The newly established Department of Climate Change (DOCC) is a mandated Vanuatu government department under the Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act No. 25 of 2016 tasked with the coordination and implementation of all Adaptation, Disaster Risk Management and Mitigation to climate change impacts throughout the country.

Department staff attending a planning retreat in November 2019

It is the fifth government department under the Ministry of Climate Change and Natural Disasters (MOCC). As the Vanuatu Government’s focal point for achieving resilient development across all levels and sectors of the government, the focus of the new Department is intended to do the following tasks on behalf of the national government: To lead in innovation and change in climate change initiatives across the country and the Pacific.

Support the functions and work of the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction in Vanuatu (NAB). Improve sustainability by securing highlytrained technical and qualified contracted staffs into permanent Government positions in future. Maintain momentum and delivery of current projects. Progress current and new initiatives in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction areas in the country.

Progress compliance to International Conventions to which Vanuatu is a signatory. Mainstream Climate Change across the Vanuatu Government as per the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). Operationalize the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. Coordinate and monitor all climate change and disaster risk management projects and to secure further climate change and DRR projects and funding.