The Department of Climate Change with the support of its stakeholders and partners who are working in climate change and disaster risk reduction fields in Vanuatu has sets its standards through the finalization of the goal, vision, mission and values of the department
Participants from government and NGOs stakeholders attending the retreat workshop.
These standards were finalized during a workshop organized by the department in Port Vila at the beginning of this year aimed to develop objectives to guide the new Department of Climate Change with its services to the people of this country in terms of addressing
The three-days workshop brought stakeholders in both government and private sector together to discuss what the department exist to achieve and how it will fulfill its purpose. It is the first time that the Department of Climate Change is facilitating a workshop, following the appointment of its new director.
Director Mike Sam Waiwai said the workshop has helped to set the foundation for the young department.
From this workshop, the department has developed its Goal – A resilient development, environment and economy. Vision – A sustainable and climate resilient Vanuatu. Mission – To promote and enabling environment encompassing climate governance, adaptation and mitigation approaches via inclusive and equitable services and Values – are framed around partnership, transparency, accountability, innovation, sustainability, equity and inclusiveness, learning and reflections, community based practices and positive working environment.
The establishment of a separate Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Climate Change and Natural Disasters was approved by the Council of Ministers (COM) as provided for under the Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act No. 25 of 2016.
“The government recognizes that climate change is the most complex and urgent issue affecting us today and the establishment of this new department is showing this recognition,” Director Waiwai said.
“The new department will serve the needs of communities affected by climate change. It will also support the government to achieve its national and international climate change obligations and commitments.”
Director Waiwai said one of the first activity the department plans to do is educate people, mostly in the rural areas about climate change and its impacts. He believes they lack knowledge on the issue.
According to Director Waiwai, the new Department of Climate Change staffs are individuals who specialise in climate change, resilience and disaster risks related issues.