Traditional Marine Resource Management in Vanuatu: Acknowledging, Supporting and Strengthening Indigenous Management Systems Francis R

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Traditional Marine Resource Management in Vanuatu: Acknowledging, Supporting and Strengthening Indigenous Management Systems Francis R SPC Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin #20 – December 2006 11 Traditional marine resource management in Vanuatu: Acknowledging, supporting and strengthening indigenous management systems Francis R. Hickey1 Abstract Much of the marine related traditional knowledge held by fishers in Vanuatu relates to increasing catches while managing resources of cultural, social and subsistence value. Traditional beliefs and practices asso- ciated with fisheries and their management follow natural cycles of resource abundance, accessibility, and respect for customary rules enshrined in oral traditions. Many management related rules that control fish- ers’ behaviours are associated with the fabrication and deployment of traditional fishing gear. A number of traditional beliefs, including totemic affiliations and the temporal separation of agricultural and fishing practices, serve to manage marine resources. Spatial-temporal refugia and areas of symbolic significance create extensive networks of protected freshwater, terrestrial and marine areas. The arrival of Europeans initiated a process of erosion and transformation of traditional cosmologies and practices related to marine resource management. More recently, the forces of development and globali- sation have emerged to continue this process. The trend from a primarily culturally motivated regime of marine resource management to a more commercially motivated system is apparent, with the implemen- tation and sanctioning of taboos becoming increasingly less reliant on traditional beliefs and practices. This paper reviews a number of traditional marine resource management beliefs and practices formerly found in Vanuatu, many of which remain extant today, and documents the transformation of these systems in adapting to contemporary circumstances. By documenting and promoting traditional management sys- tems and their merits, it is hoped to advocate for a greater recognition, strengthening and support for these indigenous systems in Vanuatu and the region. Introduction earthquakes, landslides, storm surges, floods and droughts all affect crops and reefs. Various miti- Vanuatu is a Y-shaped archipelago, roughly gating strategies were traditionally employed, 1000 km long, located in the western South Pacific including the creation of the complex network of (Fig. 1). There are 82 islands, mostly volcanic in ori- refugia and other fishery management strategies gin, 70 of which are inhabited. Most are sur- described in this paper. rounded by narrow, highly productive fringing reefs, which are relatively small due to the steep To ensure a successful communal harvest of fish, a nature of volcanic islands. There are only a limited taboo was placed on the area to be fished prior to number of other highly productive aquatic ecosys- harvesting. Such taboos could forbid anyone to tems such as mangroves, estuaries and lagoons swim or even walk by on the shore. This would (Cillaurren et al. 2001). both maintain the sanctity of the taboo and make the fish less wary of entering the area, an important There is great linguistic and cultural diversity consideration when harvesting resumed. among Vanuatu’s lush tropical high islands, with approximately 113 Austronesian languages spoken While the season for a communal harvest was by a predominantly Melanesian population (Tryon clearly prescribed by local custom (which in turn 1996). There are also a number of Polynesian out- was based on seasonal resource abundance and/or lier islands and villages throughout the group and annual tidal cycles and therefore accessibility), spe- many other islands exhibit varying degrees of cialists determined the actual timing of the harvest. Polynesian influences (Spriggs 1997). Optimal tidal conditions, clearly recognized to coincide with lunar phases, were carefully chosen A number of factors affect food security on the for fish to migrate shoreward over the tidal reef islands. Volcanic eruptions, cyclones, tsunamis, flats from the deeper waters beyond the reef edge. 1. Vanuatu Cultural Centre, PO Box 184, Port Vila, Vanuatu 12 SPC Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin #20 – December 2006 The optimal reef-glean- ing season was also determined by annual Hawaii tidal cycles whereby Torres Islands reefs were fully exposed 0° during daylight hours. Vanuatu Banks Islands 14°S – Methods of overcoming Australia food shortages included Espiritu Maewo storing fermented fruits New Zealand Santo Ambae Luganville and utilizing alternative Malo Pentecost foods (such as wild 16°S – Ambrym yams and cycad fruits) Malakula not normally eaten. Figure 1. Vanuatu Epi Another strategy was to Shepherd Group create “giant-clam gar- Efate dens”, with fishers gathering giant clams (Tridac- Port Vila nidae) into discrete areas on reef flats for their 18°S – exclusive use in times of need. This increased reproductive success by maintaining a close prox- Erromango imity of a breeding population dependant on exter- Tanna nal fertilization. Thus, it may also be considered a management strategy. 