Development, forest conservation and adaptation to climate change: a case for integrated community-based sustainability in rural Vanuatu

This paper is concerned with integrating adaptation to climate change with local development in the context of a climate change mitigation project for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. It is argued that integration will enhance locally appropriate and sustainable outcomes necessary for effective forest conservation in the context of rural Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Quarantine, Forestry & Fisheries (MAQFF) : Corporate plan: 2007 - 2009

The Ministry of Agriculture, Quarantine, Forestry and Fisheries (MAQFF) is mandated to manage resources that are vital to the well-being of Vanuatu people and the economy. The structure of the Ministry is shown in Attachment 1. Government is mindful that where there are no sustainable management practices, resources are overexploited and much to the disadvantage of local communities and the environment. This is witnessed the world over and is becoming evident with some resources in the islands of Vanuatu.

Traditional marine resources management in Vanuatu: Acknowledging, supporting and strengthening indigenous management systems

Much of the marine related traditional knowledge held by fishers in Vanuatu relates to increasing catches while managing resources of cultural, social and subsistence value. Traditional beliefs and practices associated with fisheries and their management follow natural cycles of resource abundance, accessibility, and respect for customary rules enshrined in oral traditions. Many management related rules that control fishers' behaviours are associated with the fabrication and deployment of traditional fishing gear.

Vanuatu fisheries resource profiles

The Fisheries Department is the sole agency responsible for the control (regulation), development and management of the fisheries resources within Vanuatu. However, consideration of the impacts from developments on the environment is the responsibility of the Environment Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources. There is a possible overlap of responsibilities between the two agencies in certain areas like assessment work and conservation of species.Available online|Fisheres Dept. version include graphics (2007; 117 mb).