The Vanuatu Government has released the new sustainable development plan

Here is what it says about the environmental pillar:

A pristine natural environment on land and at sea serving our food, cultural, economic and ecological needs

As custodians of a unique chain of islands and expansive ocean we have an inherent responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources. The Constitution explicitly obligates everyone to protect and safeguard national resources and the environment for the present and future generations. This is not only the right thing to do, it is fundamental to our wellbeing and prosperity. We need to realise the true cultural, economic and social value of our natural capital, biodiversity and ecosystems. Together with our ancestors we have lived in harmony with our natural surroundings for many millennia. Today we face increasing development pressures exacerbated by globalisation and the decline of traditional resource governance. These pressures threaten the very environment that secures the basics of life – food, water and energy systems. Our rich natural beauty also presents a key to our shared prosperity, including through a wealth of natural tourism assets.

Integrating sound environmental and waste management into our social and economic progress is crucial to meeting our national vision. With environmental degradation a common global challenge, Vanuatu has the potential to be a world leader in Blue-green growth and sustainable development. In return we will seek to capitalise on the rapid advances in technology and innovation that can complement traditional knowledge to better utilise our natural assets on land and at sea to ensure our food security, maintain our cultural identity, and enhance our economic prospects. We can and must do this without destroying our ecosystems and biodiversity.