20°S – Aneityum Starting in the early 1800s, diseases introduced by 166°E 168°E 170°E Europeans reduced the population from an esti- mated half million or more in the pre-contact period to 45,000 by the 1940s (Bedford 1989). By 1999, the population had rebounded to 189,000 constraints. Their main value is to control the (National Statistics Office 2000). Christianity, pri- export of commercial fisheries products such as marily the Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic trochus from the two urban centres. faiths, was introduced some 150 years ago and overlaid and influenced island traditions to varying The increasing population, concentrated in coastal degrees. The diversity of traditions, coupled with regions, and the global market pressure for Western- extensive migration from inland to coastal areas, style economic development make the strengthening the introduction of modern fishing gear, and the of traditional management of marine resources criti- commercialization of resources, often makes it dif- cally important to ensure sustainability. ficult to generalize about customary fishing beliefs and practices. Clearly though, despite the impacts Traditional fisheries of the colonial period, Vanuatu has maintained a strong cultural heritage of traditional resource Traditional fishing methods vary somewhat among management.2 While some traditions have been islands and cultural groups. Most traditional har- severely undermined and transformed by contact vesting, however, is focused on nearshore reefs. with Europeans, others are still extant and much Reef gleaning for various fish and shellfish, crab, cultural knowledge remains in living memory. octopus, sea urchins, spiny lobsters and numerous other invertebrates provides a significant portion of The Vanuatu Fisheries Department emphasizes the the catch. Women and children’s contribution in fundamental role of traditional management prac- providing sustenance through reef gleaning is sig- tices, while also introducing some national regula- nificant and often under-acknowledged. Other tions; these include measures such as setting size methods, including fish poisoning, spearing and limits for some commercialized invertebrates, pro- shooting fish with bow and arrow from reef edges, tecting turtle nests and eggs, and banning the har- hook and line fishing, netting and fish trapping, vesting of berried spiny lobsters. However, the and communal harvesting methods like coconut monitoring and enforcement of these regulations in leaf-sweeping, fish driving, and weir fishing are rural areas remains extremely difficult and cost commonly used in different areas. However, hooks prohibitive, and the regulations are rarely enforced and lines were apparently not used everywhere in outside urban areas due to logistical and financial former times. 2. The term traditional here is meant to refer to practices, beliefs and knowledge considered to have a foundation in the past, par- ticularly before European arrival. SPC Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin #20 – December 2006 13 There are also fisheries for marine turtles and, in system held in ancient times. Life in the islands of the past, for dugongs (Dugong dugon), as well as the Vanuatu had, and still largely has, an inherent annual harvesting of the palolo seaworm (Poly- sanctity stemming from the animistic cosmological cheata). In some areas, there are traditional offshore belief that “all things have a spirit” and that all fisheries for deepwater Eteline snappers, breams things and events, are inherently connected (Lethrinidae) and groupers (Serranidae), as well as through this spiritual medium. By extension of that for flying fish, tuna and tuna-like species, although belief, people may hope to influence natural forces the latter were fished mainly in areas of Polynesian otherwise beyond their control by the use of sancti- influence. All of these fishing methods are based on fied rituals, and so mitigate against various threats extensive traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of to food security. the various resources so as to optimize catches, and encompass a significant corpus of traditional beliefs Many practices stemming from this underlying cos- and practices, including numerous prohibitions mology are highly ritualized and are undertaken by controlling fisher behaviour. specialists who received this knowledge from elders. Most involve the use of sacred stones and
Recommended publications
  • Highlights Situation Overview
    Vanuatu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 18 (as of 15 April 2015) This report is produced by the OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific (ROP) in collaboration with humanitarian partners and in close support of the Government of Vanuatu. It covers the period from 8 to 15 April 2015. The next report will be issued on or around 22 April 2015. Highlights • The second round of distributions has commenced, with the first round now completed in Tanna Island but still under way in some areas of Pentecost and Maewo. • The Government-led assessment results have raised a number of concerns; two thirds of surveyed communities had severe WASH needs requiring immediate attention. • Better communication with the affected communities has been a significant gap in the response. • Coinciding with the recent rains in Port Vila, an increasing number of individuals have been approaching the NDMO and requesting tarpaulins. • This time of the year is the peak transmission season for vector-borne diseases. Partners are distributing bed nets across the country. • Around 140 government workers and partners responding to the cyclone aftermath in Tanna Island now have access to high-speed internet. 188,000 110,000 60,000 47,000 19,500 30,000 People affected People in need of School-age children People received Children vaccinated in Tanna Island across the country clean drinking water affected WASH supplies against measles reached with food Source: Government of Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office supported by the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team Situation Overview The first round of food distributions is now complete on Tanna Island, where it reached 30,000 people, and is expected to be finalised in the few remaining areas by the end of the week.
