Vanuatu National Forest Policy 2013 - 2023

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Current national environment related policies and strategies

This Forest policy presents clear policy directives that are supported by implementation strategies that include timelines and responsibilities. Each policy directive is prioritized according to urgency and implementation timeframes (1: short-term, urgent; 2: medium-term; and 3: long-term). Although the policy directives and implementation strategies differ in terms of depth and detail, they reflect the current and future needs of Vanuatu’s forestry stakeholders at all levels. The Policy’s directives and strategies are not exhaustive, and others can be added flexibly and as deemed necessary by forestry stakeholders. The condensed version of the updated National Forest Policy includes a status report on Vanuatu’s forest sector, an overview of current activities, constraints and challenges, relevant definitions and the policy directives and strategies. The comprehensive version of the National Forest Policy provides additional information on provincial development goals, commercial timber species, policies and legislation of relevance for the forestry sector, and information on the consultation process followed for the current policy review. 

The implementation of the policy directives developed in this Forest policy Statement requires sufficient financial and human resources as well as trained staff. Considering the many challenges and constraints limiting the development of the forestry sector in Vanuatu, it is advisable to concentrate initially on the following three priority actions:
                 1. Undertake a comprehensive forest resources assessment (incl. the collection of necessary information    for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures);

                2. Undertake economic analyses of wood and non-wood forest production and services;