Vanuatu

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

MelanesiaApplies 2026–2030Source: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026–2030

1. Overview

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026–2030 renews Vanuatu's commitment to conserve, sustainably use, and equitably share the benefits of its biodiversity, aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework [§6]. The revision was led by the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) through an NBSAP Working Group comprising government ministries, provincial governments, NGOs, civil society, private-sector actors, and development partners, with community consultations conducted across all six provinces [§6].

The NBSAP sets 23 national commitments* organised under five Strategic Areas†:

  1. Conservation of Ecosystems, Species, and Genetic Resources (CE) — aligned to GBF Goal A
  2. Sustainable Management and Benefit Sharing (SM) — aligned to GBF Goal B
  3. Mainstreaming Biodiversity (MB) — aligned to GBF Goal C
  4. Resource Mobilisation (RM) — aligned to GBF Goal D
  5. Environmental Governance and Knowledge Management (EG) — aligned to GBF Goal D

*Vanuatu's NBSAP calls these "National Targets," numbered 1–23 mirroring the GBF target numbering. This page uses "national commitment" to avoid confusion with the 23 GBF Targets. Vanuatu's numbering mirrors the GBF sequence but the NBSAP does not explicitly state a formal one-to-one mapping; notably, Target 6 (invasive species) is placed under Strategic Area 2 rather than Strategic Area 1.

†Vanuatu uses "Strategic Areas" as its organising framework, each aligned to a GBF Goal. Other countries use "goals," "pillars," or "strategic objectives" for this tier.

Sub-actions are labelled "Activities," coded by Strategic Area (CE.01, SM.01, MB.01, RM.01, EG.01, etc.) [§60][§63][§66][§69][§72]. The NBSAP adopts a "ridge to reef" approach spanning terrestrial and marine realms, and frames biodiversity conservation as interconnected with climate and ocean policy [§6].

Vanuatu's NBSAP centres on a 30% land-and-sea protection target by 2030, delivered through a distinctive model where Community Conservation Areas and kastom governance operate alongside formal protected areas. The strategy is costed at VUV 2,846,950,000, with a finance mobilisation target of VUV 2.4 billion, and includes dedicated implementation plans for all six provinces — an unusual level of subnational granularity among NBSAPs.

Sources:

  • §6 — Forward
  • §60 — Strategic Area 1: Implementation Plan
  • §63 — Strategic Area 2: Implementation Plan
  • §66 — Strategic Area 3: Implementation Plan
  • §69 — Strategic Area 4: Implementation Plan
  • §72 — Strategic Area 5: Implementation Plan

2. Ecological Context

Vanuatu comprises over 80 islands — approximately 65 inhabited — with a land area of 12,199 km², a coastline exceeding 3,100 km, and an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 680,000 km² [§15]. Most islands are of volcanic origin, and the country's biodiversity is relatively young: species colonisation occurred later than in neighbouring Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Fiji [§26]. Island biogeography patterns produce "relatively rapid subspeciation and speciation," with altitudinal gradients creating montane endemics such as the Mountain Starling (Aplonis santovestris) on Santo [§26].

Under the IUCN Red List, 85 species endemic to Vanuatu have been assessed, of which 35 were identified as conservation concerns [§34]. These include the Tanna Ground Dove (Pampusana ferruginea), considered extinct; the Banks Flying Fox (Pteropus fundutas), listed as Endangered; three Endangered endemic land snails; and the Anatom Emo Skink (Emoia aneityumensis), found only on Aneityum [§34]. Biodiversity remains poorly known, with detailed studies covering only a few genera and much diversity at the species level unclassified [§26].