    [Show full text]
  • VANUATU the Impact of Cyclone Pam
    VANUATU The impact of Cyclone Pam Cyclone Pam – considered the worst natural disaster in the history of Vanuatu and the deadliest in the South Pacific since 2012 – made landfall on the 13th of March of 2015. The islands of Erromango, Tanna and Shepherd Islands which were directly on the path of the cyclone were among the most affected. Food Security Cluster Cyclone Pam impact maps & analysis Purpose of the assessment Purpose of the assessment The current report describes the impact of Acknowledgement Cyclone Pam throughout Vanuatu. Specifically, it reports on the cyclone’s impact WFP thanks the following for making and path to recovery in the areas of: available time and rapid field assessment reports on which this analysis is based: 1) Agriculture and livelihoods 2) Food needs NDMO 3) Housing UNDAC 4) Markets Women’s business and community 5) Health representatives of Port Vila. Peace Corps The report is designed to serve as a tool to Butterfly trust enable stakeholder/expert discussion and OCHA derive a common understanding on the ADF current situation. Food Security Cluster Samaritan’s Purse The report was compiled by: Siemon Hollema, Darryl Miller and Amy Chong (WFP) 1 Penama Cyclone Pam impact Sanma Cyclone Pam is the most powerful cyclone to ever hit the Southern Pacific. It formed near the Solomon Islands on the 6 March 2015 and traversed through Malampa several other island nations, including Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. On 13 March 2015, it strengthened to a Category 5 storm over the y-shaped chain of islands which make up Vanuatu. Vanuatu took multiple direct hits over 13 Mar 2015 the islands of Efate (where the capital Port Vila is 270km/h winds sustained situated), Erromango and Tanna Island.
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Sitrep 21 16 April 2015.Pdf
    Situation report issued by NDMO Vanuatu This report covers the period from 13 and 14 April 2015 To be added to the Vanuatu NDMO Situation Report distribution list please subscribe at: http://eepurl.com/bhm_Nr Highlights The Second Phase Harmonised Assessments Report is being finalised and will be released on 16 April. Coinciding with the recent rains in Port Vila, we have seen an increase in numbers of individuals approaching the NDMO directly requesting tarpaulins. Shelter Cluster partners are expediting the distribution of remaining tarpaulin stocks through the area councils in Port Vila to help meet the outstanding needs. Key shelter messaging has also been provided through various channels to try and improve information flow to affected communities. A one-off distribution of 2kg of rice per full time boarding student and 1kg of rice per half day student (students who only have lunch at school, not 3 meals) will be made to boarding schools in Tafea and Shefa. The FSAC has also assisted with the creation of a website to facilitate any groups or organisations who would like to provide additional assistance to schools. Education assessments have indicated that approximately 60,000 school-aged children starting from early childhood and care education, primary education and secondary education in Vanuatu are affected. The number of diarrhoea cases in Tanna is being closely monitored. 45 cases of acute fever and rash (AFR) have been reported on Erromango. A specialist health team will be sent to investigate. The Civil-Military Joint Task Force will continue providing cargo transport to the humanitarian community using the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu patrol boats, each with a carrying capacity of 5MT.
