanna AC Formal
resource
· Eco-tourism
5. Mystery island · Pilot project site Aneityum AC Formal
(fisheries dept)
· Marine cultural
governance system
6. Suvu · Eco-tourism S Erromango AC informal
· Marine resource
protection
7. Cook bay · Eco tourism N/ Erromango formal

· Marine protected area
8. Aniwa · Eco tourism Aniwa Formal
· Marine protected area
9. Futuna (Isino) Marine protected area Futuna Formal
10. Tafea Coop – · Overharvesting of West Tanna Formal
Whitegrass (West marine resource
Tanna) · For future tourist
attraction
· Stock increase
11. Waisis (NE Tanna) Tourism activity NE Tanna Formal
12. Aniwa-VCAP site · Increase marine Aniwa Informal
and lagoon product
· Tourism attraction
13. Cook Bay (N · Increase marine North Erromango Formal
Erromango) product
· Tourism attraction
14. Seagau (Futuna) Increase and protect coconut Futuna AC Formal
crab
15. Kanmasanga Increase and protect marine SE Tanna Formal
(Tanna) resources
16. Sipiopu Protect marine resources North Erromango Formal
(Erromango) Eco-tourism
Total Formal – 14 & Informal - 2
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8.6.5 TAFEA Provincial Target statement
By 2030, Tafea Province would like to formally register 14 forest and inland water areas, 14 marine areas under
the environmental act. Of the proposed sites, 4 of the forest and inland waters and 2 marine areas will be
established as community tabu areas.
8.6.6 Reference
Hanuš, V.,& Vaněk, J., (1983) Deep structure of the Vanuatu (New Hebrides) island arc: Intermediate depth
collision of subducted lithospheric plates, New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 26:2, 133-154, DOI:
10.1080/00288306.1983.10422513
9.0 NBSAP REPORTING

The NBSAP progress update will be done bi-annually but reporting will be done annually where a
summary of outcomes on NBSAP will be produced to monitor progress and achievements. This will
also include production of communication materials. This information should also be disseminated to
other sectors and national strategies to ensure NBSAP achievements are reflected under the NSDP
and other national reporting mechanisms.
Table 3: NBSAP 2018 Report Template
Strategic Area: Objective Actions 2018 Key actions 2018 UPDATE
Focus Area
CA1: To carry out
Expanded marine,
national terrestrial and
representative inland waters
network of biodiversity
conservation rapid
areas in assessment,
marine, inventories
terrestrial and and threat
inland waters. identification,
gap analyses
and
prioritisation to
guide the
development
of a national
representative
network of
CAs
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9.1 NBSAP MONITORING AND INDICATORS GUIDELINE
Monitoring of the NBSAP will be based on measuring impacts using the indicator guide in Table x.
Baselines will be needed in order to assess change. The impact and monitoring results will provide the
information for the State of Environment Reports and at least every 5 years to produce a NBSAP Impact
Report.
Table 4: Indicator Guide

NBSAP STRATEGIC AREAS NBSAP INDICATORS
CONSERVATION AREA · Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other effective
MANAGEMENT conserved areas and locally managed areas in terrestrial and marine areas
including sites of particular importance for biodiversity
· Percentage of terrestrial and marine protected areas that are effectively
managed based on agreed national and international protected area
conditions and management effectiveness
· Measure of ecosystem service values and equity of benefits from CAs
· Level of connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches with broader
landscapes and seascapes
FOREST AND INLAND · Trends in forest and inland waters species diversity including traded ones
WATERS ECOSYSTEMS · Trend to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated
CONSERVATION AND into government accounting reporting
MANAGEMENT · Percentage of forest and inland waters conservation areas to meet national
and global targets
· Impact of threats to forest and inland waters such as invasive species,
deforestation, logging and other threats
COASTAL AND MARINE · Total area of representative coverage of legally recognised, other conserved
ECOSYSTEMS areas and locally managed areas in marine areas including sites of particular
CONSERVATION AND importance for biodiversity
MANAGEMENT (CME) · Total area number of marine protected areas that effectively managed based
on agreed national protected area conditions and management
effectiveness
· Measurement of ecosystem services and equitable benefits from CAs
· Account for Payment of ecosystem service and other sustainable financing
strategies
· Measure if trends in connectivity of CAs and other area based approaches
integrated into landscapes and seascapes
· Assessments on coastal development impact and EIAs enforcements and
compliance
SPECIES · Reduced trend in extinction risks of Vanuatu’s 5 priority species
MANAGEMENT(SM) · Increased trend in population of the 5 priority threatened species for Vanuatu
· Increased trends in distribution of the 5 selected species
MANAGEMENT OF · Assessment and measure of impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity
INVASIVE SPECIES (MIS) and food security
· Impact of policy responses, legislation and management plans to control and
prevent spread of invasive and alien species
· Required information and data on invasive species are available
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· National government commitment through financing of management of AIS.
· Level of invasive species understanding increased.
· More improve legal frameworks and policies are available
· International border control system improved and internal quarantine system
established.
· Invasive species population density are reduced.
· The population density of invasive species in Conservation Areas are
reduced
MAINSTREAMING · Increased cross-sector engagements with biodiversity
BIODIVERSITY ACROSS · Increased political awareness and support for biodiversity policies
SECTORS AND SOCIETY
· Increased biodiversity communication programmes in actions promoting
(MB)
social corporate responsibility with private sector
· Increased engagement and partnerships to raise awareness, evoke active
responses, information sharing and cross-sector coordination and
communication
©D.Kalfatak
Women Custom Dancing- Point-Cross, South Pentecost
175 | P a g e
9.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE AND COORDINATION
Working groups are assigned to different strategic areas of the NBSAP. Regional partners will be
included in these working groups.
Figure 1: NBSAP Coordination Structure
Ministry of Climate
Change and
Environment
National Biodiversity
Advisory Council
Department of
Environmental Protection
and Conservation
NBSAP Coordination Unit

DEPC Biodiversity and Conservation
Division
National NBSAP Forum
Relevant Government
NGOs and CBOs Private Sectors
Stakeholders
Working Working Working Working

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4
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9.3 AMENDING THE NBSAP
The NBSAP will be reviewed and revised after five years (2022) to produce the impact report and the
review process will be initiated following this.
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References
Chambers, M.R., Bani, E. and Barker-Hudson, B.E.T. (1989). The status of the dugong (Dugong dugon)
in Vanuatu. South Pacific Commission, Noumea (New Caledonia).
Deharveng L. (2011). Caves and soils, in Bouchet P., Le Guyader H. & Pascal O. (eds), The Natural
History of Santo. Patrimoines Naturels 70. Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris; IRD,
Marseille; Pro-Natura International, Paris: 265–333.
Department of Environment and Conservation. (2014). Biodiversity. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources: https://mol.gov.vu/index.php/en/biodiversity/189-
biodiversity.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2010. Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010. Country
Report. Vanuatu. Forestry Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations. Rome, Italy.
Govan, H. (2009). Achieving the potential of LMMA in the South Pacific Region, SPC Traditional Marine
Resource Management and Knowledge Bulletin #25; 2009,
‫ۃ‬http://www.spc.int/DigitalLibrary/Doc/FAME/InfoBull/TRAD/25/Trad25_16_ Govan.pdf‫ۄ‬.
Government of Vanuatu (2010). Vanuatu National Assessment Report - 5 Year Review of the Mauritius
Strategy for Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for Sustainable
Development
Government of Vanuatu (2012). Forest Policy 2013-2023.
Government of Vanuatu (2013). National Land Use Planning Policy.
Government of Vanuatu (2016). Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy 2016.
Keith, P., Marquet, G., Lord, C., Kalfatak, D. and Vigneux, E. (2010). Vanuatu Freshwater Fish and
Crustaceans. Société Française d’ichtyologie (SFI).
King, P. 2007. Regional: Mainstreaming Environmental Consideration in Economic and Development
Planning Processed in Selected Pacific Developing Member Countries. Technical Assistance
Consultant’s Report for the Asian Development Bank.
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/32201/38031-07-reg-tacr.pdf
Marquet, G., Taiki, N., Chadderton, L. and Gerbeaux, P. (2002). Biodiversity and Biogeography of
Freshwater Crustaceans (Decapoda: Natantia) From Vanuatu, A Comparison with Fiji and New
Caledonia. Bull. Fr. Píche Piscic. (2002) 364: 217-232 —
Pascal, N. (2014). Economic valuation of mangrove ecosystem services in Vanuatu: Case study of
Crab Bay (Malekula Is.) and Eratap (Efate Is.) - Summary report. IUCN, Suva, Fiji.
Pascal, N., Leport, G., Molisa, V. and Wendt, H. (2015). National Marine Ecosystem Service Valuation
- Summary Report: Vanuatu. MACBIO 2015.
Pascal, N., Seidl, A. and Tiwok, T. (2015). Analysis of economic benefits of marine protected areas:
case studies in Vanuatu (9 MPAs) and Fiji (5 MPAs), South Pacific, Powerpoint presentation.
Regenvanu, R. (2009). The Traditional Economy as Source of Resilience in Vanuatu. Speech made
at Pacific Islands and the World Conference, Brisbane, August 2009. Retrieved from
http://milda.aidwatch.org.au/sites/default/files/Ralph%20Regenvanu.%20Traditional%20econo
my%20as%20a%20source%20of%20resistance%20in%20Vanuatu.pdf
178 | P a g e
Scott, D. A. (ed.) 1993. A Directory of Wetlands in Oceania. The International Waterfowl and Wetlands
Bureau (IWRB), Slimbridge, U.K. and Asian Wetlands Bureau (AWB), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
SPREP. (2013). State of Conservation in Oceania.
Taiki N.L., Whyte J., Phillips B and Kalfatak D. (unpublished). 2003. Updated in 2011. A Review of
Literature about Vanuatu’s Biodiversity 2003.
United Nations General Assembly. (2010). UNGA Resolution 65/161.
Vanuatu Environment Unit Medium Scale Project (MSP). 2003. Facilitating and Strengthening
Community Conservation Areas.
Vanuatu National Statistics Office. (2016). 2016 Post Pam Mini-Census Report. Port Vila: VNSO.
179 | P a g e
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1: DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