Seventy-four percent of land is covered with natural vegetation, including 1,652 vascular plant species (9.1% endemic) and 158 orchid species [§28]. Most high-value forests were over-exploited in the 1980s–1990s until a round-log export ban in 1998 [§29]. Marine and coastal biodiversity generates goods and services valued at over VUV 5.8 billion, including tourism, tuna access fees, subsistence fisheries, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration [§32]. Dugong (Dugong dugon) reaches the eastern limits of its distribution in Vanuatu, with numbers now so low that there are few contemporary records [§32]. Lake Letas on Gaua is the largest freshwater system in the Pacific at 19 km² [§30].

Exploitation is the most significant threat to Vanuatu's IUCN-listed threatened species, affecting 66%, while agriculture and invasive alien species affect 20% and 15%, respectively [§29]. Of the 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Species, 27 are found in Vanuatu [§27]. The Big Leaf vine (Merremia peltata) is identified as the primary threat to intact forests where it occurs [§34]. The economy remains largely subsistence-based, with a significant segment of the population relying directly on natural ecosystems for livelihoods [§15].

Sources:

  • §15 — Introduction > Overview
  • §26 — Introduction > 3.1 Overview of Vanuatu's Biodiversity
  • §27 — Introduction > 3.1.1 Threats to Biodiversity
  • §28 — Introduction > 3.2.1 Terrestrial Overview
  • §29 — Introduction > 3.2.2 Terrestrial Threats
  • §30 — Introduction > 3.3.1 Inland Waters Overview
  • §32 — Introduction > 3.4.1 Marine and Coastal Overview
  • §34 — Introduction > 3.5 Species

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

Vanuatu's 23 national commitments are grouped below by Strategic Area.

Strategic Area 1: Conservation of Ecosystems, Species, and Genetic Resources (Targets 1–5, 7)

Target 1 — Spatial planning. By 2030, Vanuatu commits to developing and implementing national spatial plans for marine, inland water, and terrestrial areas integrating land use, areas of kastom importance, key biodiversity areas, and freshwater catchments [§59]. Provincial plans assign spatial planning to specific Area Councils and named islands. Measurability: directional aspiration — no quantitative coverage threshold or completion metric is defined. Indicators: geospatial monitoring of plan coverage.

Target 2 — Ecosystem restoration. By 2030, all degraded areas are mapped and "at least 5% of degraded terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and 5% of degraded marine ecosystems" are restored [§59]. The baseline mapping of degraded areas is pending — the 5% target cannot yet be converted to an absolute area. Measurability: measurable commitment — quantified threshold with deadline. Indicators: hectares of degraded areas mapped and restored.

Target 3 — Protected areas (30×30). By 2030, "at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas" are conserved through protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures [§59]. Current baseline: 52 terrestrial protected areas covering about 4.2% of total land area; the Marine Spatial Plan designates approximately 28% of the EEZ for marine conservation. The gap between 4.2% terrestrial coverage and 30% is approximately 26 percentage points; the NBSAP provides no phased pathway or interim milestones for closing it. The EPC Act review underway would formally recognise tabu areas and OECMs (see Kastom Governance section). Measurability: measurable commitment. Indicators: percentage of land, inland waters, and marine areas conserved.

Target 4 — Species recovery. By 2030, a national quantitative baseline is established to halt human-induced extinctions and ensure recovery of endemic, threatened, and endangered species [§59]. Named species of concern include the Vanuatu Petrel, Banks Flying Fox, coconut crab, Brown land crab, Devil's palm (Neoveitchia brunnea), and Megapode. Measurability: directional aspiration — commits to establishing baselines, not recovery targets. Indicators: baseline data coverage.

Target 5 — Sustainable harvest. By 2030, use, harvesting, and trade of wild species are managed to ensure sustainability, safety, and legality, with customary sustainable use respected [§59]. Implementation relies on community bylaws for species-specific bans — turtles, parrotfish, trochus, giant clam, sea cucumber — and net-size restrictions (1-inch and 2-inch mesh), endorsed by chiefs rather than centralised regulation. Measurability: directional aspiration. Indicators: community bylaws adopted, enforcement actions.