    [Show full text]
  • Cyclone Pam Humanitarian Situation Report 10
    PACIFIC SITUATION REPORT #10 26 MARCH 2015 Cyclone Pam Humanitarian Situation Report 10 25-26 March 2015 Volunteers pack school kits in Port Vila ©UNICEF Pacific/2015 Highlights Appeal: “Children – especially those in the hardest-to-reach UNICEF needs US$ 7.3 Million islands - are in serious danger right now,” says over the next 9 months Karen Allen, UNICEF Pacific Representative. “Access to safe water remains absolutely critical – with almost all islands in Vanuatu suffering from Vanuatu: 166,000 people on 22 acute water shortages – while there is a significant islands affected, including 82,000 risk of disease because of flooding, poor sanitation children and limited medical care.” Schools are scheduled to reopen this week. 30,000 people affected on Tanna UNICEF is dispatching temporary learning spaces, Island with 50 % of homes education supplies, including Early Childhood destroyed Education and Recreation kits 57,000 children targeted by UNICEF Logistics team and WFP have installed a temporary storage facility at Vanuatu airport, for all Education Cluster incoming humanitarian assistance supplies for all UN agencies and NGOs in Vanuatu. At least 50,000 children need temporary safe learning spaces UNICEF is providing soap, chlorine tablets and collapsible water containers for use in Temotu 8,707 children aged under 5 have Province, one of the worst affected areas in the Solomon Islands. been reached by immunization teams Relief supplies have arrived in Tuvalu, situation improving Solomon Islands: Communities in Temotu Province most affected 1 PACIFIC SITUATION REPORT #10 26 MARCH 2015 Overview Honourable Prime Minister of Vanuatu Joe Natuman and the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Vanuatu Ms.
    [Show full text]
  • OP6 SGP Vanuatu Country Programme Strategy
    VANUATU SGP C OUNTRY P ROGRAMME S TRATEGY FOR OP6 201 5 - 2018 P REPARED BY : V ANESSA O RGANO , L EAH N IMOHO , R OLENAS B AERALEO AND D ONNA K ALFATAK R EVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE NSC: R EVIEW ED AND APPROVED BY CPMT: 1 Table of Contents Background ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Section 1: SGP countr y programme - summary background……………………………………………. 4 Section 2: SGP country programme niche………………………………………………………………… 5 Section 3: OP6 strategies .... ……………………………………………………………………………….. 19 Section 4: Expected results framework …………………………………………………………………...3 7 Section 5: Monitoring and evaluation plan ………………………………………………………………. 4 3 Section 6: Resource mobilization plan ……………………………………………… ……………………. 4 6 Section 7: Risk management plan ………………………………………………………………………… 4 7 Section 8: National Steering Committee endorsement ………………………………………………….. 49 Annex 1: OP6 landscape/seascape baseline assessment 2 COUNTRY : VANUATU OP6 resources (estimated US$ ) 1 a. Core funds: TBD b. OP5 remaining balance: OP5 Small Grants Programme funds finished c. STAR funds: Total of $ 6 .2 million consisting of: Government of Vanuatu climate change projects (supported by UNDP): $ 3 million Government of Vanuatu land degradation projects (supported by FAO) : $ 1 million Government of Vanuatu biod iversity projects (supported by IUCN) : $ 2 .6 million d. Other Funds to be mobilized: AusAID SIDS CBA: $210,000 available from OP5 due to be committed by December 2016 Background : As a GEF corporate programme, SGP aligns its operational phase strategies to that of the GEF , and provides a series of demonstration projects for further scaling up , replication and mainstreaming . Action at the local level by civil society, indigenous peoples and l ocal communities is deemed a vital component of the GEF 20/20 Strategy (i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tree and the Canoe : Roots and Mobility in Vanuatu Societies
    f F ‘o ’ 82 4a50 2 -1 31 THE FREE AND THE CANOE: THE TREE AND THE CANOE ROOTS AND MO 1 ONE rio” IN VANUATU SOCIETIES i 166O 168O a .. TORRES IS JOEL DOMMEMAISON, m o Fe a f k VANUA-LAVA 0D BANKS IS CAN the tree, symbol of rootedness and stability, be reconciled with b SANTA-MARIA D ’ the canoe, symbol of journeying and unrestricted wandering? . i 4 At first sight, apparently not. Nevertheless, Melanesian civilisation 6 uses this dual metaphor, this apparent contradiction, to define -I traditional identity. On the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, they say that man is a tree that must take root and stay fixed in its place. The local group, on the other hand, is a canoe that follows “roads” and explores the wide world. E 1 6b- C For traditional society, this metaphor would not present a paradox. MALAKULA In a previous study, I have shown that although mobility was in the TlA EPI 9 past territorially controlled and socially selective, it could in some ToNGoA---cDIo& SHEPHERD IS cases be very wide-ranging.l Present-day mobility, however, has changed < in nature: its extension to urban metropolises within and beyond Oceania is felt by many to be a threat to the identity of Melanesian and Polynesian peoples. Such a value judgement implies some definition I of identity. During several years in Vanuatu, my research focussed on cultural structures and their connections with land tenure in the societies of Tongoa, Tanna, and central Pentecost (Figure 1). At the heart of these enquiries was the relationship between man and place.
