Building Community Capacity and Strengthening Local Action Through the National Tabu Eria Symposium

Support From the Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone of Vanuatu (VCAP 2) Project Supported by Global Environment Facility and UN Development Programme

June 11, 2026

Five people pose in front of a thatch-roof building with a banner and logos at an outdoor event. — Group photo L-R Mrs Aru, His Excellency Aru Taravu, President SANMA Province, Hon Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, Mr Jonathan Lavere, Secretary General SANMA Province, and Mr Reynold Surmat, Town Clerk Loganville Municipal Council.

UNDP

The Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone of Vanuatu (VCAP2) project, implemented by the Ministry of Climate Change and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), made a major contribution to this week's National Tabu Eria mo Biodiversity Symposium 2026 in Sanma Province.

Held at the Chiefs Nakamal, the symposium brought together over 100 representatives from 26 Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) across Vanuatu to celebrate National Environment Week and prepare for World Environment Day on 5th June under the theme, “Strengthening Local Action for Global Impact.”

This event was not just about speeches—it delivered concrete outcomes for community-led conservation, including small grants training that empowered local communities to design, fund, and manage their own projects. The VCAP2 project played a central role in that effort. The symposium also saw the official launch of the Sanma Provincial Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) and the National Rangers Network.

Vanuatu Leads on the Global Stage

Opening the symposium, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, the Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, reaffirmed Vanuatu’s position as a global leader on climate and biodiversity action, having championed the recent UN General Assembly resolution and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change. These victories have elevated the voices of vulnerable nations.

However, Hon. Regenvanu also underscored the scale of the challenge. With 22 registered CCAs covering only 4 per cent of Vanuatu’s land area and official marine protected areas covering just 0.01 per cent of the country’s ocean, there is a long way to go to meet the 30x30 target (protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030) under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). Achieving that goal will require urgent action to protect more tabu areas, CCAs, and community-based marine protected areas.

Group of barefoot men in red patterned loincloths standing on a village street. — A group of Chiefs from SANMA welcome the Hon Minister of Climate Change, President SANMA Province, and Guests to the Chief Nakamal for the official opening of the National Tabu Eria mo Biodiversity Symposium in Luganville.

UNDP

A Whole-of-Government and Community Approach

The symposium showcased Vanuatu’s whole-of-government commitment to conservation with contributions from:

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) – on CCA registration and compliance
Vanuatu Fisheries Department – on marine reserves and community-based fisheries management
Department of Water Resources – on water protection zones
Department of Forestry – on custom forest conservation declarations
Department of Oceans – on integrated coastal management
Vanuatu Cultural Centre – on heritage sites and traditional knowledge

Non-government partners, including Live and Learn Vanuatu, Eco Livelihood Development, and Regenerative Vanua, shared practical successes in alternative livelihoods—from fruit drying and soap-making to ecotourism and payment for ecosystem services.

The President of Sanma Province, His Excellency Aru Taravu, welcomed all participants in his first major address since his recent election, reaffirming the province’s commitment to supporting community‑led conservation and the implementation of the new PBSAP.

Strengthening the Legal Foundation for Tabu Areas

In a significant policy announcement, Hon. Regenvanu confirmed that the National Environment Protection and Conservation Act is currently under review. One of the key revisions will be the formal integration of traditional Tabu Areas and Custom together with CCAs and MPAs into the legal framework. This change will give customary conservation practices the same legal standing as formally registered protected areas—a major step forward for community-led conservation in Vanuatu.

Building Capacity of Communities through Small Grants Proposal Writing

A key highlight of the symposium was the VCAP2 small grants proposal-writing training, which directly addressed the symposium's objective of developing "a minimum of ten high-quality CCA project proposals" for small community grant funding.

Two dedicated sessions were held:

A session for all CCA chairpersons facilitated by Leah Nimoho, the National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF Small Grants Program (SGP), who provided an overview of the grant application process, eligibility criteria, and the importance of aligning proposals with national biodiversity priorities.
A specialized session for CCAs supported by VCAP2, facilitated by Mr. Jackson Tambe Vire (VCAP2 Project Manager), Mr. Daniel Omodo McMondo (International Technical Specialist, VCAP2/Ministry of Climate Change/UNDP), and the wider VCAP2 project team. This session focused on hands-on proposal writing using the VCAP2 grant template, covering: Defining the problem and objectives; Identifying the activities, inputs, and budgets; Result indicators, baselines, targets, monitoring, and reporting; Co-financing, sustainability, and risk management; and Community participation, gender empowerment, and local ecological knowledge.

Participants represented communities across Vanuatu, including Big Bay and West Coast (Santo), Loh (Torres), East Vanua Lava and Mota (Banks), Kwamera (South Tanna), and Naravorovo (South Maewo).

For many of these community members, this was their first experience writing a formal grant application. The training was complemented by parallel sessions on registering with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and opening a bank account with the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV), ensuring that, once grants are approved, funds can flow directly to communities.

Concrete Outcomes

The training has already produced tangible results. As a direct outcome:

Over 7 CCA Management Committees have initiated formal registration with the VFSC as Community‑Based Organizations (CBOs) or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
More than 7 small grant proposals are being drafted, focusing on the three VCAP2 focal areas: protected area management, endangered species action plans, and sustainable land management.

These are not just numbers. They represent a fundamental shift: local communities moving from dependency to ownership, from planning to action.

A Call to Action

As Hon. Regenvanu emphasized in his closing remarks:

“I urge chiefs, government, rangers, women, youth, NGOs – work together. Share successes. Solve challenges. Let local action deliver global impact.”

The VCAP2 project's first call for proposals has already selected 11 grants, pending disbursement, and a second call will open in June 2026.

The Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone of Vanuatu (VCAP2) project, supported by GEF through UNDP, is proud to support Vanuatu’s communities in strengthening local action for global impact. Together, we are building a future where tabu areas, CCAs, and community-led conservation are at the heart of Vanuatu’s response to the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

For more information, please contact:

Jackson Tambe Vire, Project Manager | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) jackson.tambe.vire@undp.org or Daniel Omodo-McMondo, International Technical Specialist | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) daniel.omodo@undp.org