Target 7 — Pollution reduction. By 2030, "at least a 50% reduction in local plastic pollution and environmental inputs" and reduction of pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals [§59]. Provincial implementation focuses on solid waste infrastructure — designated dumpsites in each Area Council. Measurability: measurable commitment. Indicators: plastic pollution reduction percentage, pesticide phase-down metrics.

Strategic Area 2: Sustainable Management and Benefit Sharing (Targets 6, 8–13)

Target 6 — Invasive alien species. By 2030, "achieving at least 60% of [NISSAP] targets" [§62]. Named IAS threats include water hyacinth, Big Leaf (Merremia), Giant African Snail, fire ants, rats, and myna birds. Measurability: measurable commitment. Indicators: NISSAP target achievement rate.

Target 8 — Climate and biodiversity. By 2030, "at least 80% of the nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation priorities" from the National Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policies are implemented, and NDC and NAP biodiversity targets are achieved [§62]. This carries the largest budget allocation within Strategic Area 2 at VUV 201,200,000. Measurability: measurable commitment. Indicators: NbS/EBA priority implementation rate.

Target 9 — Wild species use. Sustainably managed for social, economic, and environmental benefits through community-led measures [§62]. Provincial eco-tourism activities (botanical gardens, crocodile tours in Torba; Maine Park Zone in Malampa) provide income from wild species. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 10 — Agriculture/forestry. Sustainably managed "across all Area Councils" with biodiversity-friendly approaches [§62]. Activities include integrating improved agriculture with traditional farming systems and establishing forestry nurseries across provinces. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 11 — Ecosystem services. Nature's contributions to people restored through locally led NbS [§62]. Provincial activities focus on water ecosystem services — Community Water Protection Zones, spring box fencing, and water supply systems. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 12 — Urban biodiversity. Green and blue spaces increased through urban planning [§62]. Each of the six provinces commits to establishing a park at its headquarters; botanical gardens are planned in three provinces. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 13 — Genetic resources / ABS. By 2030, an ABS legislative framework ensures full Nagoya Protocol compliance [§65]. Vanuatu ratified the Nagoya Protocol in March 2015. A National Trust Fund for ABS and Community Protocols are planned. Measurability: measurable commitment — binary deliverable. Indicators: ABS regulation adopted.

Strategic Area 3: Mainstreaming Biodiversity (Targets 14–17)

Target 14 — Mainstreaming. Biodiversity values "fully integrated" across all levels and sectors [§65]. Activities include a System of Environmental Economics accounts and provincial mainstreaming consultations (held in 2024). Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 15 — Business disclosure. Businesses adopt tools to monitor and disclose biodiversity impacts [§65]. The EIA regulation is under review to require biodiversity disclosure; an Environmental, Social, and Cultural Safeguard is being developed. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 16 — Sustainable consumption. Promoted through governance frameworks, education, and a National Healthy Food Standard [§65]. The Product Stewardship Scheme Act provides for waste collection and recycling. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 17 — Biosafety. Cartagena Protocol accession instrument targeted for signature by June 2026; biosafety framework established; gene bank to be established by December 2027 [§65][§66]. Measurability: measurable commitment — binary deliverable with timeline. Indicators: Protocol ratification, gene bank operational.

Strategic Area 4: Resource Mobilisation (Targets 18–19)

Target 18 — Harmful subsidies. Identified, controlled, and phased out; Harmful Subsidies Reform Policy targeted for approval by 2027 [§68]. Phase-out extent is not quantified. Measurability: directional aspiration. Indicators: harmful subsidies mapped, reform policy approved.

Target 19 — Finance mobilisation. "Mobilize and secure 2.4 billion vatu" from domestic, international, and private sources [§68]. Full treatment in the Finance section. Measurability: measurable commitment. Indicators: VUV mobilised.

