This Policy Briefing Paper presents the key findings and strategic implications arising from the National Policy Framework Assessment on Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience and Forestry Sectors in Vanuatu. Prepared under the Promoting Pacific Islands Nature-based Solutions (PPIN) Project, the paper provides policymakers with a concise overview of the strengths, gaps and opportunities within Vanuatu's existing policy and institutional frameworks that influence the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.
The briefing highlights that Nature-based Solutions are already deeply embedded within Vanuatu through customary governance systems, community forestry, locally managed marine areas, ridge-to-reef management approaches and traditional conservation practices. However, despite this strong foundation, Nature-based Solutions remain inconsistently recognised within policy, financing, planning and investment systems.
The paper identifies several key challenges, including fragmented institutional coordination, outdated sector policies, limited climate finance access, insufficient monitoring systems, capacity constraints, and complexities associated with customary land and marine tenure. At the same time, it highlights successful examples of Nature-based Solutions already delivering benefits across Vanuatu, including catchment restoration, agroforestry initiatives, community forestry programmes, mangrove restoration and integrated coastal management approaches.
Rather than proposing entirely new policies, the briefing advocates for strengthening and aligning existing frameworks, particularly through Vanuatu's National Adaptation Plan. It recommends making Nature-based Solutions more explicit within sector policies, recognising ecosystems as critical infrastructure, strengthening community-led delivery mechanisms, improving cross-sector coordination, enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems, and expanding financing opportunities for long-term implementation.
The Policy Briefing Paper is intended to support informed decision-making by government leaders and development partners by translating technical assessment findings into clear policy priorities and practical actions that can accelerate the mainstreaming of Nature-based Solutions across Vanuatu's climate resilience, forestry and coastal management sectors.
