Integrated Ecosystem Management Plan North Pentecost Griffith University

Below is a summary of the Integrated Ecosystem Management Plan (IEMP) for North Pentecost:

Objective: This report establishes a planning basis to identify Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) options to enhance community resilience to climate change and human impacts.

Context: Communities in Vanuatu face threats such as natural disasters, sea-level rise, declining agricultural productivity, and overexploitation of resources.

Methods: The study uses a hybrid approach combining Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) based on data collected from household surveys and field assessments.

Priority EbA projects for North Pentecost:

• Agriculture: Focus on extension services, agroforestry, livestock, and drought-tolerant crop varieties (High priority).
  Conservation: Invest in forest conservation for sustainable resource management and establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in conjunction with community ranger programs.
• Water Security: Enhance the capacity for rainwater harvesting and distribution due to the lack of natural freshwater resources.
• Results: The "Implementation of Demonstration Models, Extensions and Nurseries" project received the highest rating in the MCA assessment.

Implementation:

• Ensure inclusive participation, focusing on gender, equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) in planning and management activities.
• Integrate projects to enhance effectiveness and sustainability.
• Establish a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to measure vulnerability mitigation effectiveness.
• Collaboration between governments, communities and international organizations is needed to ensure funding feasibility.