    [Show full text]
  • Highlights Situation Overview
    Vanuatu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 18 (as of 15 April 2015) This report is produced by the OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific (ROP) in collaboration with humanitarian partners and in close support of the Government of Vanuatu. It covers the period from 8 to 15 April 2015. The next report will be issued on or around 22 April 2015. Highlights • The second round of distributions has commenced, with the first round now completed in Tanna Island but still under way in some areas of Pentecost and Maewo. • The Government-led assessment results have raised a number of concerns; two thirds of surveyed communities had severe WASH needs requiring immediate attention. • Better communication with the affected communities has been a significant gap in the response. • Coinciding with the recent rains in Port Vila, an increasing number of individuals have been approaching the NDMO and requesting tarpaulins. • This time of the year is the peak transmission season for vector-borne diseases. Partners are distributing bed nets across the country. • Around 140 government workers and partners responding to the cyclone aftermath in Tanna Island now have access to high-speed internet. 188,000 110,000 60,000 47,000 19,500 30,000 People affected People in need of School-age children People received Children vaccinated in Tanna Island across the country clean drinking water affected WASH supplies against measles reached with food Source: Government of Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office supported by the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team Situation Overview The first round of food distributions is now complete on Tanna Island, where it reached 30,000 people, and is expected to be finalised in the few remaining areas by the end of the week.
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Islands
    Country profile – Vanuatu Islands Version 2016 Recommended citation: FAO. 2016. AQUASTAT Country Profile –Vanuatu. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome, Italy The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way. All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licencerequest or addressed to [email protected]. FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/ publications) and can be purchased through [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone PAM 2015: Post Disaster Needs Assessmentpdf
    Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Tropical Cyclone Pam, March 2015 Government of Vanuatu Government of Vanuatu Vanuatu Prime Minister’s Office PMB 9053, Port Vila, Vanuatu Currency and equivalents: Currency unit = vatu (VT) VT 108.04 = US$11 Fiscal year: January 1–December 31 1 Exchange rate on March 16, 2015 (Reserve Bank of Vanuatu). Published by: Government of Vanuatu Lead Author: Simone Esler Copy-edit: Anne Himmelfarb Design: MikiFernández / ULTRAdesigns Inc., Washington, D.C. Cover photo: Matasu village, Shepard islands. Photo by Michael Bonte-Grapentin, World Bank Group Supported and facilitated by with financial support by and technical input by Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone Pam Efate Port Vila Tropical Cyclone Pam, March 2015. (Source: © NASA/Jeff Schmaltz. Reproduced with permission; further permission required for reuse.) Table of Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................................................... vii Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................................... ix Summary of Damage and Loss ....................................................................................................................................... ix Summary of Macroeconomic Impact
    [Show full text]
  • Safeguarding Indigenous Architecture in Vanuatu Safeguarding Indigenous Architecture in Vanuatu