Definitions
Bioregions are; areas of relative similarity- Habitats, communities, and physical features within a
bioregion (e.g. Fish, invertebrates, seamounts, coral reefs, water column) are more similar to each other
than those same features in a different bioregion; away to represent the full range of biodiversity; a
classification of habitat and environmental types.
Community Conservation Area (CCA) means an area of land and or sea especially dedicated to the
protection, maintenance and sustainable use of biological diversity, and of natural and associated
cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) means an invasive alien species (IAS) is a species that is established
outside of its natural past or present distribution, whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological
diversity” Convention on Biological Diversity.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a practical way to create and establish a more rational organization
of the use of marine space and the interactions between its uses, to balance demands for development
with the need to protect marine ecosystems, and to achieve social and economic objectives in an open
and planned way. Such spatial planning complements and supports sectoral management and
development plans.
Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT): Is a term used in Article 15 CBD and establishes that specific benefit-
sharing conditions must be "mutually agreed" between providers and users of genetic resources. The
term is also used in the Nagoya Protocol.
Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) occur when a beneficiary or user of an ecosystem service
makes a direct or indirect payment to the provider of that service. The idea is that whoever preserves
or maintains an ecosystem service should be paid for doing so.
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) - The intention of the CBD is to create regimes in which indigenous and
local communities must give prior informed consent or their prior informed approval for the use of such
(their) knowledge, and have the right to deny such consent or approval.
Protected Area is synonymous with conservation area.
Resource Mobilisation means the process of getting resources from resource provider, using different
mechanisms, to implement an organization's pre-determined goals.
Special Unique Marine Areas (SUMA) are geographically defined areas that may have; threatened,
rare, vulnerable habitats or species; important life stages of key species (feeding, breading, nesting,
migration); biologically outstanding attributes, eg: high species diversity, endemism; habitats of high
complexity or size; other marine areas might be physically unique (geomorphology) e.g. Tongoa Wall.
Wetlands - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands define wetlands as: "areas of marsh, fen, peat land or
water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh,
brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six
metres".
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ANNEX 2: LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS
Area # Name Location Island Province
1 Lake Letas Conservation Area Foot of Mt Garet Gaua Torba
2 Mondoro Marine Conservation Area Mondoro Village SE Gaua Torba
3 Butmas Conservation Area South Santo Sanma
4 Edenhope Conservaion Area West Santo Sanma
5 Guyon Reef Marine Conservation Area Melcofee,Luganville Santo Sanma
6 Hog Harbour Marine Conservation Area East Santo Sanma
7 Lolath Marine Conservation Area Northeast Santo Sanma
8 Loru Protected Area Khole Vilage East Santo Sanma
9 Million Dollar Point South Santo Sanma
8 Nabauk Conservation Area South Santo Sanma
9 Penoru Conservation Area Penoru Village NW Santo Sanma
10 Port Olry MPA Northeast Santo Sanma
11 President Coolidge South Santo Sanma
12 Vatthe Conservation Area Matantas Village NE Santo Sanma
13 Wairua Conservation Area South Santo Sanma
14 Amal-Krab Bei Tabu Eria (AKTE) Northeast Malekula Malampa
15 Avok II Island Conservation Area South Malekula Avok Island Malampa
16 Narong-Uri Marine Conservation Area Northeast Malekula Uri Island Malampa
17 Ringi Te Suh Marine Conservation Area South Malekula Pelong,Maskelynes Malampa
18 Wiawi Conservation Area Northwest Malekula Malampa
19 Duviara Conservation Area North Ambae Penama
20 Homo Bay Conservation Area South Pentecost Penama
21 Manaro Tourism Conservation Area West Ambae Penama
22 Moon Cave Conservation Area South Maewo Penama
23 Homo Bay Conservation Area South Pentecost Penama
24 Ranputor Community Conservation Area
25 Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area North Efate Nguna and Pele Shefa
26 Ngurua Marine Conservation Area Southeast Emau Shefa
27 Efate Land Management Area (ELMA) Central Efate Shefa
28 Epau Conservation Area East Efate Shefa
29 Erwati Marine Protected Area South Efate Erwati Shefa
30 Ifira Marine Managed Area South Efate Efate (Irriki and Shefa
Ifira Islands)
31 Lelepa Island Tours MPA NW Efate Lelepa Shefa
32 Lelepa Island Tours MPA NW Efate Lelepa Shefa
33 Marou Conservation Area NE Efate Emau Shefa
34 Mere-Sauwia Conservation Area Northeast Nguna Shefa
35 Unakap MPA South Nguna Shefa
36 Aniwa Marine Tabu Area North Aniwa Tafea
37 Kauri Forest Reserve South Erromango Tafea
38 Keasi Forest Reserve East Tanna Tafea
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39 Loanamilo Conservation Area West Tanna Tafea
40 Mystery Island South Anietyum Tafea
41 Port Patrick Marine Protected Area North Anietyum Tafea
42 Tipinime Conservation Area North Tanna Tafea
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ANNEX 3: IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS
Important Bird Areas
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ANNEX 4: IMPORTANT FOREST AREAS
Important Forest Areas
Forest Area Location Importance of Site
Kauri Reserve Erromango Island Unique population of native species Kauri,
Agathis macrophylla
South to West Coast Santo Island Habitat of endemic kauri species, Agathis silbae
Santo
Central, extend to South Pentecost Island Habitat and threatened status of Veitchiae
Pentecost brunnae, black palm on Pentecost
Loru Connservation Santo Assessment of Carbon stock
Matantas Santo Primary forest
Millinium Cave Santo Primary Forest
Bodmas Santo Primary forest
Nabauk Santo Primary forest
Lake Letas Gaua Island Primary Forest and Lake
Amal Crab Bay Malekula Island Mangrove forest
ELMA- Midst of Efate Efate Island Last remaining forest of Efate
Vatnebwaratu Maewo Island Primary forest
Tukusmera Tanna Island Last primary forest of Tanna with some endemic
plants and animal.
ANNEX 5: CURRENT IMPORTANT WETLAND AREAS

List from Updated Vanuatu National Wetland Inventory
Name size (ha) Location island province
Alligator river 30 East coast V. Lava Torba
Central east
Nagpen river 36.5 coast V. Lava Torba
Lake Letas 1971 Centre Gaua Torba
Jordan River Flood Plain 3335 North central Santo Sanma
Santo Blue Holes ?? East Santo Sanma
Lake Waimemea 19.5 Northeast Ambae Penama
Lake Wai Lembutaga 69.5 Northeast Ambae Penama
Ambae Caldera Lakes 1026 Centre Ambae Penama
(Lake Manaro Ngoru) 15 Centre Ambae Penama
(Lake Vui) 150 Centre Ambae Penama
(Lake Manaro Lakua) 170 Centre Ambae Penama
Northeast
Port Stanley, Bushman's Bay & Crab Bay 4132 Coast Malekula Malampa
Southwest
Southwest Bay Lagoons 194 coast Malekula Malampa
Port Sandwich, Cooks Bay & Maskelyne Southeastern
Islands 7004 tip Malekula Malampa
Creek Ai 50 Northwest Efate Shefa
Duck Lake 76.3 East-north-east Efate Shefa
Emaotfer Swamp 192 Southeast Efate Shefa
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ANNEX 6: SIGNIFICANT BIODIVERSITY SITES WITHIN VULNERABLE DISASTER
AREAS
Key Biodiversity Areas
*Reference to the KBA Map is the threat of different natural disasters below that have crucial effect on the KBAs.
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Vanuatu Cyclones
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Vanuatu Tsunami occurance
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Earthquake Occurance
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Reefs at Risk
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Volcanoe Occurrance
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Competing Marine Resource Uses
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ANNEX 7: List of important marine areas – Ecologically and Biologically Significant
Areas (EBSAs)
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ANNEX 8 – Vanuatu Endemic & Threatened species List
Terrestrial Fauna
Scientific Name Common Name Bislama IUCN Red List Endemic
Name Category ሺξ)
Bird
Aplonis santovestris Santo Mountain Starling Mataweli Vulnerable √
Ardenna carneipe Flesh-footed Shearwater Near Threatened
Gallicolomba sanctaecrucis Santa Cruz Ground Dove Endangered √

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint (Wader) Near Threatened
Charmosyna palmarum Green Palm Lorikeet Grin Nasiviru Vulnerable √

Ducula bakeri Vanuatu Mountain Pigeon Nawimba blo Vulnerable √
Hil
Erythrura regia Royal Parrotfinch Near Threatened
Esacus magnirostris Beach thick-knee Near Threatened
Halycon farquhari Vanuatu Kingfisher Red Nasiko Near Threatened √

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Neart Threatened
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Near Threatened
Megapodius layardi Vanuatu Megapode Namalau Vulnerable √

Neolalage banksiana Vanuatu Flycatcher Least Concern √
Nesofregetta fuliginosa Polynesian Storm-petrel Endangered
Phylidonyris notabilis Vanuatu Mountain Nalaklak blo Least Concern √
Honeyeater Hil
Pterodroma acculta Vanuatu Petrel √
Pterodroma cervicalis White-necked Petrel Vulnerable
Ptilinopus tannensis Vanuatu Fruit Dove Bigfala Grin Least Concern √
Pijin
Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler Near Threatened √
Zosterops flavifrons Vanuatu White-eye Yelo Nalaklak Least Concern √
Mammal
Chaerephon bregullae Fijian Mastiff Bat Endangered
Dugong dugon Dugong Kaofis Vulnerable
Emballonura semicaudata Pacific Sheath-taield Bat Endangered
Notopteris macdonaldi Fijian Blossom Bat Flaen Foks Vulnerable
Pteropus anetianus Vanuatu Flying Fox Flaen Foks Vulnerable √
Pteropus fundatus Baniks Flying Fox Flaen Foks Endangered √
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Reptile
Brachylophus bulabula Fijian Banded Iguana Endangered
Caretta caretta Loggerheard Turtle Totel Vulnerable
Chelona mydas Green Turtle Grin Totel Endangered
Crytobhepharus Snake-eyed Skink Liset √
novohebridicus
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Letabak Totel Vulnerable
Emoia aneityumensis Aneityum Skink Liset Endangered √
Emoia erronan Futuna Skink Liset Vulnerable √
Emoia nigromarginata Vanuatu Skink Liset Least Concern √
Emoia sanfordi Vanuatu Green Tree Skink Grin Liset Least Concern √
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle Hoksbil Totel Critically
Endangered
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Totel Vulnerable
Perochirus guentheri Saw-tailed Gecko Liset √
Mollusc
Ouagapia perryi Ground-dwelling Snel Endangered
Carnivorous Land Snail
Partula auraniana Aore Tree Snail Snel Endangered √
Partula milleri Land Snail Snel Critically √
Endangered
Tridacna derasa Southern Giant Clam Natalae Vulnerable
Tridacna gigas Giant Clam Natalae Vulnerable
Insect
Deudorix matthewi Vanuatu Cornelian Vanuatu Faea √
Polyura sacco Sacco’s Emperor Jif blo Sacco √
Vanuatubasis santoensis Damselfly Wota Insek √
Freshwater Fish
Akihito vanuatu Vanuatu’s Emperor Fis Least Concern √
Lentipes Kaaea Red-nose Goby Fis Least Concern √
Schismatogobius Vanuatu Goby Fis √
vanuatuensis
Sicyopterus aiensis Greek Ais Goby Fis √
Sicyopus chloe Chloe’s Sicyopus Fis Least Concern √
Sicyopus pentecost Pentecost Goby Fis √
Stenogobius yateiensis Yate’s Goby Fis Least Concern √
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Stiphodon astilbos Fis √
Stiphodon kalfatak Kalfatak’s Stiphodon Fis √
Stiphodon mele Mele’s Stiphodon Fis √
Stiphoson sapphirinus Sapphire Stiphodon Fis Least Concern √
Rhacichthys guilberti Noreil Rasa Fis √
Terrestrial Flora
Scientific Name Common Name Bislama Name IUCN Red List Endemic
Category
(√)
Plant
Adiantum aneityensis Maidenhair Fern Blak Pam O Fern √

