Port Vila, Vanuatu - In a significant milestone for national climate action, the Government of Vanuatu today formalized a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to advance climate data-sharing across key government agencies. The agreement unites the Department of Climate Change, the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, the Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu (CAAV), and the Department of Energy (DoE) in a strategic partnership signed this data-sharing agreement.

This initiative support Vanuatu's Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system – as well as other climate-related data commitments needed to report to the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and to meet UNFCCC reporting commitments.

This MOA marks a new era of cross-sector collaboration, enabling improved transparency and data coordination in climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage reporting.

"Data is the backbone of climate resilience. Given the existing challenges that sectors face in accessing and sharing data, this MOA sets a foundation for mutual understanding in the collection and exchange of climate-related data particularly for Adaptation, Mitigation, and Loss and Damage. While we fully respect the confidentiality of sensitive information, this partnership enables us to collaborate effectively in designing evidence-based policies and strategies for greenhouse gas emissions, and to accurately report on Vanuatu’s emissions status. It supports our ability to meet international obligations while improving national systems for data collection, storage, sharing, and presentation. This is just the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated approach to data-sharing, and we thank all stakeholders who have committed to working collaboratively with the Department of Climate Change’’ stated Acting Director of Climate Change, Nelson Kalo when emphasizing on the importance of the agreement.

Through this agreement, the Government of Vanuatu aims to institutionalize datasharing protocols that will strengthen national reporting mechanisms, inform policy- making, and support targeted action across all sectors vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The initiative also represents Vanuatu’s proactive stance in meeting international reporting obligations and ensuring that development and disaster risk reduction strategies are underpinned by evidence-based data.

Sectors Representatives that were present at the signing of the MOA, are Acting Director Climate Change, Mr Nelson KALO, Deputy Director Charlington Leo, Acting Director of Department of Energy Misel SISI, Director Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu Mr Wilfred Makaba.