Strategic Area 5: Environmental Governance and Knowledge Management (Targets 20–23)

Target 20 — Capacity and technology. Expanded education, traditional knowledge protection, and scientific capabilities [§71]. A biodiversity laboratory is under construction at DEPC. The CCA Rangers Program is to be formalised. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 21 — Data and information. Research partnerships with national and regional universities; standardised monitoring templates by 2028; national biodiversity databases to integrate traditional and scientific knowledge [§71]. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 22 — Inclusive participation. Biodiversity governance includes chiefs, women, youth, people with disabilities, private sector, and faith-based institutions [§71]. BAC membership expanded to include observer seats for Youth Councils, VANGO, VBRC, VSDP, and VCC. Measurability: directional aspiration.

Target 23 — Gender equality. Gender equality "ensured" across all NBSAP dimensions [§71]. A Gender and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework (composite indicator covering representation, engagement, implementation, knowledge integration, and capacity) is to be tracked annually from 2026 [§72]. Measurability: directional aspiration — the monitoring framework is a measurable sub-deliverable, but the overarching commitment lacks a quantitative threshold.

Summary: 8 measurable commitments (Targets 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 13, 17, 19), 15 directional aspirations. No targets are flagged as interim or provisional.

Sources:

  • §59 — National NBSAP Implementation Plan > Strategic Area 1 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §62 — Strategic Area 2 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §65 — Strategic Area 3 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §66 — Strategic Area 3: Implementation Plan (Biosafety)
  • §68 — Strategic Area 4 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §71 — Strategic Area 5 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §72 — Strategic Area 5: Implementation Plan

4. Delivery Architecture

Lead agency and sectoral coordination

The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) serves as the lead implementing agency across all five Strategic Areas [§60][§63][§66][§69][§72]. Sectoral delivery is shared with the Department of Forests, Vanuatu Fisheries Department, Department of Water Resources, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Biosecurity Vanuatu. The Biodiversity Advisory Committee (BAC), established under the EPC Act, is the principal advisory body [§72].

Legislation

Core legislation includes the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act (2002) [CAP 283], the Oceans Act No. 45 of 2025, the Fisheries Act 2014, the Forestry Act 2001, the Waste Management Act No. 24 of 2014, and the Pollution Control Act No. 10 of 2013 [§43]. Legislation under development includes a Wildlife Protection Act, a Chemical Safety Act, a Species Regulation (expected by 2028), and amendments to the EPC Act to recognise tabus and OECMs [§60].

Key instruments

The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) 2024–2030 provides the IAS management framework [§43]. The Forest & Landscape Restoration Strategy (2020–2030) provides the restoration framework [§43]. The Marine Spatial Plan and the Vanuatu Ocean Policy (Version 2, 2024–2030) govern marine spatial planning [§39][§43]. The Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (2016–2030) integrates adaptation across sectors [§43]. Vanuatu's Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 (2025–2035) targets 68.3% emissions reduction by 2035 and 100% renewable electricity by 2030 [§43].

Subnational architecture

The NBSAP includes dedicated Provincial Implementation Plans for all six provinces — Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa, and Tafea — with activities mapped to specific Area Councils, communities, and named sites [§73–§76]. This level of subnational granularity — down to individual islands and villages — is unusual among NBSAPs. DEPC environment extension services are to be expanded, with officers recruited for Torba, Penama, and Shefa [§63].

International commitments

Vanuatu is party to sixteen biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements, including the Ramsar Convention (ratified 2019) and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (ratified June 2025) [§42]. Cartagena Protocol accession is actively underway (see Target 17).