Agathis silbae Santo Kauri Kauri Near Threatened √
Alpinia nidus-vespae Shrub NA √
Alyxia efatensis Shrub NA √
Amyema artense Amyema artensis Epiphyte NA √
Amylotheca bansksiana Epiphyte NA √
Astronidium aneityensis Tree NA √
Bleasdalea lutea Tree NA √
Caryota ophiophelis Palm Pam Tri NA √
Chisocheton rex Tree NA √
Citrus hebridensis Tree NA √
Claoxylon falcata Euphorbias Tree NA √
Claoxylon gillisonii Euphorbias Tree NA √
Claoxylon neo ebudicum Euphorbias Tree NA √
Clinostigma harlandi Palm Pam Tri NA √
Coelogyne macdonaldii Macdonald's Coelogyne Okid NA √
Corynocarpus similis Karaka Tree NA √
Crossosstylis cominsii Bush Mangrove Natongtong blo bus NA √
Cryptocaria honei Lauraceae Tree NA √
Cryptocaria turpinata Lauraceae Tree NA √
Cyrtandra efatensis Gesneriaceae Shrub NA ξ
Cyrtandra eneityensis Gesneriaceae Shrub NA ξ
Cyrtandra obovata Gesneriaceae Shrub NA ξ
Cyrtandra obovata Gesneriaceae Shrub NA ξ
Dendrobium calcaratum Orchid Okid NA ξ
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Dendrobium greenianum Orchid Okid NA ξ
Dendrobium mooreanum Moore’s Dendrobium Okid NA ξ
Dendrobium morrisonii Morrison’s Dendrobium Okid NA ξ
Dendrobium rarum The Rare Dendrobium Okid NA ξ
Dendrobium sp Orchid Okid NA ξ
Donax canniformis Marantaceae Shrub NA ξ
Dysoxylum aneityensis Meliaceae Tree NA ξ
Earina santoensis Orchid Okid NA ξ
Earina sigmoidea Orchid Okid NA ξ
Freycinetia tannaensis Pandanaceae Parasite NA ξ
Gacinia sessilis Guttiferae Tree NA ξ
Gardenia tannaensis Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Geissois denhamii Cunoniaceae Tree NA ξ
Glochidion ramifolium Euphorbias Tree NA ξ
Glochidion stepulare Euphorbias Tree NA ξ
Glossorhyncha Orchid Okid NA ξ
macdonadii
Gouania efatensis Buckthorn Liane/ Tree NA ξ
Heterosphate uniformis Arecaceae Pam tree NA ξ
Hoya aneityensis Milkweed Liane NA ξ
Ixora asme Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Kothalsella platycaula Mistletoes Epiphyte NA ξ
Licuala cabalioni Arecaceae Shrub NA ξ
Liparis santoensis Orchid Epipyhte NA ξ
Macaranga megacarpa Euphorbias Tree NA ξ
Maesa ambrymensis Myrcinaceae Shrub NA ξ
Maesa eraginnensis Myrcinaceae Shrub NA ξ
Maesa repandus Myrcinaceae Shrub NA ξ
Malaxis iwasinae Orchidaceae Epiphyte NA ξ
Meryta neo ebudicum Araliaceae Tree NA ξ
Neoveitchia brunnea Palm Pam Tri NA ξ
Oxera vanuatuensis Verbena Tree NA ξ
Pandanus halleorum Screw palm Pam Tree Vulnerable ξ
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Pandanus onesuaensis Screw palm Pam Tree NA ξ
Phaleria pentecostalis Thymelaeaceae Shrub NA ξ
Pittosporum aneityensis Australian laurel Tree NA ξ
Pittosporum campelli Australian laurel Tree NA ξ
Pittosporum Australian laurel Shrub Least Concern ξ
rhytidocarpum
Podocarpus affinis Yellowwood Tree Near Threatened ξ
Polysias cissodendron Island Pine Nalalas NA ξ
Polysias guilfoylei Island Pine Nalalas NA ξ
Pseuderanthemum Acanthaceae Shrub NA ξ
aurbertii
Psychotria aneityensis Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Psychotria fosteriana Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Psychotria milnei Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Psychotria necdado Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Psychotria trichostoma Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Scaevola neo ebudicum Goodeniaceae Shrub NA ξ
Schefflera neo ebudicum Island Pine Nalalas NA ξ
Schefflera neo tannae Island Pine Nalalas NA ξ
Semecarpus tannaensis Anarcadiaceae Tree NA ξ
Serianthes aneityensis√ Fabaceae Tree NA ξ
Spartholoides pacifica Orchidaceae Herb NA ξ
Sterculia banksiana Sterculiaceae Tree NA ξ
Sterculia tannaensis Sterculiaceae Tree NA ξ
Syzygium gracilipes Myrtaceae Shrub NA ξ
Syzygium kajweskii Myrtaceae Tree NA ξ
Syzygium nomoa Myrtaceae Tree NA ξ
Tapernospermum Myrsinaceae Shrub NA ξ
kajewskii
Tapernospermum Myrsinaceae Shrub NA ξ
scrobiculatum
Tarrena efatensis Coffee Shrub NA ξ
Tmesipteris vanuatuensis Tmesipteridaceae Pteridophyte NA ξ
Veitchia macdanielsis Palm Pam Tri NA ξ
Veitchia metiti Palm Pam Tri Least Concern ξ
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Veitchia winin Palm Pam Tri NA ξ
Weinmania Kajewskii Cunoniaceae Tree NA ξ
Weinmania macgillivrayi Cunoniaceae Tree NA ξ
NA-Not Assessed
Marine Fauna
Scientific Name Common Name Bislama IUCN Red List Category
Name
Sea Cucumber
Actinopyga echinites Deepwater redfish Si-kukamba Vulnerable
Actinopyga miliaris Hairy blackfish Si-kukamba Vulnerable
Actinopyga mauritiana Surf redfish Si-kukamba Vulnerable
Holothuria fuscogilva White teatfish Si-kukamba Vulnerable
Holothuria lessoni Golden sandfish Si-kukamba Endangered
Holothuria nobilis Black Teatfish Si-kukamba Endangered
Holothuria scabra Golden sandfish Si-kukamba Endangered
Holothuria whitmaei Black teatfish Si-kukamba Endangered
Stichopus herrmanni Curryfish Si-kukamba Vulnerable
Thelenota ananas Prickly redfish Si-kukamba Endangered
Coral
Acanthastrea bowerbanki Mussid coral Korel Vulnerable
Acanthastrea ishigakiensis Mussid coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora aculeus Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora anthocercis Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora aspera Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora caroliniana Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora dendrum Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora donei Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora echinata Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora globiceps Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora horrida Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora kirstyae Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora listeri Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora lovelli Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora microclados Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora palmerae Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
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Acropora paniculata Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora polystoma Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora palmerae Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora paniculata Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora polystoma Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora solitaryensis Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable

Acropora speciosa Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora spicifera Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora vaughani Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora verweyi Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora multiacuta Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Acropora tenella Acropora coral Korel Vulnerable
Alveopora allingi Poritid coral Korel Vulnerable
Alveopora fenestrata Poritid coral Korel Vulnerable
Alveopora verrilliana Poritid coral Korel Vulnerable
Anacropora puertogalerae Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Anacropora reticulata Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Astreopora cucullata Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Barabattoia laddi Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Caulastrea curvata Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Cyphastrea ocellina Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Euphyllia cristata Caryophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Euphyllia paraancora Mussid coral Korel Vulnerable
Favia rosaria Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Galaxea acrhelia Oculinid coral Korel Vulnerable
Galaxea astreata Oculinid coral Korel Vulnerable
Leptoseris incrustans Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Leptoseris yabei Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montastrea multipunctata Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montastrea salebrosa Favid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora australiensis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora caliculata Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora capricornis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora cebuensis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora corbettensis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
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Montipora Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
crassituberculata
Montipora samarensis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Montipora turtlensis Acroporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pachyseris rugosa Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pavona bipartita Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pavona cactus Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pavona decussata Cuctus coral Korel Vulnerable
Pavona venosa Agaricid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pectinia alcicornis Pectinid coral Korel Vulnerable
Pectinia lactuca Pectinid coral Korel Vulnerable
Physogyra lichtensteini Caryophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Porites horizontalata Poritid coral Korel Vulnerable
Porites nigrescens Poritid coral Korel Vulnerable
Seriatopora aculeata Pocilloporid coral Korel Vulnerable
Turbinaria mesenterina Dendrophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Turbinaria patula Dendrophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Turbinaria peltata Dendrophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Turbinaria stellulata Dendrophyllid coral Korel Vulnerable
Fish
Amblyglyphidodon Ternate damsel Damselfis Vulnerable
ternatensis
Bolbometopon muricatum Bumphead parrotfish Bigfala Blufis Vulnerable
Cheilinus undulatus Humphead wrasse Napoleon Endangered
Cromileptes altivelis Humpback grouper Los Vulnerable
Epinephelus lanceolatus Queensland grouper Los Vulnerable
Hippocampus histrix Spiny seahorse Si Hos Vulnerable
Hippocampus kuda Spotted seahorse Si Hos Vulnerable
Makaira nigricans Blue Marlin Sofis Vulnerable
Mola mola Ocean sunfish Vulnerable
Oxymonacanthus Harlequin filefish Vulnerable
longirostris
Plectropomus areolatus Squaretail coral trout Vulnerable
Plectropomus laevis Blacksaddled coral trout Vulnerable
Stichopus herrmanni Curryfish Vulnerable
Thunnus obesus Bigeye tuna Tuna Vulnerable
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Sharks and Rays
Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher Shark Sak Vulnerable
Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic whitetip shark Sak Vulnerable
Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin mako Sak Vulnerable
Negaprion acutidens Sharptooth lemon shark Sak Vulnerable
Rhincodon typus Whale shark Sak Vulnerable
Sphyrna lewini Scalloped hammerhead Sak Endangered
Manta alfredi Reef mata ray Stingrei Vulnerable
Urogymnus asperrimus Porcupine ray Stingrei Vulnerable
Taeniurops meyeni Blotched fantail ray Stingrei Vulnerable
Annex 9 – Important Economic and Cultural Species

