Honourable John Salong

It is my pleasure as Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, to welcome you to the Ministry’s website.

This Ministry was created by the Government of Vanuatu in 2014 for the purpose of strategically aligning Departments responsible for the response to natural disasters and sustainable development of the environment.

While, it is the youngest Ministry in Government, the Ministry has taken long strides within a short period of time in all sectors under its responsibility in terms of policy development and their implementation as well as legislative framework. 

Since taking up this office in August 2024, much have happened, including the launch of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Vehicle Emissions Standards projects.

Such projects are a testament to our commitment to the Paris Agreement and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as well as our dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Under my predecessors, in August 2022 the second edition of the National Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Implementation Plan were launched.

The sector policy promotes good governance, which will be reflected and implemented in the yearly Business Plans of each Department under the Ministry.

In 2022 this Ministry also launched its 2022-2026 Corporate Plan.

This Corporate Plan aims to guide the Ministry and its line departments in achieving overarching goals to drive planning, decision-making, programming and project delivery across government and its stakeholders.

Another important document launched in 2022 is the Revised and Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Vanuatu’s NDC reflects the highest ambitions on adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage.

At the global stage, Vanuatu has taken the lead in successfully getting the United Nations General Assembly to adopt a Resolution calling for an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on Climate Change as well as calling for the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

This website brings to you as much information to fulfill the Ministry’s vision of promoting a resilient, sustainable, safe and informed Vanuatu as well as its mission of developing sound policies and legislative frameworks and providing timely, reliable scientific information for service delivery to enable resilient communities, maintain a sustainable environment and engage in economic development as outlined by the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).

Hon. John Salong
Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management