    SAFEGUARDING INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE IN VANUATU SAFEGUARDING INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE IN VANUATU Project funded by the: UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND Project implemented by: The Vanuatu National Cultural Centre and Museum Wendy Christie: Architect and Cultural Heritage Consultant Published in 2017 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France and UNESCO Apia Office © UNESCO 2017 This publication is available in Open Access under the Attribution- Shar- eAlike 3.0 IGO (CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO) license (http://creativecommons. org/ licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/). By using the content of this publication, the users accept to be bound by the terms of use of the UNESCO Open Access Re- pository (http://www.unesco.org/open-access/terms-use-ccbysa-en). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, terri- tory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization. Open Access is not applicable to non-UNESCO copyright photos in this publication. Project Coordinator: Akatsuki Takahashi Editor: Wendy Christie Graphic designer: Iuri Kato SM/Cat4/17/002-E Executive Summary Nakamals play a significant role in the maintenance of kastom in Vanuatu, as well as having an important functional role in Disaster Risk Reduction in rural areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Comprises Around 83 Islands
    Effective Multi-hazard Early Warning System Across Multiple and Widely Dispersed Islands Peter Korisa Brian Phillips Country Context Vanuatu comprises around 83 islands A total land area of 12,300 square kilometres spread over some 1,300 kilometres in a north to south direction. 2009 National Census record total population of 234,023 76% of total population live in rural villages of Vanuatu Province Main Islands Land Demographi Area c Info (2009 (Km2 ) National Census) Malampa Ambrym,Malekula,Paama 2,779 36,724 Penama Pentecost,Ambae,Maewo 1,198 30,819 Sanma Santo,Malo 4,248 45,850 Shefa Efate,Shepherd Islands 1,455 78,721 Tafea Tanna,Aniwa,Futuna,Erroma 1,628 32,540 ngo,Anatom Torba Banks & Torres Islands 882 9359 TOTAL 12,190 234,013 Distribution of Natural Hazards Per Province Institutional Arrangement 24hr Multi-hazard NEWC 24hr Multi-hazard NEWC NEOC & Telecom/Media NEOC & Telecom/Media ProvincialProvincial Operation Operation Centres Centres Community Disaster and ClimateCommunity Change Committees Disaster and Climate Change Committees Cyclone Early Warning System • 24 hours forecasting NEWC • Warning & Information Dissemination mediums – (SMS, Radio FM/Shortwave, FB, Webpage, TV, Tele radio system, call center) • 48 to 24 hours preparation • Tools – Tracking map • 12 to 6 hours preparation • Cyclone imminent • Colour Alert system www.vmgd.gov.vu / www.ndmo.gov.vu Volcano Early Warning System • 24 hours observation - NEWC • Volcano monitoring – CCTV live streaming • Warning & Information Dissemination mediums – (SMS, Radio FM/Shortwave,
    [Show full text]
  • Country: Vanuatu Highlights Situation Update WFP Response ` in Numbers
    Country: Vanuatu WFP/WFP/Victoria VictoriaHEB WFP/Victoria Cavanagh Cavanagh Cavanagh Highlights More than a month after Tropical Cyclone Pam hit, the second wave of WFP and Government emergency food distributions is well underway, reaching the 23 affected islands. To date, WFP and cooperating partners have distributed over 200mt of commodities such as rice, canned fish, and Situation Report #10 30 April 2015 April 30 #10 Report Situation noodles, to approximately 33,000 people on 13 WFP-supported islands. WFP staff visited the Efate offshore islands and the Tanna Islands to observe and monitor the distributions. The visits strengthened cooperation Vanuatu Vanuatu between Governments, NGO partners and the local authorities, while also helping gather information from beneficiaries. The visits garnered key lessons learned for upcoming distributions. Situation Update Progress on the Humanitarian Action Plan (HAP) continues with feedback from the Government. In keeping with the Government’s Strategic Action Plan, the HAP timeline will be reduced from 6 months to 3 months in order to transition from emergency to the recovery phase. The Government is expected to endorse the HAP by April 30th. ` In numbers WFP Response Approximately 70,000 targeted Food Assistance people (58% of which are women This week, WFP and cooperating partners (ADRA, and children) receive food under the Samaritan’s Purse, Save the Children and World EMOP. Vision) completed food distributions to approximately 9,000 people affected in the Efate offshore islands (Lelepa, Moso, Pele, Nguna and Approximately 1,500mt of food in Emau), Shepherd Islands (Tongoa, Emae, Buninga, total has been procured for the IR- Tongariki, Makira, and Mataso) and Aneityum.
    [Show full text]