Plant Animal
Acasia simplex (Namariu blo solwota) All shellfish species
Acasia spiribis (Namariu blo bus) All fish species
Agathis macrophylla (Pacific Kauri) Anguillidae spp. (Eel fishes)
Agathis silbae (Santo Kauri) Birgus latro (Coconut Crab)
Bambusa spp. (Bamboo) Cardisoma spp. (All Land Crabs)
Calamus vanuatuensis (Rattan) Charonia tritonis (Trumpet Shell)
Callphylum neo ebudicum (Tamanu) Chelonidae spp. (All turtle species)
Canarium indicum (Nangae o Ngali nut) Colombus vitiensis (White-throated Pigeon)
Carpoxylon macrospermum Dugon dugon (Dugong)
Cordyline fruticosa (Nangaria) Ducula bakeri (Vanuatu Mountain Pigeon)
Cyatheaceae spp. (Tree Ferns) Ducula pacifica (Pacific Imperial Pigeon)
Cycas spp. (Namele) Falco peregrinus (Peregine Falcon)
Endospermum medolusum (Whitewood) Gallirallus philippensis (Buff-banded Rail)
Entada phaciloides (Snek rop o Nagol vine) Halycon chloris
Figus granatum (Nabanga) Hippopus hippopus (Strawberry Clam)
Fruits (Breadfruit, Naos, Nantao, etc) and their genetic Macrobrachium spp. (Freshwater Prawns)
variants
Hibiscus tiliaceus (Coast Hibiscus/Burao) Megapodius freycinet (Incubator Bird)
Intsia bijuga (Moluccan Ironwood) Narave Pig
Island cabbage and its genetic variants Panulirus spp. (Rock Lobster)
Luecaena leucocephala (Kasis) Paribacus caledonicus (Slipper Lobster)
Licuala caballoni (Palm) Ptilinopus greyi (Red-bellied Kingfisher)
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Metroxylon Warbugii (Natangura) Ptilinopus tannensis (Vanuatu Fruit Dove)
Pteropus aneitianus (Vanuatu Flying Fox)
Neoveitchia brunea (Palm) Pteropus tonganus (Pacific Flying Fox)
Orchidaceae spp. Puffinus lherminieri gunax (Audubon
Shearwater)
Pandanaceae spp. (Pandanus) Puffinus pacificus (Wedge-tailed Shearwater)
Piper methysticum (Kava) Scylla spp. (Mud Crab)
Pterocarpus indicus (Blu wota) Tridacna spp. (Giant Clams)
Root Crops (Yam, wild yam, taro,water taro, kumala) Trochus niloticus (Trochus)
and their genetic variants
Saccharum maximum (Wild cane) Turbo marmoratus (Green Snail)
Santalum astrocaledonicum (Sandalwood) Tyto alba (Barn Owl)
Swietenia macrophyllum (Mahagony)
Terminalia cattapa (Natavoa)
Veitchia spp. (Palm)
Wild ‘cabbages’
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Annex 10 – Important cultural sites, Ecotourism sites and Provincial Target Sites
*Refer to Annex 11 for Map Keys and numbers according to sites
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Annex 11 – Map Keys
TORBA MAPPING
Green- Land & Forest Conservation Areas
# Name Location Important Resource Status
1 Valua Motalava Forest/Water catchment
2 Lake Letes Gaua Water Catchment
3 Flat Stone Hiu Coconut Crabs Site
4 Yau Wotut Hiu Coconut Crabs Site
5 Yaw Wa Hiu Coconut Crabs Site
6 Ye Me Ten We Hiu Coconut Crabs Site
7 Metoma Metoma Island Coconut Crabs Site
8 Aitape Tegua Coconut Crabs Site
9 Tek We Mete Tegua Coconut Crabs Site
10 Rinua Loh Coconut Crabs Site
11 Honeymoon Site Linua
12 Lekal Tegua Coconut Crabs Site
13 Nawila Nanila
14 Sasar Vanua Lava
15 Mangrove Lemet, Gaua
16 Lotawan Mota
17 Veverau Mota
18 Vetande Vetande Island P
19 Merig Merig Island P
20 Reef Island Reef Island P
21 Ravenga Ravenga Island P
22 Kwetenwel Vanua Lava P
23 Alligator River Vanua Lava Mangrove, fish, crabs ,crocodile P
24 Silver River Vanua Lava Fish, crocodile P
25 Hot water/Ambeg Leisa Vanua Lava P
26 Narue Vanua Lava Mangrove P
27 Aver Gaua Mangrove P
28 Kaska Gaua Mangroves P
29 Namasari Gaua Mangroves P
30 Mosina Vanua Lava Mangroves P
31 Wetland Vanua lava P
32 Mota Mota Island P
33 Mota Lava Mountains Mota Lava Water Catchment/ Steep Lands P
34 Rah Rah Island Coconut Crab Sites P
35 Mere Lava Mountains Mere Lava Water Catchment/ Steep Lands P
36 Torres Torres Islands Coconut Crabs Site P
37 Ureparapara- White Grasslands Ureparapara P
38 Dives Bay Ureparapara Mangroves P
Blue- Marine Conservation Area, Lakes, Lagoons, Rivers, Swamps
1 Rah MPA MotaLava
2 Nerenigman MPA MotaLava
3 Qeremande MPA MotaLava
4 Totonglang MPA MotaLava
5 Avar MPA MotaLava
6 Telvet MPA MotaLava
7 Kerebeta Vanua Lava Coconut Crab
8 Vatrata Vanua Lava Coconjut Crab P
9 Port Patterson Vanua Lava Coconut Crab P
10 Sola Vanua Lava Coconut Crab P
11 Sisoil Vanua Lava Mangrove
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12 Mosina Vanua Lava Mangrove
13 Leon Bay, Mosina, Nerekon, Narue, Vanua Lava Mangrove P
Qeso, Alligator River
14 Vetimboso Vanua Lava Fresh Water P
15 Laks Vanua Lava P
16 Lake Letes Gaua Volcanic Lake
17 Mundoro East Gaua Eels P
18 Lebot NE Gaua Mangroves P
19 Namasaric MPA NE Gaua
20 Lemanman MPA NE Gaua
21 Vatles North Gaua Coconut Crabs Site P
22 Qetegaveg MPA West Gaua Trochus P
23 Dorig MPA South Gaua
24 Divers bay MPA Ureparapara
25 Divers Bay Ureparapara Crab P
26 Lehannai Ureparapara Fish, Crab, Mangroves P
27 Toga MPA Torres Islands Coconut Crab
28 Loh MPA Torres Islands Coconut Crab
29 Tegua MPA Torres Islands Coconut Crab
30 Metoma MPA Torres Islands Coconut Crab
31 Hiu MPA Torres Islands Coconut Crab
32 Loh MPA Torres Islands Mangroves P
33 Hiu MPA Torres Islands Mangroves
34 Loh MPA Torres Islands Mangroves
35 Whole Island Vetagde Island New Island P
36 Whole Island Reef Island Reef, Marine Resources P
37 Whole Island Revenga Island Marine Resources P
38 Conservation Area Mere Lava Marine P
39 Conservation Area Mere Lava Coconut Crab
40 Beirth Conservation Area Nemerir, Mere Lava P
41 Conservation Area Mota P
42 Conservation Area Mota Coconut Crab P
43 Conservation Area Mota Crab P
44 Conservation Area Mota Flying Fox
45 Conservation Area Pakea Fish P
46 Conservation Area Pakea Crab Nawila P
47 Conservation Area Qetunwer P
48 Conservation Area Linua Coconut Crab, crab, Fish P
49 Whole Island Ngwel Island Marne P
50 Whole Island Nerenow Marine P
Yellow- Tourism Sites
1 Mere lava Mere Lava Island Handicraft P
2 Mere Lava Mere Lava Island Historical Site P
3 Mere Lava Mere Lava Island Shear Water Bird P
4 Lake Letes Gaua
5 Garet Volcano
6 Siri Waterfalls
7 Qetion Cave P
8 Monolite Stone P
9 Original Water Music Dolap, Gaua P
10 Marine Conservation Area Navar, Gaua P
11 Forest Conservation Gaua P
12 Handicraft Bengaren, Gaua
13 Custom Play Dolap P
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14 Game Fishing Merig P
15 Relics Merig P
16 Crocodile Vanua Lava P
17 Volcano Vorawaw
18 Silver River Vanua Lava
19 Twin Waterfall Sasar, Vanua Lava
20 Le Kaltel Cave NE Vanua Lava P
21 Cultural Site Sasar, Vanua Lava P
22 Historical Site Qat, Vanua Lava P
23 Lake Tinsiom, Vanau P
Lava
24 Laka Sereama Vanua Lava P
25 Blue Water Seremba, Vanua P
Lava
26 AtesWaterfall Vanua Lava P
27 Waga weaving Vetimboso, Vanua P
Lava
28 Snorkeling Quakea
29 First Christian Village Veverau, Mota P
30 Cultural Site Mission Bay, Mota P
31 Vatcalecale (Calling Wind) Top Hill, Mota P
32 Mud Fishing Lowotgeg, Mota P
33 Sleeping Mountain Top Hill, Mota Lava P
34 Rock Rah Mota Lava
35 Shell Money Making Qeremgas, Mota
Lava
36 Traditional Fishing Mota Lava
37 Mud Fishing Telvet, Mota Lava
38 Marine Conservation Area Telvet, Mota Lava
39 Cultural Village Rah, Mota Lava
40 Traditional Bank (Shell Money) Rah, Mota Lava
41 Cultural, Historical Site Telvet Mota Lava
42 World Heritage Island Ureparapara
43 Local Post Office Lemap, P
Ureparapara
44 Lemdai Cave Ureparapara P
45 Snorkelling Ureparapara
46 Dancing Stone Dives Bay, P
Ureparapara
47 Shell Money Making Dives Bay, P
Ureparapara
48 Traditional Sandal Weaving Ureparapara P
49 Dancing Stone Merig P
50 Snorkelling Reef Island P
51 Game Fishing Reef Island P
52 Leilei nowo Cave Loh
53 Honeymoon Beach Loh
54 Snorkelling Rinuha, Loh
55 Cultural Site Letau, Toga P
56 Snorkelling Tegua P
57 Traditional Drawing Cave Tegua P
58 Marine Conservation Area Tegua
59 Coconut Crab Conservation Metoma P
60 Marine Conservation Area Metoma P
61 Turtle Breeding Site Tokometa, Metoma P
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62 Yenugu Cave (Drawings) Hiu P
63 Calling Waterfall Bewarwar Hiu P
64 Yemianugu Cave Custom Designs Hiu P
65 Snorkelling Hiu P
66 Marine Conservation Area Yewa, Hiu P
67 Coconut Crab Conservation Area Yawtuk, Hiu P
68 Forest Conservation Area Yautuk, Hiu P
RED- Invasive Species
# Name
1 Fire ants /little fire ants
2 Crown of thorns
3 Merremia peltata
Arrow Stickers
Colour Name
Blue Over fishing
Orange Land degraded areas
Green Over Gardening
SANMA MAPPING
1 Nambahuk Conservation Canal /Fanafo Area Forest, Water Catchment
2 Butmas Conservation Canal Fanafo Area Forest, water Catchment,
Endemic & Endangered Spp
3 Penaouru North West Santo Agathis & Sandalwood Forest, Registerd CCA with
Water Catchment, Endemic & DEPC
Endangerd Spp
4 Tasmate (Eden Hope) West Coast Santo
5 Hasevaia South Santo Area 2 Palm Trees/ Flying Foxes,
6 Naone ban Malo Landing, Sout Mangroves, River
Santo
7 Usher South Santo Mangroves, River
8 Sarakata River Luganville Mangrove
9 Palekula South East Santo Mangrove, Land Crabs
10 Suranda South East Santo Mangroves, Land craba
11 Lopelope South East Santo Mangroves, River
12 Natanara South East Santo Mangroves
13 Matevulu South East Santo Mangroves, River
14 Valankara Bay South East Santo Mangroves
15 Sararua West Santo Palm Trees
16 Vatradin West Santo Palm Trees
17 Tasmate 1 West Santo Palms
18 Tasmate 2 West Santo Palms
19 Vunajimaro North West Santo Palms
20 Raflepa North West Santo Palms
21 Lolokar Bush North West Santo Palms
22 Velit Bay East Santo Mangroves, Water catchment,
River
23 Turtle Island Near Aore Island Mangroves
24 Ratua Near Aore Island Mangroves
25 Banban South East Santo Mangroves
26 Rangar Tutuba Island, Mangroves
South East Santo
27 Nabubu South East Santo Mangroves
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28 Malo Pass East Malo Island Mangroves
29 Amalo East Malo Island Natongtong
30 Nanoku Malo Island Conservation Area

