Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2016−2030, 2015

The Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy envisions Vanuatu as a nation whose communities, environment and economy are resilient to the impacts of climate change and disaster risks. The policy provides a framework through which risks can be identified, assessed, reduced and managed. It reflects the recent shift in philosophy which now considers the integration of climate change and disaster risk reduction initiatives as the more efficient use of resources to avoid duplication of efforts. The Policy applies six principles namely accountability, sustainability, equity, community focus, collaboration and innovation. Vanuatu is further committed to six key priority areas to direct climate change and disaster risk reduction efforts. The priorities are classified under systems and themes. Systems include governance, finance, knowledge and information. On the other hand, themes include climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, low-carbon development and response and recovery. A number of cross-cutting issues were also identified including social and gender inclusion, capacity building, multi-hazard approaches, partnerships and mainstreaming into the business of a broad range of agencies and sectors.