Over 100 locals from South Epi are taking part in a 5-day Climate Change workshop this week, led by the Vanuatu Coastal Adaptation Project (VCAP). The workshop aims to develop a climate change action plan and strengthen the Yarsu Area Council’s adaptation strategy.
The initiative brings the government directly to the communities, focusing on creating climate change action plans that include a Department of Local Authorities (DLA) component. The objective is to build a resilient area council with a well-rounded climate change adaptation plan.
A total of 112 participants from 14 communities under the Yarsu Area Council are engaged in the workshop. These individuals are members of the Community Development Committees who will collaborate with the council to address climate change challenges.
VCAP emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in its approach, ensuring the involvement of all community members, including people with disabilities, women, youth, and children. Jill Aru, the project’s Inclusion Coordinator, highlighted that no one should be left behind in the conversation on climate change. She stressed the importance of incorporating the voices of all community members, from men and women to the elderly, youth, and chiefs. “We must hear their thoughts on how they are affected by climate change and how their traditional knowledge can be integrated with scientific data to strengthen resilience,” she said.
Olivia Finau from the Department of Climate Change, which oversees VCAP, explained that the workshop focuses on building the capacity and resilience of communities. “The department’s goal is to enhance the community’s understanding of climate change and support them in developing their own adaptation plans. This workshop represents our vision of empowering local communities,” she said.
The workshop also serves as an opportunity for raising awareness of various government departments, such as the Department of Women’s Affairs, the Child and Disability Desk, and the Department of Climate Change. Aru noted that the involvement of these agencies will help address community needs through the development committees that are part of the workshop.
Joseph Tasaruru, Area Administrator for Yarsu, emphasized the importance of the government’s decentralization policy. “We must include people with disabilities, youth, and women in the decision-making process. Each group has unique needs, and their voices should be heard,” he said.
VCAP will organize similar workshops in other regions, including Torba, Santo, West Ambrym, South Maewo, South Tanna, and Futuna.