1 Port Olry MPA Port Olry Marine, Reef
2 Aore Light House Aore Swamp
3 Million Dollar Point South East Santo Reef, Tourist Dive Site
4 Millennium Cave Nambahuk Cave, River, Tourist Attraction
5 Loru Conservaytion Area Khole, East Santo Forest, Birds, Coconut Crabs
6 N’ttan Cnservation Atrea Cape Queros Forest, Coconut Crabs, Marine
7 Vatthe Conservation Area Matantas, Bigbay Forest, Birds, Jordan River,
Marine
8 Tasmate Conservation Area Tasmate Marine
9 Penaouru Conservation Area West Santo River, Marine
10 Palekula South East Santo Mangroves, Crabs, Fish
11 Pakle Marine
12 Para Conservation Area Araki Island Marine
13 Malo Pass Malo Island Marine, Taboo Area
14 Naone Ban Naoneban Landing River, Marine
15 Nanuku Malo Island Marine, Reef
16 Tokar Hill
17 Nanavuso Kevin Anderson Reef, coconut crab farming
18 Perao Marine, Reef
19 Olpoi West Santo Marine
20 Tassiriki South West Santo Marine
21 Belmoli South West Santo Marine
22 Thion Island Port Olry Forest, Coconut Crabs, Lake,
Swamp
23 Palisololo Lake
24 Naoneban Lake Naoneban Lake
25 Sarakata River Fanafo River
26 Papai sula Lake
27 NopuWest Lake
Yellow- ENDEMIC Species Locations

# Name Location Status
1 Santo Mountain Starling- Mataweli Tabwemasana/Santo
Peak
2 Kingfisher/Manutu Mt Tombet
3 Green Pigin/Manutu Mt Puama
4 Manutu Mt Teteramaja
5 Manutu Mt Tsuemaja
6 Manutu Mt Vuti mele
7 Manutu Mt Pao
8 Santo Starling Mt Metantan
9 King Fisher ,/ Green Pigin Mt Avuna Leleo
10 Fruit Dove ,Nasiko Mt Avunabulu
11 Green Pigin Asavahas Area
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12 Manutu, Santo Starling Moragai
13 Santo Starling Mt Tumebu
14 Green Pijin Fanafo Area
15 Scrub Duck Matantas
16 Manuatu Vologigia
17 Green Pigin Jarailan
18 King Fisher Million Dollar Point
19 Scrub Duck Raovi
20 King Fisher, Green Pigin Lathi
21 Green Pigin Malvoro
22 Manutu Lavuslapa
23 Manutu, King Fisher Morkiriv
24 Manutu Lalaholo
25 Santo Starling Malala
26 Santo Starling Nokuvula
27 Manutu, King Fisher Fortsenal
RED- Endangered Species Locations

# Area Name
1 Hokua
2 Valui
3 Tayon
4 Luiako
5 Cape Queros
6 Yekar
7 Port Olry
8 Lathi-Sakao Island
9 Avunarani
10 Tanovusvus
11 Laororo Island
12 Viuru
13 Naviova
14 Apaone
15 Aviapoe
16 Khole Village
17 Birian
18 Hg Harbour
19 Thion Island
20 Lathu Island
21 Araki Island
22 Navota Farm
23 Vorowoke
24 Urelapa Island
25 Le Tharo Island
26 Le Tharo Island
27 Elia Island & Tangoa Island
28 Neavu
29 Mavea Island
30 Tutuba Island
31 Aore Island
32 Aese Island
33 Kerenavura Island
34 Penaouru & Nokuku
35 Molboe
36 Wunapak
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37 Vunap
38 Tolo mako
39 Vunareveu
40 Wusi
41 Belmoli
42 Orori
43 Naonevuso
44 Lelek
45 Reger Point
46 Tambun
47 Naru
48 Navava
49 Banban
50 Matantas
51 Tassiriki
Degraded Areas
# Area Name Activities
1 West Santo Fire, Flood, Gardening, Land Slides
2 South West Santo Coastal Erosion, Fire
3 Ipayato Land Slide, River Bank Erosin
4 South Santo- Hasevaia, Sarete, Land Slide, River Bank Erosin, Heavy Gardening
Narango
5 Avunavai Seal Level Rise, Coastal Erision ( Sand Extraction)
6 Wai Sale Heavy Gardening/ Clearing
7 Interior South, SEast Santo Heavy Gardening, Farming
8 Fanafo Canal Heavy Gardening/Farming
9 East Santo Logging, Cattle Crazing, Farming
10 Matantas, Bigbay Logging, Cattle, Heavy Gardening
11 South, SEast, East NEast Santo, Merremia Peltata
Fanafo Canal, Butmas, Bigbay
PENAMA MAPPING
1 Lingi Botanical Angoro Walter Hadye Lini Grave Site
2 Anvisilingi North Pentecost Historical Site/Taboo Site
Lagatava (North Pentecost)
3 Avatumbwe Lambaru Traditional Site/Forest
4 Onlaba
5 Hingon Vui South Maewo Traditional/Taboo Site
6 Devils Rock West Ambae Forest
7 Redcliff SW Ambae Forest
8 Vuinago East Ambae Forest, Taboo Site P
9 Manaro Bush Central Ambae Forest,
10 Ambore Ambae Forest
11 Vuikalato Noth Ambae Forest/ Steep Lands
12 Ambugarigi Ambae
13 Lawaiboe
14 Maewo Range Maewo Forest/Water Catchments P
15 Hingon Bwagi North Pentecost
16 Lone Bush Ambae
17 Nango bulu
18 Lovus Tovu P
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19 Bwariri P
20 Naone Maewo
21 Marino
22 Bebarie
23 Wali South Pentecost
24 Wanur South Pentecost
25 Aviriana North Pentecost P
26 Hot wota P
27 Banmatmat P
28 Langatava North Pentecost P

1 Banmatmat
2 South East Maewo Maewo
3 Laone North Pentecost
4 Red Cliff Area West Ambae
5 Devils Rock West Ambae
6 Lolowai East Ambae
7 Vatavaga
8 Manaro Lake Central Ambae Volcanic Lake
9 Waimemea Saratamata, Esat Ambae Lake
10 Wai Lebutaga East Ambae Lake
11 Anagoi
12 Pangi
13 Antani
14 Anhomba
15 Waluriki
16 Alau
17 Wansa (Waiboe)
18 Naone
19 Lombaha North Ambae
20 Lolovenue East Ambae
21 Navenevene
22 Lian Bay
23 Asanvari
24 Matamata

AMBAE
1 Aka Beach Ambae P
2 Vuinako East Ambae
3 Wialebutaga East Ambae Lake P
4 Devils Rock West Ambae Black Beach
5 Manaro Central Ambae Volcanic Lake
6 Vuigalato North Ambae
7 Lolobanga NE Ambae P
8 Lolovoli SE Ambae Forest/Culture
234 | P a g e
9 Nduindui West Ambae Culture
10 Walaha West Ambae Culture
11 Nambagahake West Ambae Culture P
MAEWO
1 Asanvari waterfall
2 Hole blong Moon
3 Wongoina Point P
4 Naone P
5 Marino
6 Narovorovo
7
8 Talise
9 Analasi P
10 Boetora
11 Kerebei
PENTECOST
1 Laone
2 Anagoi
3 Labwariri
4 Loltong
5 Sara
6 Lavatu Guest House
7 Loli Guest House
8 Abwatuntora Guest House
9 Varvatubae
10 Vatmangemu
11 Aligu
12 Nabaragiut
13 Enar Guest House
14 Bwatnapni
15 Melsisi
16 Lonorore
17 Bunlap
18 Land Diving Ranputor
19 Waet wota
20 Lovetlis
RED- Invasive Species

# Name
1 Big Leaf Rope- Merremia peltata
2 Giant Mimosa/Grass Nil
3 Cordia
4 African Snail
5 Crown of Thorns
Arrow Stickers
Colour Name
Blue Over Fishing
Orange Coastal/ Soil Erosion/Landslides
Green Heavy Gardening
MALAMPA MAPPING
235 | P a g e
1 Amal Crab Bay Malekula Mangrove/ Coastal Forest
2 Wiawi NW Malekula Forest & Marine
3 Lousinwe Malekula Forest, River
4 Bamboo Bay Forest P
5 Lopevi Whole Island P
6 Deep Point West Ambrym Namalao P
7 Lonwolwol West Ambrym Forest
8 Metitar Lambunbu Forest
9 Batbank Coconut Crab
10 Ronivie South East Mangrove
Malekula
11 Lamap Point Mangrove
12 Limap Wild Buluk

1 Crab Bay Marine Protected Area MPA
2 Uri MPA
3 Uripiv MPA
4 Maskelyn Pelong MPA
5 Wiawi Big Nambas MPA
6 Vinmavis MPA
7 Akhamb MPA
8 Lamap MPA
9 Okai MPA
10 Umas Batbang/S Malekula MPA
11 Black sand Dixon Bay MPA
12 Malau Vauleli, Paama MPA
13 Lopevi Island MPA
14 Penalum Lake P
15 Wala Lake P
16 Laravat Lake P
17 Dip Point Ambrym Lake P
18 Ranvetokon West Ambrym Lake P
19 Umas Batbang/S Malekula Lake P
20 Lenpenwen SWB Lagoon P

21 Leviamp Lagoon P
22 Toman Toman Main Land Lagoon P
23 Pankumo River P
24 Bushman River P
25 Marit River River P
26 Unua River River P
27 Brenwei River P
28 Malua Bay River P
29 Atchin River P
30 Mapat River River P
31 Unua 4 River River P
32 Unua 2 River River P
33 Malvakal River River P
34 Melip River River P
35 Leru River Vao River P
36 Leviamp River P
236 | P a g e
37 Wiaru River River P
38 Tanmaru River River P
39 Winet River River P
40 Laley River River P
41 Mat lelam River River P
42 Matlevis River P
43 Hingal South Paama River P
44 Espigales Bay River P
45 Lamap Swamp P
46 Akhamb Swamp P
47 Okai Swamp P
48 Avok Mainland Swamp P

