Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Department of Climate Change (DoCC) and Respond Global Helper1 have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Port Vila on Wednesday 29th January 2025, marking a significant step towards improving accessibility to remote and vulnerable locations for climate action initiatives.

For many years, Respond Global Helper1 has sought collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, recognizing it as a key area of their mission. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Ian, Managing Director of Respond Global Helper1, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We look forward to strong collaboration and productive discussions in the coming months.”

On behalf of the DoCC, Acting Director Nelson Kalo acknowledged In country Operations Manager, Dr. Basil Leodoro for his leadership in facilitating this partnership. Mr. Kalo highlighted that one of the major challenges over the years has been the “accessibility”, particularly logistical support, to reach remote areas that are most vulnerable to disasters and climate change impacts.

The Department of Climate Change, through its two major climate projects—Vanuatu Climate Change Resilience Project (VCCRP) and Vanuatu Coastal Adaptation Project Phase II (VCAP II) are currently working across 38 Area Councils throughout the country. This newly established partnership with Respond Global Helper1 is expected to significantly enhance climate resilience programs and reinforce DoCC’s vision of achieving a “Sustainable and Climate Resilient Vanuatu.”

Mr. Kalo further stated that 2025 will be a year of key milestone achievements, including the opening of six Area Council Buildings funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the VCAP II Project. Additionally, Vanuatu will see the establishment of its first-ever Early Warning Backup Centre in Luganville, Santo, further strengthening disaster preparedness efforts.

He also emphasized that this partnership will support provincial implementation activities, including the annual Climate Change Symposium, scheduled to take place in Torba Province in October. Torba Province has long faced transportation challenges that hinder service delivery, and this collaboration is expected to significantly enhance government outreach and climate action in remote areas.

This MoU marks a new chapter in strengthening climate resilience across Vanuatu, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the necessary support and services to adapt to the impacts of climate change effectively.

Front row ( L-R) : Yolanda Dasgupta, Respond Global Manager of the Green Energy Program, Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director Respond Global, Nelson Kalo, Acting Director Climate Change Department
Back row(L-R) : Dr Basil Leodoro, Operations Manager Respond Global; Jackson Tambe VCAP2 Project Manager, Daniel Omodo TA VCAP2, Olivia Finau W Senior Communication, Outreach& Partnership Offcer DoCC, Louise Nasak, Manager VCCRP