Vanuatu’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is helping strengthen conservation efforts across the country by tackling invasive species and supporting communities to better manage their natural resources.

The strategy was highlighted during the second day of the Pacific Innovation on Climate and Environment Forum, where the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation outlined its national approach to protecting biodiversity for present and future generations.

Principal Biodiversity and Conservation Officer Rolenas Tavue Baeleo said the strategy provides a coordinated framework for both national and provincial governments to address biodiversity loss, with invasive species remaining one of the country’s biggest environmental threats.

“One of our key strategic priorities is conservation. Conservation helps communities manage their natural resources while also benefiting the Government and the wider Pacific region. Protected areas strengthen our ability to respond to climate change and ensure our natural resources are available for future generations.”

Mrs Baeleo said Vanuatu’s people depend heavily on healthy ecosystems for their livelihoods, making conservation essential for the country’s long-term development.

She said there are currently 22 conservation areas officially registered with the Government, while many others continue to be managed under customary systems by chiefs throughout the country.

“Across Vanuatu we have 22 registered conservation areas, but there are many more that are managed by our chiefs through customary practices. Conservation is not a new concept for Vanuatu. Our ancestors have protected important areas for generations through traditional practices such as namele. As natural resources continue to decline, communities are looking back to these traditional conservation methods to strengthen protected areas across the country.”

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan serves as Vanuatu’s roadmap for implementing its commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It aims to conserve biodiversity, promote the sustainable use of natural resources and ensure the country’s unique ecosystems continue to benefit both current and future generations.