Inaugural Vanuatu Steering Committee Meeting Sets Stage for Collaborative Action
7th February 2024 - Vanuatu took a significant stride towards environmental conservation and sustainable management with the convening of the first National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting for the MACBLUE project. Chaired by Rolenas Baereleo from the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC), the meeting saw active participation from various governmental departments, agencies, and civil society organizations. Co-chaired by the Vanuatu Fisheries Department, represented by Jayven Ham, the NSC deliberated on crucial matters pertaining to the project's direction and implementation.
The meeting witnessed updates from the MACBLUE Project Management Unit (PMU), presented by Vanessa Dirking from GIZ. Discussions revolved around the recruitment process for the MACBLUE Vanuatu country coordinator, emphasizing the importance of widespread advertisement and inclusive procurement practices. Concerns regarding project timelines and the need for extensions were raised, reflecting the NSC's proactive approach towards addressing potential challenges and maximizing project impact amid external constraints.
One of the pivotal outcomes of the meeting was the unanimous agreement on the Terms of Reference for the NSC, which underwent constructive amendments to ensure comprehensive representation and effective functionality. The inclusion of non-governmental organizations and civil society entities in the NSC underscored the project's commitment to inclusive decision-making and community involvement. Furthermore, the adoption of a quorum and advisory role delineated clear guidelines for the NSC's operational framework, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
A critical aspect of the meeting involved the validation and discussion of legal recommendations by Mrs. Evelyne Blake from Ridgway and Blake Lawyers, shedding light on legislative frameworks relevant to seagrass and mangrove ecosystem management. The legal review is being steered by Fijian Law Firm Siwatibau and Sloan who engaged national legal experts in each of the four MACBLUE partner countries. The NSC's endorsement for the development of drafting instructions for mangrove and seagrass regulations highlighted a proactive stance towards addressing environmental protection gaps. Additionally, recommendations for the establishment of an environmental defender office underscored the NSC's commitment to institutional capacity-building and legal enforcement mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with an update from Ashweeta Sharma of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) on Digital Earth Pacific (DEP) and its integration within the MACBLUE project. Emphasizing the significance of spatial data in environmental risk assessment and disaster management, the NSC reiterated its commitment to leveraging DEP tools for informed decision-making and resource allocation. Collaborative efforts between governmental departments and SPC underscored a cohesive approach towards harnessing technology for sustainable development.
Overall, the inaugural NSC meeting for the MACBLUE project in Vanuatu served as a platform for consensus-building, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder engagement. As the project progresses, such collaborative endeavors are poised to catalyze transformative change, ensuring the preservation of Vanuatu's rich marine ecosystems for generations to come.