WTEC: Support for community-based forest conservation initiatives

Vanuatu's natural resources are under considerable stress, caused by rapid human population growth on a relatively small area of available land, and logging operations in the forests. These loggers have already removed much of the commercially viable timber on the largest island of Santo, while unsustainable harvesting is also taking place on the smaller islands. Local communities are aware of these issues and are see they no longer can rely on the forests to provide for their basic needs. Consequently there is a growing concern about the degradation of the environment and an increasing interest in tackling the challenges at a grass-root level. Ninety percent of Vanuatu's land is under the control of indigenous landowners and an increasing number of communities are engaged in conservation activities. However, many of these initiatives are small scale and have no access to technical advice or assistance. Recognising this, VPAI started the Vanuatu Conservation Networking Initiative (VCNI), an association of nation-wide community conservation initiatives. The current proposal aims to tackle some of the issues raised during a workshop with VCNI members; the broad request for technical assistance, the need to improve the level of recognition and support the small initiatives receive from leaders and decision makers, and updating the available information of forest conservation initiatives across the country. During the project, a needs assessment will be done for some selected initiatives and a plan will be made to deliver the technical assistance requested by these initiatives; on a provincial level, awareness campaigns will be organised for key decision makers and information will be gathered to update the national database of conservation projects/initiatives. A raised profile and effectiveness of existing community forest conservation initiatives and better-informed decision-makers will improve the long-term sustainability of forest conservation in Vanuatu.

This project aim was to contribute to the protection of the Nabi Conservation Area through environmental awareness raising and involvement of the local communities in the management and sustainable use of forest resources. The area is owned by the Wiawi community in Northwest Malekula of Vanuatu. Awareness raising was achieved by developing t-shirts and posters that carried a strong message to rural communities about the importance of community planning and forest conservation to their livelihood. Involvement of the local communities in forest management was achieved by signing MOUs with two provincial councils (Sanma and Malampa) and one governmental agency (Vanuatu Environment Unit). These MOUs provide a clear framework for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in delivering support to community-based conservation initiatives. A long-term natural resource management plan was developed and implemented at Wiawi and Wilekh. To reduce pressure on the surroundings forests, the Wiawi community was trained in constructing smokeless stoves which reduce the amount of required firewood. Finally, advice and support were provided to a range of other forest conservation projects. This helped to find solutions to enforcement and sustainability challenges. Due to the success of this project, WTEC received funding from New-Zealand for a follow-up project.