Vanuatu: Disaster risk reduction and disaster management national action plan (2006-2016)

The overall goal of the National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management is to promote and ensure a safe, secure and resilient Vanuatu through the reduction of social, economic and environmental impacts of disasters on the people of Vanuatu and its economy, thereby facilitating the achievement of national development goals.

Specific objectives of the National Action Plan on DRR & DM are to:

• Recognise disaster risk management as a sustainable development issue;
• Mainstream all-hazards risk management into all sectors and decision-making processes at all levels of government, including national planning and budgetary processes;
• Establish a strong governance framework for DRR & DM, with clear policies and legislation, accountable institutional and organisational arrangements and connections across and within levels of government, sectors and communities;
• Empower communities through targeted capacity enhancement to reduce their risks to hazards and prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters;
• Promote knowledge-based decision-making, including traditional knowledge and know-how on disaster risk reduction and coping mechanisms in times of disasters; and
• Provide for a sustained, coordinated and harmonised support form regional, international organisations and development partners.