Top cover image: © Tom Vierus, SPC
Overview of CBFM
CBFM site-based coverage
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| 1,000 | Coastal communities in total | |||
| 65 | Coastal communities covered by CBFM | |||
| 65 | CBFM sites active* | |||
| Community unit: communities/settlements. |
Community-based fisheries management programme (CBFM programme)
Vanuatu operates a national Community-based Fisheries Management Programme. This is a collective of community-based support initiatives provided by the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD), the Vanua-Tai network, and the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC). The programme integrates support to communities by government, non-government, and civil society organisations.
Customary tenure is acknowledged in Vanuatu’s constitution and, with the agreement of the customary landowners, areas can be registered as community conservation areas. Management plans can then be developed and implemented by the landowners and the management committee. Community based officers formally appointed by the Minister of Fisheries can assist authorised officers in management, conservation, monitoring and enforcement activities.
Image: © Tom Vierus, SPC
Fisheries Act 2014 establishes marine reserves with a requirement for consultation with owners of adjoining land and other stakeholders with traditional marine tenure rights.
Community Conservation Areas that are currently managed by communities are legally recognised by the Environmental Management and Conservation Act 2002.
The Decentralization Act 1994 permits local governments to make rules and regulations relating to fishing up to 6 nautical miles.
- Decentralization Act 1994
- Environmental Management and Conservation Act 2002
- Fisheries Act 2014 -see part 4 (amended 2019)
See also:
- National Sustainable Development Plan (2019-2031)
- Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy (2016-2030)
- Vanuatu National Roadmap for Coastal Fisheries (2019-2030)
For further detailed information, visit the legal profile page for Vanuatu on Reeflex.
The Vanuatu Roadmap for Coastal Fisheries 2019-2030 promotes community-based fisheries management and the empowerment of communities. Vanuatu National Roadmap for Coastal Fisheries: 2019–2030
Vanua-Tai Network
Main contact(s)
Related resource(s)
Associated website(s)
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References
- Gillett R. and Lightfoot C. 2002. The contribution of fisheries to the economies of Pacific island countries: a report prepared for the Asian Development Bank, the Forum Fisheries Agency, and the World Bank. Manila: ADB (Pacific studies series). 218 p. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28819/contribution-fisheries.pdf
- Gillett R.E., Fong M. 2023. Fisheries in the economies of Pacific Island countries and territories (Benefish Study 4). Noumea, New Caledonia: Pacific Community. 704 p. https://www.spc.int/digitallibrary/get/ppizh
- O’Connor S., D'Andrea A., Recio-Blanco X. and Devez S. 2023. Legal guide to enabling and strengthening coastal fisheries co-management in the Pacific. Noumea, New Caledonia: Pacific Community. 212 p. https://www.spc.int/digitallibrary/get/s5b7j
- Pacific Data Hub. 2022. Population Statistics Map, Vanuatu 2022. Population Dashboard, SPC. Available at: https://pacificdata.org/population-dashboard
- Pacific Law and Policy Database on Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture (Reeflex) - https://www.spc.int/CoastalFisheries/Legislation/main
CBFM site-based coverage references
- Govan H. and Lalavanua W. 2022. Status of Community-based Fisheries Management in Pacific Islands Countries and Territories: survey report. Noumea, New Caledonia: Pacific Community. 70 p. https://www.spc.int/digitallibrary/get/H_uNgzxUo7kB36r