Sources:

  • §39 — Introduction > 4.2.3 Marine Protected Areas
  • §42 — Introduction > 4.3 International Conventions
  • §43 — Introduction > 4.4 Legislative and Policy Frameworks
  • §60 — Strategic Area 1: Implementation Plan
  • §63 — Strategic Area 2: Implementation Plan
  • §66 — Strategic Area 3: Implementation Plan
  • §69 — Strategic Area 4: Implementation Plan
  • §72 — Strategic Area 5: Implementation Plan
  • §73–§76 — Provincial NBSAP Implementation Plans

4a. Kastom Governance and Community Conservation Areas

Vanuatu integrates customary governance — tabus, kastom forest conservation areas, and chief-led management committees — as co-equal conservation mechanisms alongside formal protected areas. This is not a single-target topic: kastom governance appears in spatial planning (Target 1: "areas of kastom importance"), protected areas (Target 3: tabus and CCAs), harvest management (Target 5: community bylaws endorsed by chiefs), inclusive participation (Target 22: custom governance strengthening), and the EPC Act review [§59][§60][§72].

Community Conservation Areas (CCAs)* are the structural backbone of Vanuatu's conservation approach. The CCA Registry lists 19 formally recognised protected areas covering 51,000 hectares of land and sea, distributed across Gaua, Santo, Malekula, Pentecost, Efate, and Tanna [§37]. CCAs are typically managed by community conservation area committees in collaboration with customary landowners and chiefs. Most existing CCAs do not yet have management plans, except those established with support from government projects and NGOs [§60].

*Vanuatu's primary protected area designation under the EPC Act [CAP 283]; community-managed and registered through a national CCA Registry.

The EPC Act [CAP 283] currently recognises only CCAs as formal conservation areas. A review underway — through the ECARE project and Nia Tero — would formally recognise tabu† areas and OECMs for the first time [§60]. Provincial plans assign species bans and spatial planning to named chiefs and Area Councils: Torba mandates turtle sanctuary bans; Malampa incorporates net-size restrictions through community bylaws; Shefa commits to enacting village environmental bylaws across all 19 Area Councils by 2028 [§73–§76].

†Kastom (customary) temporary or permanent closures of marine or terrestrial areas. The EPC Act review underway would formally recognise these alongside OECMs.

The CCA Rangers Program is to be formalised, with community forest and reef monitoring programmes already initiated in Tafea and Malampa provinces [§72]. CCA Management Committees are to acquire formal registration with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission as a component of donor funding requirements [§72]. Provincial implementation plans require that all research activities within conservation areas are conducted in consultation with the Area Council, Provincial Government, and conservation committee [§73].

Sources:

  • §37 — Introduction > 4.2.1 Community Conservation Areas
  • §59 — Strategic Area 1 Link to KM-GBF Goal
  • §60 — Strategic Area 1: Implementation Plan
  • §72 — Strategic Area 5: Implementation Plan
  • §73–§76 — Provincial NBSAP Implementation Plans

5. Monitoring and Accountability

The DEPC is responsible for implementation oversight across all Strategic Areas. Each activity in the implementation plan carries specific M&E indicators with target dates [§60][§63][§66][§69][§72].

Standardised monitoring and reporting templates for all biodiversity-related actions are to be developed by 2028, building on existing VANGO templates for National Sustainable Development Plan reporting [§72]. A Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessment is to be conducted nationwide for protected areas, with METT training underway to develop a Vanuatu-specific handbook [§60]. The CCA Rangers Program, once formalised, is to provide regular biodiversity monitoring reports from registered CCAs [§60].

A Gender and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework is to track progress against Target 23 using a composite indicator — covering representation, engagement, implementation, knowledge integration, and capacity — annually from 2026 [§72]. Biodiversity financing inflows are to be tracked and reported annually, with 100% coverage targeted by 2030. Annual harmful subsidies compliance reports are to be submitted to the BAC/Council of Ministers starting in 2028 [§69].

A Research Authority is to be established under the Ministry of Climate Change, with Standard Operating Procedures developed for its operation [§72]. Research partnerships are planned with the National University of Vanuatu, USP, and other institutions [§72].

These monitoring instruments — METT assessments, standardised templates, the Gender and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework — are all planned for 2026–2028. None are reported as operational in the source material.