1 Wala
2 Uripiv
3 Crab Bay
4 Maskeylines Islands
5 Wiawi NW Malekula
6 South West Bay
7 Lamap
8 West Ambrym Lonwolwol
9 North Ambrym
10 Lopevi
11 Peterbu Atchin Mainland
12 Lousinwe NW Malekula
13 South East Ambrym
14 Tamtam Bangalow Vao
15 Namanki Custom NW Malekula
16 Banan Bay
17 Melken
18 Melken – SWB Hiking Trail Hiking Trail
19 Atchin
20 Toman Island
21 Lakatoro
22 Rano P
23 Vao Island Marine/Culture P
24 Atchin Island P
25 Pitin Village P
26 Akhamb Island P
27 West Ambrym Potvato, Lele, Lolibulo, Meltungon, P
Vanla, Nofea
28 Endu SE Ambrym P
29 Pankumo Tisman P
30 Nanude Uripive P
237 | P a g e
SHEFA MAPPING
1 Mere sawia Nguna Forest- Marine
2 Epau Conservation Area Epau, Efate Forest, Water Catchment
3 Efate Land Management Area (ELMA) Central Efate Forest, Water Catchment
4 Nivenue Epi Forest, Water Catchment
5 Greek Ai Lelepa Landing Water Catchment, Endemic P
Efate freshwater Fish
6 Havannah Mangrove Havannah, Efate Mamgrove P
7 Undine Bay Undine Bay Mangrove P
8 Paunangisu North Efate Coastal Forest/ Mangrove P
9 Lumbukuti Conservation Area Lumbukuti, Tongoa Spring Water, Cultural Site P
10 Roimata Domain Hat Island Cultural Site
11 Eratap Mangrove Eratap, Efate Mangrove
12

1 Nguna Pele Nguna and Pele Is Marine MPA-
Unregistered
2 Tanoliu North Efate Marine
3 Lelema Lelepa/Mangalilu Marine MPA-
Unregistered
4 Hat Island Hat Island Marinr P
5 Tuktuk Mangaliliu Marinr P
6 Duck Lake Teouma, Efate Lake P
7 Nikaura Epi Marine MPA-
Unregistered
8 Meresawia Nguna Marine MPA-
Unregistered
9 Epau Efate Marine, Mangrove
10 Unakap Nguna Marine
11 Hide Away Mele Bay, Efate Marine
12 Eruity Efate Marine
13 Panita Tongoa Marine
14 Tongamea Emae Marine
15 Sangava Emae Marine
16 Meresawia Nguna Deep Sea P
17 Undine Bay North Efate Mangrove P
18 Marou Emau Lagoon
19 Tagara Nth Efate Marinr
20 Emua Nth Efate Mangrove, Marine
21 Woralapa Nguna Marine
22 Utanlangi Nguna Marine
23 Rewoka Nguna Marine
24 Farealapa Nguna Marine
25 Piliura Pele Marine
26 Worasiviu Pele Marine
27 Laonamoa Pele Marine
28 Nuvi Epi Marine
29 Mapuna Epi Marine
30 Yapuna Epi Marine
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31 Bokovio Epi Marine
32 Turtle Nestin SDites Moso Marine, Turtle Site
33 Big Bay Epi Marine
34 Sunae Moso Marine
35 Laika Island Tongoa Koroliko
36 Tamesina Epi Lake P
37 Nalema South Epi Lake P
38 Napiko Lelepa, Efate Marine P
39 Mataso Mataso Island Marine P
40 Naririvavanga Lupalea,Tongoa Spring Water P
41 Alolo Lumbukuti, Tongoa Spring Water, Royal Parrot P
Finch Site
42 Mangarisu, Tongoa Spring Water P
43 Bongabonga Tongoa Spring Water P
44 Cooks Reef Emae Marine P

1 Hide Away, Beach Bar, Evegreen Mele Bay, Efate Marine , Water fall, Beach
2 Ocean Shore, Benjor Resort, Tara Devils Point Road,
Beach Efate
3 Nauramatua Tukutuku, Devils
Point
4 Roimata Domain, Pauls Rock, Mangaliliu, Efate
Snorkelling, Feles Cave Mangassi
5 Lelepa Island Tours Lelepa, Efate
6 Congoola Cruises, Tranguility Moso
7 Wahoo Bar, Sandy Havannah, Eco Tanoliu, Afate
Lodge, Havannah Resort
8 Whispering Resort, Valefa Cave Undine Bay
9 Pool Rock, (Sama), Vatpua (Emua), Sama, Emua, Efate
Sky Deck (Emua), Wharf (Emua)
10 Nagar Resort, Kakula, World War II Paonangisu, Efate
Museum
11 Piliura Guest House, Worasiviu Guest Pele Island
House, Laonamoa Guest House
12 Unakap Bangalow, Tikilasoa Nguna
Bangalow, Meresawia Conservation
Camp Site, Nekapa Bangalow,
13 Utanlangi Bangalow Nguna
14 Rewoka Extinct Volcano Nguna
15 Hot Spring, Beach comber, Bamboo Tagara, Sara, Efate
Resort, Sara Beach Resort
16 Marou, Wiana Guest House Emau
17 Ebule Jungle River Trek, Taka Cultural Ebule, Efate
Tour
18 Bethel Resort Ekipe, Efate
19 Sunset Rest Top P
20 Manuro, Karngo Tours Forari, Efate
21 El Gress Tours x 2 Efate
22 Dry Greek to Eton Beaches Eton
23 Crystal Blue Rentabao, Efate
24 Tamanu Beach Teouma Bay, Efate
25 Eratap Beach Resort, Aguana Resort Eratap, Efate
26 Erakor Island Resort Erakor
239 | P a g e
27 Ematpei Limited Resort
28 Breakers Resort, Paradise Cove Pango, Efate
29 Mataso Mataso Island P
30 Nikaura Sunrise Bangalow Nikaura, Epi
31 Lamen Bay Sunset Bangalow Lamen Bay, Epi
32 Allack Guest House
33 Rovo Bay Waterfall Rovo Bay, Epi
34 Epi Guest House Valesdir, Epi
35 Tongoa Wall Lupalea, Tongoa
36 Natorotoro, Kuwae Volcano Kurumambe,
Tongoa
37 Mailakom Hill/WWII Site Selembanga,
Tongoa
38 Lekiki Paradise, Traditional House
39 Taputi, Royal Parrot Finch Site Lumbukutiu,
Tongoa
40 Kamy Guest House Pele, Tongoa
41 Ewose Ewose Island
42 Valea Valea Island
43 Laika Laika Island
SHEFA- Endangered Species Location

# Species Location
1 Dugong Epi
2 Green Snail Epi
3 Coconut Crab Efate
4 Trochus Epi, Efate
5 Namariu Siviri, Efate
6 Kasis Siviri, Tanoliu, Tagara
7 Wild Cane Pele, Nguma, Emae, Tongoa
8 Bubu Shell SHEFA
9 Turtle Epi, Efate
10 Mangrove Efate, Emae, Epi
11 Whitewood Efate
12 Sea Cucumber Efate, Epi, Emae
Biodiversity Threats Mapping (Arrow Sticker)

Blue Arrow- Over Fishing
# Sites Location
1 Red Stone Epi
2 No. 1 & No. 2 Lagoon, E Erakor
3 Etmat Bay
4 Tukutuku, Havannah, Lelepa, Mosso NW Efate
5 Rentabao Efate
6 Eruity Efate
7 Devils Point- Deep Sea Efate
8 Nguna Pele Nth Efate
9 Epau, Eton, Pangpang East Efate
10 FAD- 6 Miles, Mosso, Hat Island, Lelepa NW Efate
Island
240 | P a g e
11 Etan Manu Mataso
12 Undine Bay, Paonangisu Nth Efate
13 Emau Emau Island
14 Lamen Bay Epi
15 Napko, Creek Ai Lelepa Landing
16 Rentabao Efate
17 La Crissenaire El Gress, Efate
Green Arrow- Gardening, Agriculture , Cattle
1 Cattle (Abbatoir) Prima, Efate
2 Cattle Devils Point, Efate
3 Forestry, Gardening, Agriculture Snake Hill
4 Gardening Mele
5 Gardening, Cattle, Agriculture Vila Airport
6 Agriculture Mele Plain
7 Mele Cattle Project Mele, Efate
8 Monvoisin Cattle Tanoliu
9 Gardening Port Havannah
10 Cattle Undine Bay
Yellow/Orange Arrow- Logging , Mining , Quarry
1 Logging (Efate) Teouma
Eton
Pangpang
Paonangisu
Emua
Malafau
2 Quarry (Efate) Teouma
ERratap
Erakor
Snake Hill
Kakola
Samoa Point
Meten Hill
Emua
Ebule
Eton
3 Mining (Efate) Forari
4 Quarry (Epi) Nivenue

Yapuna
Pokovio
5 Quarry (Tongoa) Ere School
Lumbukuti
Euta
Pink Arrow- Uncontrolled Settlement
1 Votlo Epi
2 Sara Epi
3 Wampi Epi
4 Nul Epi
5 Lopalis Epi
6 Etas Efate
7 Snake Hill Efate
8 Teouma Efate
9 Black Sands Efate
10 Manura Efate
241 | P a g e
11 Forari Efate
12 Port Havannah Efate
13 Paonangisu Efate
14 New Govenant Tongoa
TAFEA MAPPING
1 Lounamilo Middle Bush, Tanna Forest Conservation Area
2 Kaiasi Forest Immaiou Forest Conservation Area
3 Iata Fiji Aniwa
4 Kauri Reserve Happy Land, Last Kauri Reserve
Erromango
5 Cooks Bay Erromango Forest, River and Sea
6 Uviu Point Erromango Forest , sandalwood
7 Green Hill Tanna Forest, Sandalwood, Birds
8 Loupekas Tanna Forest P
9 Naulamene Tanna Forest P
10 Mount Tukusmera South Tanna Forest, water catchment P
11 Mount Melen Tanna Forest, water catchment P
12 Lamiawe Lounapektuan, Forest P
Tanna
13 Lamkahil Tanna Forest P
14 Yanemarei Tanna Forest P
15 Neqwenenepem 1 South West Tanna Forest P
16 Small Island P
17 Mystery Island Bush, Marine Important Tourism Site, Marine P
Sanctuary
18 Neqwenenepem 2 South West Tanna Forest P
19 Kwenuaineri Tanna Forest P
20 Ikunava Tanna Forest P
21 Ishiai Tanna Forest P
22 Kakwasai Forest Isaka, Tanna Forest P
23A Imayo Tanna Forest P
23B Iatapu Tanna Forest P
24 Imurai Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
25 Numla Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
26 Tikiskis Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
27 Ming A Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
28 Ming B Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
29 Louwiniou Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
30 Iarou Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
31 Louwanualu Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
32 Isaka Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
33 Ianmilin Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
34 Imayo Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
35 Ikurup Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
36 Isarkei Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
37 Itukei Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
38 Itukuri Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
39 Kwamera Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
40 Imaki South Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
41 Mission Bay Futuna Water Catchment/Source P
42 Harold Bay Futuna Water Catchment/Source P
242 | P a g e
43 Matangi Futuna Water Catchment/Source P
44 Samaria Tanna Water Catchment/Source P
45 Necemtan Aneityum Water Catchment/Source P
46 Ujei Aneityum Water Catchment/Source P
47 Irerora Aneityum Water Catchment/Source P
48 Ihili Aneityum Water Catchment/Source P
49 Anawamet Aneityum Water Catchment/Source P
50 Dillons Bay Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
51 Bonkiri Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
52 South River Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
53 Antioch Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
54 Ipota Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
55 Cooks Bay Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
56 Tuwith Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
57 Port Narvin Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
58 Nepangoria Erromango Water Catchment/Source P
59 Katafu Futuna Water Catchment/Source P

