Vanuatu Government Taking Responsibility to Save Lives Through Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Initiatives

The people of Ambae island in Vanuatu face a growing threat as the Manaro Voui volcano shows increasing signs of activity. Thousands of residents have packed into evacuation centers, with authorities now implementing a complete evacuation of all 11,000 inhabitants to three nearby islands. This massive operation, conducted primarily by boat, is expected to continue until October 6.

The Vanuatu government has taken decisive responsibility for protecting its citizens, with Prime Minister Charlot Salwai emphasizing that “our problem is to always take precaution and ensure people’s lives are in good hands.” This commitment to protecting citizens from environmental threats reflects Vanuatu’s understanding of governmental obligations during crises.

The volcano, which looms nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, currently sits at alert level 4, just one level short of a “very large eruption.” Vanuatu has requested assistance from Australia and New Zealand as it manages this crisis, seeking aid, food, and supplies for the displaced population. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has asked the nation to “continue to pray for our loved ones, families and friends on Ambae.”

Vanuatu’s Leadership in Climate Policy

Vanuatu has emerged as a global leader in climate policy through its comprehensive approaches to addressing displacement and advocating for climate justice. The nation’s government has taken strong steps despite facing significant environmental challenges.

Adherence to International Climate Commitments

Vanuatu actively promotes climate justice on the global stage. The island nation made history by successfully getting the world’s highest court to address climate justice, demonstrating its commitment to holding larger nations accountable. This small Pacific nation boldly advocates for a global fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty that would phase out oil, coal, and gas as quickly as possible.

In its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, Vanuatu connects climate change to environmental and social justice principles. The government takes this responsibility seriously, recognizing that small island states often suffer disproportionately from climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

National Strategies for Climate Resilience

Vanuatu’s National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster-Induced Displacement is globally recognized for its comprehensive approach. This innovative policy addresses all aspects of climate-related displacement, establishing the government’s core responsibility to protect citizens facing environmental threats.

The nation has partnered with the World Bank to build skills and institutions needed to handle frequent disasters like volcanic eruptions. Prime Minister Charlot Salwai emphasized this protective approach, stating: “Our problem is to always take precaution and ensure people’s lives are in good hands.”

Vanuatu’s resilience revolution serves as a blueprint for other small island states facing similar challenges. The government’s People’s Plan 2030 reinforces its primary responsibility to protect citizens and deliver essential services during climate-related crises.

Legal Advocacy for Climate Justice

Vanuatu has emerged as a global leader in seeking legal remedies for climate change impacts. The nation’s advocacy aims to establish clear obligations for countries to address climate change under international law, with profound implications for human rights.

Appeal for Advisory Opinion on Climate Change

Vanuatu led a groundbreaking initiative at the United Nations, calling on the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on climate change obligations. This small Pacific nation built a coalition of island states that collectively pushed for climate justice through international legal channels.

The campaign gained remarkable momentum, with over 100 countries participating in the case before the ICJ (also known as the World Court). The court’s 15 judges are now weighing arguments about legal responsibility for climate change, which many describe as determining “the future of our planet.”

This initiative represents the first time the world’s highest court has been asked to address climate obligations directly through international law.

Human Rights Implications and State Obligations

The legal campaign centers on establishing that states have binding obligations to protect human rights threatened by climate change. Vanuatu’s advocacy frames climate action as a legal necessity rather than merely a political choice.

The request for an advisory opinion specifically asks the ICJ to clarify what obligations states have regarding climate change under existing international law. This could create a powerful “climate litigation toolkit” that vulnerable nations could use to hold larger emitters accountable.

Small island developing states have been particularly vocal supporters of Vanuatu’s quest, as they face existential threats from rising seas and extreme weather. These nations view the ICJ process as vital for accessing climate justice when other diplomatic channels have yielded insufficient results.

Addressing Environmental and Humanitarian Challenges

Vanuatu faces multiple environmental threats that impact its citizens’ safety and livelihoods. The government has developed comprehensive approaches to address these challenges through policy implementation and emergency response systems.

Combating the Increase in Greenhouse Gases

Vanuatu, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, has taken a strong stance against greenhouse gases. The government established the National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster-Induced Displacement, recognized globally for its comprehensive approach to climate-related challenges.

This policy addresses both immediate climate impacts and longer-term solutions to reduce carbon footprints. The government has implemented renewable energy projects on several islands, aiming to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Local communities participate in reforestation efforts that help absorb carbon dioxide. The Ministry of Climate Change oversees these initiatives, working with international partners to secure funding and technical support.

Vanuatu has also been a vocal advocate in international forums, calling for major emitters to take responsibility for the climate crisis affecting small island nations.

Policies to Mitigate Rising Sea Levels

Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to Vanuatu’s coastal communities. The government’s approach includes both protection and relocation strategies outlined in the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy.

Officials have mapped vulnerable coastal areas and implemented shoreline protection measures including seawalls and mangrove restoration. These natural barriers provide cost-effective protection against encroaching waters.

The government has established a framework for planned relocations when necessary, ensuring communities maintain cultural connections and livelihoods. This includes securing land for displaced people and providing infrastructure support.

Water management systems have been upgraded to prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies. Community education programs help residents understand sea level rise impacts and appropriate adaptation strategies.

Preparedness for Tropical Cyclones

Vanuatu’s location makes it highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, requiring robust preparedness systems. The government has established early warning networks reaching even remote islands through radio, mobile alerts, and community coordinators.

Cyclone-resistant building codes have been implemented for new construction and retrofitting programs for existing structures. The Vanuatu Red Cross Society supports these efforts through community training and emergency supply distribution.

Evacuation plans are regularly practiced in high-risk communities. In 2017, when volcanic activity threatened Ambae island, authorities successfully evacuated thousands of residents, demonstrating their commitment to saving lives during environmental emergencies.

Disaster response teams receive ongoing training in search and rescue, first aid, and emergency management. Climate-resilient agriculture practices help ensure food security when traditional crops are damaged by storms.