Sources:

  • §60 — Strategic Area 1: Implementation Plan
  • §63 — Strategic Area 2: Implementation Plan
  • §69 — Strategic Area 4: Implementation Plan
  • §72 — Strategic Area 5: Implementation Plan

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

Full implementation through 2030 requires VUV 2,846,950,000, of which VUV 2,104,750,000 is allocated to national Strategic Areas and VUV 742,200,000 to provincial implementation plans [§77][§83]. Contextualised against GDP of approximately VUV 117 billion, the financing requirement represents several percent of annual GDP spread over 2025–2030. Official development assistance averages approximately VUV 17 billion per year [§77].

Mobilisation target. The NBSAP commits to mobilising VUV 2.4 billion from domestic, international, and private sources (Target 19) [§68].

Biodiversity budget tagging. A pilot began in 2026 with Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) support (VUV 20,000,000). National guidelines for biodiversity budgeting by all government ministries are planned [§69].

Trust funds. A national Environmental Trust Fund is to be established under the EPC Act, with a Standard Operating Procedure and revenue mechanism guideline already developed. Biodiversity and Conservation Trust Funds are to be operationalised at national, provincial, and community levels by 2027. Five community-based environmental trust funds are planned by 2030 [§69].

Biodiversity Finance Plan. A BioFin-supported plan is to be approved by DEPC and the Council of Ministers by 2026 and under implementation by 2030 [§69].

Payments for ecosystem services. Existing examples include the Brenwe Hydroelectric Project in Malekula (PES component funded by ADB, the Strategic Climate Fund, and the Vanuatu Government) and the Loru CCA community ecosystem services payment [§69]. PES is to be operational in two conservation areas. The NBSAP cites a mangrove restoration return: "every VT 100 invested in mangrove restoration can save VT 600 in disaster relief from cyclone damage" [§54].

Green Levy. Referenced as a domestic financing mechanism, but the NBSAP does not specify the rate, base, revenue generated, or enabling legislation [§6][§67].

Private sector. The Public-Private Partnership Act, enacted in 2024, provides the enabling legal framework. Initial engagement with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry was begun in 2024 [§69]. REDD+ and carbon market opportunities are being explored, with initial community consultations held on Futuna [§69].

Harmful subsidies. A national assessment is planned (VUV 5,000,000), with a Harmful Subsidies Reform Policy targeted for approval by 2027. Biodiversity-positive financial incentives are to be reviewed and implemented (VUV 15,800,000) [§69].

The Biodiversity Finance Working Group (BFWG) serves as the multi-sector coordination platform [§67]. A fund coordination mechanism — covering GEF, the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — is to be established [§69].

Sources:

  • §6 — Forward
  • §54 — Principle 8: Financial Sustainability and Accountability
  • §67 — Strategic Area 4: Summary
  • §68 — Strategic Area 4 Link to KM-GBF Goals
  • §69 — Strategic Area 4: Implementation Plan
  • §77 — NBSAP Means of Implementation
  • §81 — Strategic Area 4 cost table
  • §83 — Provincial Plans cost table

7. GBF Target Coverage

Target 1: Spatial planning — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to developing national spatial plans for marine, inland water, and terrestrial areas by 2030, integrating land use, areas of kastom importance, key biodiversity areas, and freshwater catchments. Provincial plans assign spatial planning to specific Area Councils and islands — Torba (water protection zones on Vanua Lava and Mota Lava), Sanma (plans for up to 19 CCAs), Penama (land cover maps for Ambae, Pentecost, Maewo), Malampa (MPA zonation for four sites), Tafea (terrestrial and marine planning for Futuna). National budget: VUV 62,000,000 across 15 actions. Directional aspiration — no quantitative completion metric.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

The NBSAP sets a target of restoring "at least 5% of degraded terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and 5% of degraded marine ecosystems" by 2030. Degraded area mapping is the first planned activity — the target cannot yet be converted to absolute area. Provincial activities include reforestation, coral restoration, nursery hubs, and replanting of mangroves, pandanus, and vetiver grass. Sand mining is addressed through quarry mini-crushers in Penama and Tafea. National budget: VUV 187,000,000 across 11 actions.