1 Mystery Island Aneityum Marine
2 Uje Aneityum Marine Traditional
3 Anadawei Aneityum Marine Traditional
4 Anadawei Aneityum Mangrove -MPA
5 Umkalao Aneityum Marine Traditional
6 Anwanhaw Aneityum Mangrove-MPA
7 Anivat Aneityum Marine Traditional
8 Ihilcow Aneityum Mangrove- MPA
9 Aname Aneityum Marine Traditional
10 Inap Aneityum Marine Traditional
11 Anpeke Aneityum Marine Traditional
12 Anawose Aneityum Mangrove- MPA
13 Anawamet Aneityum
14 Whole Tanna Tanna Yam Season conservation Traditional
15 Imaraieu SE Tanna- Sameria MPA
(Iakunava
16 Port Resolution Tanna Lake, Mangrove , Fishing area P
17 Weisisi Tanna MPA
18 Loupukas River Tanna Water, Fish, Prawns P
19 Ikurup Tanna Lake, Fish P
20 Iouhanan Tanna Fish Pond
21 Aniwa Lagoon Aniwa Mangrove- MPA
22 Samautu Aniwa Marine P
23 Napora Aniwa Marine P
24 Samnaganie Aniwa Marine P
25 Namsafura Aniwa Marine P
26 Iatoto Aniwa Marine P
27 Cooks Bay Erromango Marine, Mangrove- MPA P
28 South River Erromango River, Fish Mangrove P
29 Ipota Erromango Mangrove-MPA
30 Bongk hill Erromango MPA
31 Sufvu Erromango MPA
32 Upongkor Erromango Mangroves P
33 Rampunalvat Erromango Mangroves P
34 Pontasipsip Erromango Magroves P
243 | P a g e
35 Simbiombu Erromango Mangroves P
36 Port Numa Erromango Mangroves P
37 Imponkor Erromango Mangroves P
38 Ivu Erromango Mangroves P
39 Loanumun Tanna Marine P
40 Iawoka Tanna MPA
41 Tawarmul Tanna MPA
42 Noram Tanna MPA
43 Natwel Tanna MPA
44 Tangalua Tanna MPA
45 Lounalam Tanna MPA
46 Herold Bay Futuna MPA
47 Mission Bay Futuna MPA

# Name Location Main Attraction Status
1 Dillons Bay Erromango Forest, History
2 Ijapo Aniwa Lagoon, Culture P
3 Mystery Island Aneityum History, Marine
4 Port Resolution Tanna History, Hot springs, Beaches,
Culture, Volcano, Bangalow
5 Yasur Volcano and Surrounding Tanna Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
Culture, John Frum Cult
6 Emmilen Waterfall Tanna Waterfall
7 Enpinan Yacht Club Port Resolution, Safe Harbor, White and black
Tanna beaches, Hot Springs, Culture
8 Enpinan Guest House Port Resolution, White and black beaches, Hot
Tanna Springs, Culture, Volcano
9 Rocky Island Guest House Port Resolution, White and black beaches, Hot
10 White Beach Restaurant Port Resolution, White Beach
Tanna
11 Nesam Bangalows- Island Dream Port Resolution, White and black beaches, Hot
12 Hot Springs Port Resolution, Hot Springs
Tanna
13 Shark Bay Port Resolution, White and black beaches, Hot
14 Etapu Custom Village Tanna Culture, Forest
15 Jostein Breeze Tanna
16 Robert Guest House Tanna Forest, Volcano, Port Resolution
17 Jungle Oasis Tanna Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
Culture, John Frum Cult, Port
Resolution
18 Tree Top Lodge Tanna Tree Top Bangalows, Active
Volcano, Ash Plain, Culture, John
Frum Cult, Port Resolution
19 Philip Guest House Tanna Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
Resolution
20 Georges Numake Guest House
21 Poeda Guest House
22 Migiel Guest House
23 Richard Guest House
24 Imayo Custom Village Culture, Gardens, Forest
244 | P a g e
25 Imayo Eco-Venture Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
Resolution
26 John Daiels Guest House Galilee, Tanna Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
27 Lava View Guest House Isaka Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
28 Napawi Guest House Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
29 Friendly Bangalows Whire Sands, Tanna Active Volcano, Ash Plain,
30 John Frum Sulphur Bay, Tanna Cargo Cult
31 Waissi Bay
32 Children Chior Middle Bush Local Kids Choir
33 Magic Tour Tanna Custom Magic
34 Kapums Bangalows Tanna Waterfalls
35 Waterfalls Tanna Waterfalls
36 White Grass Ocean Resort White grass Tanna Marine, Volcano, culture tour
37 Evergreen White grass Tanna Marine, Volcano, culture tour
38 Rocky Ridge White grass Tanna Marine, Volcano, culture tour
39 White Grass Plain Tanna Wild Horses
40 Imanaka Bangalows
41 Naunian Guest House Loukas, Tanna
42 Nakon White Beach Bangalows Loukatai, Tanna Forest, Flying foxes, white beach
43 Hidden Treasure
44 Sunset Bangalows Lenakel Tanna Access to black man town
45 Tafea Guest House Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town, Access to
services
46 Talapoa GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town, Access to
services
47 Issau GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
48 Lenakel Lodge Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
49 Lenakel Cove Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
50 Uma GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
51 Tafutuna Tour Lenakel Tanna Futuna Cultural Tour
52 Roger GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
53 Joe Narua GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
54 Apera GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
55 David GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
56 Ikamer GH Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
57 Tanna Lodge Lenakel Tanna In Blackman Town
58 Tanna Echo Bethel, Tanna
59 Black Beach Imlau, Tanna Black Beach
60 Rain forest Tour Enata, Tanna Forest, Birds
61 Waterfall Yapilmai, Tanna Waterfall
62 Giant Banyan Tree Napiktan Giant Fig Tree
63 Stirenskahu GH Manuapen
64 Flying Foxes Tour Lamkael Flying Foxes
65 Locarfi
66 Etapu
67 Port Narvin Erromango Forest, Rivers, Culture, Beach P
68 Cooks Bay Erromango Forest, Rivers, Culture, Beach P
69 Ipota Erromango Forest, Rivers, waterfall P
70 Kauri Reserve Happy Land, Kauri Forest P
Erromango
245 | P a g e
71 Aniwa
72 Aniwa Ocean View Bangalow
73 Aniwa Vaturere P
74 Black sand Louniel Nice Beach P
75 Nambanga Ikunpu Giant Fig trees P
76 Nambanga Yukumayepse Giant Fig trees P
77 Enkahi Jetty Enkahi P
78 Etapu Custom Village Etapu, Tanna Culture, Forest P
79 Ekel Custom Village Ekel Culture, Forest P
80 Kenneth GH Aneityum
81 Nejom GH Aneityum
82 Louise GH Aneityum
83 Mission Bay Futuna P
86 Peterson Dan Tanna
Red Stickers
R1- Merremia Infested Areas
R2- Myna Bird Invaded Areas
R3- African Snail Invaded Areas
R4- Cordia Invaded Areas
R5- Giant Nil Grass/ Giant Mimosa
R6- Crown of Thorns (COT)
R7- Taro Beetle
246 | P a g e
Annex 12 – Names OF PARTICIPANTS IN ALL CONSULTATION MEETINGS &
WORKSHOPS
Torba Province
22. Stephen Bet (Torba AC)
1. Judah Silas (Torba Police Officer) 23. Olivet Dorony (Torba AC)
2. Amos Tali (Torba PWD Officer) 24. Paul Fidal (Torba Chief Rep)
3. Michael Silona (Torba Planner) 25. Thomas Simon (Torba AC)
4. Daniel Nenet (Torba Agriculture Officer) 26. Peter Maho (Torba Agriuculture Officer)
5. Antas John (DARD) 27. Joyline Gete (Torba Finance Dept Officer)
6. Fr. Benjamin Gisapwos (Anglican Priest) 28. Aris Apo (Torba AC)
7. Dudley Woksen (Torba Livestock Officer) 29. Barry Webur (Torba AC)
8. Frezer Job (Torba) 30. Grace Ralph (Torba Women Rep)
9. Taylor Stephen (Torba Province) 31. Ricky Simeon (Secretary, Lake Letas)
10. Lendy Joel (Torba Province) 32. Richie Tamata (Torba Customs Officer)
11. Christopher Mackenzie (Torba Province) 33. Kasen Alick (Torba Forest Officer)
12. Arthur Kete (Torba Province) 34. Stanly Womack (Torba Church Rep)
13. Tommie Bollen (Torba Youth Rep) 35. Kalep Wilkins (Torba Correctional Officer)
14. Salatiel Nava (Torba Water Supply) 36. Henry Wetul (Torba Health Officer)
15. Tensley Atkin (Torba Youth Rep) 37. Kipu Loius (Torba Education Officer)
16. Alain Kutos (Torba Livestock Officer) 38. Albert Toa (Torba Livestock Officer)
17. Simon Ambi (Arep J.S.S) 39. Eddie Woksen (Torba Cooperative Officer)
18. Fred Abraham Palas (SDA Church) 40. Jimmy Willie (Torba Fishery Officer)
19. George. A. Bet (Torba Chief Rep) 41. Albert Rudley (Torba TVET Officer)
20. Shedrack Obed (Arep J.S.S) 42. David Keith (VRSC)
21. Lonsdale Coppage (Torba Red Cross)
©NBSAP
247 | P a g e
Sanma Province
62. John Martin (Sanma Fisheries Officer)

43. Alsen Obed (Sanma Fishery Officer) 63. Ps. Edmo Hasutsele (Sanma Church Rep)
44. Sompert Gereva (Vanuatu Fisheries Department) 64. Votangi Aru (Sanma Women Rep)
45. Rosette Kalmet (IWRM- Water Dept)
65. Juliet Sumbe (Sanma Officer)
46. Bill Tavue (Vathe CCA) 66. Malon Rasu (Sanma Officer)
47. Riman Ser (Loru CCA) 67. Andre Vaturi (Sanma AC)
48. Keith Antfalo (Sanma Industry Officer) 68. Vuti Muele (Sanma AC)
49. Michel Tomker (Sanma Province)
69. Bani Landohi (Sanma AC)
50. Sandy H Moel (Sanma Live & Learn) 70. Kalfao Lum (Sanma AC)
51. Prosper Buletare (Sanma Province) 71. Paul Jamaran (Sanma AC)
52. Marie Avock (Sanma Province) 72. Edmond Ron (Sanma AC)
53. Leon Magareth (Sanma Province)
73. Sammy Kaka (Sanma Forest Officer)
54. Pakoro Remy (Sanma AC) 74. Johnny Varangele (Sanma Youth Rep)
55. Solomon Tavue (Matantas, Big Bay) 75. Shirley Johnson (Sanma Red Cross officer)
56. Paul Mark (Big Bay) 76. Johnson Vuti (Sanma Officer)
57. Jean Pierre (Sanma AC)
77. Anaclet Philip (Sanma Environment Officer)
58. Vuti Takasi (Sanma AC) 78. Pala Blessing (Sanma AC)
59. James Surai (Sanma AC) 79. Remo Wine (Sanma AC)
60. Newman Tangis (Sanma Youth Rep)
61. Roselyn Garae (Sanma Women Rep)
©NBSAP
248 | P a g e
Penama Province
80. Georgina Faerua (Penama Planner)

