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VANUATU
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Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands, characterized by volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, and extensive coral reefs. Its ecosystems range from highland cloud forests to mangroves and seagrass beds, supporting high levels of endemism. Invasive species management has advanced through the endorsement of a National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), integrated with Vanuatu’s biodiversity and climate resilience strategies. Ranger‑led programmes and community engagement are central to implementation, linking national policy with local action.

Active Programmes
NENS
RERC
Overview

Biodiversity Status
Vanuatu is home to endemic bird species such as the Vanuatu megapode, and unique reptiles found only in the archipelago. Coral reefs and mangroves provide food security, coastal protection, and income through tourism and fisheries. Forest ecosystems are critical for water regulation and traditional resource use.

Invasive Species Threats
Rats and feral cats’ prey on native birds and reptiles, reducing populations of endemic species. Invasive plants such as Merremia peltata and Mikania micrantha smother native vegetation and reduce forest resilience. Agricultural pests, including the coconut rhinoceros beetle, threaten key crops and livelihoods.

National Strategies & Plans
Vanuatu’s endorsed NISSAP provides a roadmap for prevention, eradication, and restoration. Integrated with the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), ensuring invasive species management is part of broader biodiversity and climate resilience strategies. Ranger networks and community engagement are central to implementation, linking national policy with local action.

Quick Facts

Region
Melanesia- Pacific (Oceania)
Capital
Port Vila
Population
335,908 (2023)
Total Area
12,189 km2
Programmes

Natural Enemies-Natural Solutions (NENS)

NENS
Conventional control techniques can be useful when weeds are not yet common and to protect high value sites. However, once weeds become widespread the only safe, cost-effective and sustainable way of tackling them is through the use of natural enemies, which is known as biological control. This regional programme aims to lower the impact of widespread invasive plants by reducing their vigour by introducing safe natural enemies from the area they, and their host plant, originate from. This technique has been used safely and successfully worldwide, including the Pacific, to manage weeds for more than 100 years. Natural enemies have been established on 25 weed species in 17 countries in the Pacific, and there are many opportunities both for spreading existing agents available in the Pacific to new countries, from introducing agents available outside the Pacific, and through developing new options for the Pacific.
Post date
2025

Resilient Ecosystems-Resilient Communities (RERC)

RERC
Pacific threatened species and ecosystems often exist within high value areas on larger islands where invasive animals and invasive plants will continue to be a threat. A site-led approach to manage multiple invasive species and re-introduce lost native species and ecosystem structure over a longer period of time is the last remaining option to restore and maintain these ecosystems. Communities directly benefit from resilient ecosystems and are an essential part of ecological restoration. Many priority area ecosystems have been restored over the past 3 decades, mostly in New Zealand. The Pacific has had several pilot sites which have had very successful outcomes with increases in threatened endemic birds.
Post date
2025
Articles/Updates

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