Target 3: Protected areas (30×30) — Addressed

The NBSAP adopts a 30% target for terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. Current terrestrial protection stands at approximately 4.2% (52 protected areas covering about 52,000 ha), while the Marine Spatial Plan designates approximately 28% of the EEZ for marine conservation. Vanuatu's 19 registered CCAs cover 51,000 ha of land and sea (see Kastom Governance section). The EPC Act review would recognise tabu areas and OECMs. Provincial plans detail extensive new protected area establishment across all six provinces. National budget: VUV 64,550,000 across 11 actions.

Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to establishing a national quantitative baseline by 2030, reflecting acknowledged data gaps rather than setting quantitative recovery targets. Provincial plans include species-specific management: Banks Flying Fox management plans (Torba), coconut crab reserve strategies (Torba), Devil's palm (Neoveitchia brunnea) assessments (Penama), Brown land crab harvesting controls (Malampa), and Vanuatu Petrel conservation boundary registration. National budget: VUV 97,000,000 across 20 actions.

Target 5: Sustainable harvest — Addressed

Harvest management relies on community bylaws endorsed by chiefs as the primary implementation mechanism. Species-specific bans cover turtles, parrotfish, trochus, green snail, giant clam, and sea cucumber. Net-size restrictions (1-inch and 2-inch mesh) apply across multiple provinces. Stock assessments are planned for parrotfish, rabbitfish, surgeonfish, and emperor fish. National budget: VUV 67,300,000 across 11 actions.

Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to achieving "at least 60% of NISSAP targets" by 2030. The existing NISSAP is under review. Named IAS threats include water hyacinth, Big Leaf (Merremia), Giant African Snail, fire ants, rats, and myna birds. Provincial plans include IAS control in CCAs and MPAs, IAS mapping (Sanma), and biosecurity checkpoint establishment at domestic ports. National budget: VUV 35,000,000 across 7 actions.

Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to "at least a 50% reduction in local plastic pollution and environmental inputs" and phase-down of pesticides by 2030. Provincial implementation focuses on waste management infrastructure — designated dumpsites in each Area Council. A Container Deposit Scheme was passed in 2025. National wastewater discharge standards are being developed through a National Wastewater Task Force. National budget: VUV 96,000,000 across 15 actions.

Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to implementing "at least 80% of the NbS and EBA priorities" from climate and disaster risk reduction policies and achieving NDC and NAP biodiversity targets by 2030. Provincial activities include pandanus replanting as NbS (Malampa), coastal protection funding (Shefa), and community relocation feasibility studies. The NDC 3.0 targets 68.3% emissions reduction by 2035. National budget: VUV 201,200,000 across 9 actions.

Target 9: Wild species use — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to sustainable management of wild species through community-led measures. Eco-tourism is positioned as income generation: botanical gardens and crocodile tours in Torba, Maine Park Zone development in Malampa. Community-based resource management tools are promoted during harvesting seasons. National budget: VUV 62,500,000 across 7 actions.

Target 10: Agriculture / forestry — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to sustainable management of agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, and agrifood systems "across all Area Councils." Activities include integrating improved agriculture with traditional farming systems, establishing forestry nurseries, and micro-community livelihood projects (fishponds, farming). National budget: VUV 94,000,000 across 13 actions.

Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS) — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to restoring nature's contributions to people through locally led NbS. Provincial implementation focuses on freshwater services — Community Water Protection Zones, spring box fencing, and water supply construction. Seagrass habitat expansion is linked to turtle conservation in Torba. National budget: VUV 41,000,000 across 5 actions.

Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to integrating biodiversity into urban planning and increasing green and blue spaces. Each of the six provinces plans to establish a park at its headquarters. Botanical gardens are planned in three provinces (Penama, Malampa, Tafea). Shefa plans community green spaces in each of its 19 Area Councils. National budget: VUV 38,000,000 across 4 actions.

Target 13: Genetic resources / ABS — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to an ABS legislative framework ensuring Nagoya Protocol compliance by 2030. Activities include a national genetic resource research database, a National Trust Fund for ABS, and Community Protocols. Patent registration of cultural artefacts is planned for Futuna through VANIPO. National budget: VUV 26,000,000 across 8 actions.

Target 14: Mainstreaming — Addressed

The NBSAP includes stakeholder-led policy review to incorporate biodiversity values, a biodiversity mainstreaming guideline, support for provincial biodiversity planning, and a System of Environmental Economics accounts. Provincial consultations were held in 2024. National budget: VUV 62,000,000 across 15 actions.

Target 15: Business disclosure — Addressed

Activities include reviewing the EIA regulation to require biodiversity disclosure, developing an Environmental, Social, and Cultural Safeguard, and partnership with the Vanuatu Business Resilience Committee. Handicraft market maintenance is included as a sustainable livelihoods action for women's groups. National budget: VUV 187,000,000 across 11 actions.

Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Addressed

Activities include incorporating sustainable consumption into governance frameworks, a National Healthy Food Standard, food safety training across six provinces, and school recycling programmes. The Product Stewardship Scheme Act provides for waste collection and recycling. No baseline exists for sustainable consumption. National budget: VUV 64,550,000 across 11 actions.

Target 17: Biosafety — Addressed

Cartagena Protocol accession is underway, with the instrument targeted for signature by June 2026. Activities include updating the national biosafety framework, establishing a gene bank by December 2027, a National Biosafety Committee, synthetic biology risk assessment, and capacity training for 500 stakeholders. National budget: VUV 97,000,000 across 20 actions.

Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to mapping harmful subsidies, a Reform Policy approved by 2027, and phasing out identified subsidies. Biodiversity-positive incentives are to be reviewed and implemented, building on existing PES schemes (see Finance section). Annual compliance reports from 2028. National budget: VUV 35,000,000 across 7 actions.

Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Addressed

The NBSAP sets a VUV 2.4 billion mobilisation target against a costed NBSAP of VUV 2,846,950,000. Instruments include environmental trust funds, PES, biodiversity offsets, budget tagging, REDD+ exploration, and private-sector engagement under the PPP Act (see Finance section). National budget: VUV 730,200,000 (Strategic Area 4, Targets 18–19 combined).

Target 20: Capacity and technology — Addressed

Activities include biodiversity integration into school curricula, traditional knowledge protection (TK protection bill under review), a biodiversity laboratory under construction at DEPC, CCA Rangers Program formalisation, Research Authority establishment, and South-South cooperation on IAS control. Environmental Extension Officers to be recruited at provincial level. National budget: VUV 61,500,000.

Target 21: Data and information — Addressed

The NBSAP acknowledges that biodiversity "remains poorly known." Activities include research partnerships with national and regional universities, national biodiversity databases integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, standardised monitoring templates by 2028, and exchange programmes. Annual reef monitoring planned for Shefa. National budget: VUV 45,000,000.

Target 22: Inclusive participation — Addressed

BAC membership expanded with observer seats for Youth Councils, VANGO, VBRC, VSDP, and VCC. Conservation committees are to include representatives from women, disability, youth, and faith-based organisations. Custom governance strengthening is an explicit conservation tool. Village environmental bylaws are to be enacted in all Shefa Area Councils by 2028. National budget: VUV 4,000,000.

Target 23: Gender equality — Addressed

Activities include a Gender and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework (composite indicator tracked annually from 2026), a Gender Action Plan for the NBSAP, gender-sensitive TEK integration into ABS agreements, and leadership programmes for women and youth. Linked to the existing Gender Equality Policy (2020–2030). National budget: VUV 21,000,000.