99. Annaline Tari (Penama AC)
81. Gorgewin Garae (Penama Province SG)
100. Godfrey Daruhi (Penama Officer)
82. Marsden Rongo (Penama AC)
101. Melisa Hinge (Ambulu J.S.S)
83. Jean Paul Toure (Penama Police Officer)
102. Tari Lini (Ambulu J.S.S)
84. Sarah Ahlin (Penama Tourism Volunteer)
103. Tari Sulu (Ambulu J.S.S)
85. Dee Dendian (Penama Waste Volunteer)
104. Zimaco (Student- Tagaga)
86. Reginald Tarilaka (Penama Officer)
105. Tari Bulu (LMC)
87. Lesly Mera (Penama Tourism Officer)
106. Rosan Aru (Vureas High)
88. Benson Tari (Penama FSB)
107. Lolo (Vureas High)
89. Malcom Tambe (Penama Fisheries Officer)
108. Jim (Ambae Bulu)
90. Steward Natu (Penama PWD Officer)
109. Roy (Student)
91. Hendry Georges (Penama)
110. Manuel Ure (Penama Officer)
92. Nailyn Abel (Penama Island Court Officer)
111. Georgina Dimas (Penama SPC Officer)
93. Kahom James (Penama Save the Children Officer
112. Elvina Henry (Penama SPC Officer)
94. Ralph Lolo (Penama Red Cross Officer)
113. Carolyn Joe (Ambulu J.S.S)
95. Heguy Tabi (Penama Asst. Planner)
114. Bruce John (Penama Polic Officer)
96. Stanley Ngwele (Penama AC)
97. Moris Tari (Penama Officer)
98. Manson Tari (Penama NDMO Officer)
©NBSAP
249 | P a g e
Malamp Province
130. Wesley Lamby (Malampa Officer)

115. Roger Veremaito (Uri/ Uripiv)
131. Tasso Caleb (Malampa AC)
116. Beeman Saite (Malapa Police Officer)
132. Alester Kensen (Malampa AC)
117. Maureen Gordon (Malampa NDMO
133. Massing Bong (Malampa AC)
118. Naomi Malau (Malampa Women Council)
134. Lapi Kalmet (Malampa Officer)
119. Gloria Jeremiah (M.I.C)
135. Ben Nebemiah (Malampa Officer)
120. George Lingtamat (Malampa Agriculture
136. Jackie Willie (Malamp Police)
Officer)
137. Edwin Manrou (Malampa AC)
121. Grenly Kavodar (Malampa Police Officer)
138. Akain Atpatun (Malamp Youth Rep)
122. Charles Tari (Malampa Livestock Officer)
139. Mothy Viranmal (Malampa Women Rep)
123. Cyrus Willie (Malampa AC)
140. Lulu Leymag (Malampa AC)
124. Spethy Jonas (Amal Crab Bay Rep)
141. David Sailas (Malampa Forest Officer)
125. Kalfau Malisa (Uripiv)
142. Kalite Tamau (Malampa Youth Council)
126. Kalen Abbie (Amal Crab Bay Rep)
143. Daniel Layang (Malampa Forestry Officer
127. Ron Netvurak (Uri Island)
128. Jackson Saimon (Uri Island)
129. Robert Abel (Malampa)
©NBSAP
250 | P a g e
Shefa Province
161. Taman Onesmas (Shefa Officer)
144. Vatu Molisa (Environment Dep.) 162. Christopher Daniel (Shefa AC)
145. Alan Sope (Shefa AC) 163. Jeffry Daniel (Shefa AC)
146. William Billy (Mangaliliu) 164. Janet Orah (Shefa AC)
147. Charley Kalnasei (Tongoa) 165. Kalmaire Kalman (Shefa AC)
148. Ian Kalsuak (Shefa) 166. Philip Dick (Shefa AC)
149. Leisara Kalotiti (Mangaliliu) 167. Morrison Dick Makau (Shefa AC)
150. Christine Kapalu (Shefa Industry) 168. Balu Wabayat (Shefa AC)
151. Berthy Vireial (Infrstructure) 169. John Tapang (Shefa AC)
152. Erick Massing (MIPU) 170. Anne Marie Sarisets (DoF)
153. Jack Kallon (Shefa Chief Rep) 171. Roger Kalpukai (Shefa AC)
154. Ishmael Thomas (Shefa) 172. Edwin Tapasei (Shefa AC)
155. John Ronneth (NGO) 173. Edson Willie (VKS)
156. John Firiam (Shefa) 174. Malian Andrew (Shefa AC)
157. Sylverio Bule (Biosecurity) 175. Johnny Kaltapiri (Shefa AC)
158. Leonard Kaltonga (Shefa) 176. Joseph Kalfau (Shefa AC)
159. Anna Bule (DEPC) 177. Kalpeau Vatoko (Shefa AC)
160. Chris Bulerop (DEPC)
©NBSAP
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Tafea Province
178. Albu Dan (Tafea SPREP Officer) 193. Tokal Iatipu (Tafea AC)
179. Tom Kiri (Tafea Fishery Officer) 194. Reuben Neriam (Tafea AC)
180. Henry Joe Johnson (Police Patrol) 195. Noel Yalu©NBSAP
(AC)
181. Tony Keith (Aneityum) 196. Remi Yalu (AC)
182. Wendy Tamasi (Tafea Province) 197. Henry Saute (AC)
183. Dorothy Pel (Tafea Women Rep) 198. Lui Alick (AC)
184. Tom Kawia (Tafea) 199. Thomas Simpet (Tafea AC)
185. Sawaram Freeman (Tafea Chief Rep) 200. John Nocklam (Tafea AC)
186. Nakampta Matua (Tafea Province) 201. Lenon Luken (Tafea AC)
187. Manu Marie (Tafea Education) 202. Luke David (Tafea AC)
188. Dores Oken (Tafea Education) 203. Rassai Jeffet (Tafea AC)
189. Mayaru (Tafea Education) 204. Noel Noar (Tafea AC)
190. Andrew Seielce (Tafea PWD) 205. Stephen Kaveng (Tafea AC)
191. Samuel Lolwe (Tafea Forest Officer) 206. Simon Naupa (Tafea Forest Officer)
192. Lislie Rossie (Tafea Live & Learn)
©NBSAP
252 | P a g e
National Stakeholder
223. Presly Dovo (Forestry Department)

207. Glarinda Andre (Live & Learn) 224. Jessie Kampai (Live & Learn)
208. Kate Mcpherson (DEPC) 225. Touasi Tiwok (DEPC)
209. Wycliff Bakeo (DESPAC) 226. Lai Sakita (VEAN)
210. Sylverio Bulero (BV) 227. Kehana Andrews (Ecotourism Officer)
211. Amy Yang (DEPC) 228. Kaltuk Kalomor (Livestock Department)
212. Donna Kalfatak (DEPC) 229. Lucas Sarvanu (VKS)
213. Trinison Tari (DEPC) 230. Godfrey Bome (Forestry Department)
214. Chris Bulerop (DEPC) 231. Gordon Willie (Lands Department)
215. Kency Bulu (Forestry) 232. Roger Smithy (DEPC)
216. Alick Berry (Trade) 233. Mark Kalotap (Shefa Tourism)
217. Jayven Ham (VFD) 234. Frances Hicky (VKS)
218. Urafo Nafuki (PWD) 235. Helen Pipette (CEPF)
219. Jerry Spooner (Tourism Department) 236. Wensie Naki (Trade Department)
220. Christine Kapalu (Shefa Tourism) 237. Mark Kalotap (NBSAP Coordinator- 2013-2016)
221. Vivian Obed 238. Sombert Gereva (VFD)
222. Solstice Middleby 239. Reedley Tari (DEPC Director)
240. Jill Horry (Forestry)
241. Ioan Viji (Forestry)
242. Richard Shing (VKS)
©NBSAP
253 | P a g e
254 | P a g e
Department of Environmental ProtecƟon and Ministry of Climate Change
ConservaƟon Government of Vanuatu
Ministry of Climate Change Lini Highway
Lini Highway Namba 2 Area
Namba 2 Area Port Vila
Port Vila Vanuatu
Vanuatu Phone: +678 24686/ 23866
Phone: +678 25302

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Table of Contents

ABS Access and Benefit Sharing

1.2 Biodiversity Conservation in Vanuatu

2.0 THE CBD AND NBSAP REVIEW PROCESS

2.2 Vanuatu NBSAP Review Process

3.1 Threats to Biodiversity

3.3 Inland Waters Biodiversity

3.4 Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

4.0 MEASURES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

4.2 Protected Areas or Conservation Areas

4.2.1 Community Conservation Areas (CCAs)

4.2.2 Terrestrial Protected Areas

4.2.3 Marine Protected Areas

4.3 Vanuatu International Conventions and Commitment to Biodiversity

Convention/Treaty/MOU Date Signed Date Ratified

United Nations Convention on the Law of December 1982 August 1999

Convention on International Trade in July 1989 October 1989

United Convention on Biological Diversity June 1992 March 1993

United Nations Convention Framework June 1992 March 1993

United Nations Convention to Combat September 1995 August 1999

Convention Concerning the Protection of June 2002

The Memorandum of Understanding September 2006

The Memorandum of Understanding on October 2010

The Memorandum of Understanding February 2013

Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic November 2014 March 2015

Convention on Wetlands of International 2018

MARPOL Convention 1986

Overarching Productive Sector Pomotes private sector-led agriculture growth which

5.0 VANUATU NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

1. To manage and safeguard biological resources through government, provinces

5.2 Principles Underpinning the Strategy

Principle 3. Biodiversity mainstreaming and ownership

Principle 4: Gender mainstreaming and equality

Principle 5: Adopting an ecosystem-based management approach

· ENVIRONMENT 2: An economy which fosters sustainable growth and development through

· ENVIRONMENT 5: A nation committed to ensuring the conservation and sustainable

The National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2030

Strategic Area 1: Conservation Area Management

VANUATU CONSERVATION AREAS TARGET

FOCUS AREA CA1: EXPANDED NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE NETWORK OF

CA2.9 Coordination between relevant natural resource management sectors such as

Coastal Forest of Vatthe Conservation Area, Big Bay, Santo

Vanuatu Forest and Inland Waters Target

FIW2.5 Increase capacities of government departments and ministries such as Forestry,

Cascades at the proposed East Eden Conservation Area, North Santo

Aichi Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems,

VANUATU COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS TARGET

FOCUS AREA CME2: Inshore Fisheries Management: strengthen management of coastal

Objective CME2: Scale up successes in sustainable fisheries management in customary fishing

FOCUS AREA CME3: Integrated Offshore fisheries management

Aichi Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding

FOCUS AREA SM3: Decrease in trade of endangered and threatened species

Endemic Vanuatu Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus tannensis.

Vanuatu Goal (from NISSAP)

· The population density of invasive species in Conservation Areas are reduced.

MIAS 1.23 Revise and update NISSAP.

MIAS 1.24 Develop island or province-based regulations to assist inter-island biosecurity

MIAS 2.5 Assess and review existing national response framework.

MB2.6 Integrate an education and awareness programme on ABS through government

©D. Kalfatak ©Vanuatu CB2 Project

FOR THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

1. Government’s annual departmental budget; and

RM1.1: Organise stakeholder engagement to consider biodiversity and ecosystem services to