Revitalizing forest and seascapes: an agroforestry and fishing community network for ecosystem restoration and land conservation

Vanuatu’s forests and reefs are under pressure from climate change and unsustainable practices, while rural communities face ongoing economic challenges. This project brings a practical, community-driven solution across multiple islands, combining climate-smart agroforestry and sustainable fishing to restore ecosystems and strengthen livelihoods. By building skills, supporting youth leadership, and improving access to markets, it empowers 635 households to thrive while protecting their natural resources. With a strong focus on collaboration and long-term resilience, this initiative offers a powerful model for locally led conservation in Vanuatu and across the Pacific, demonstrating how people and nature can grow stronger together.

Context

This 1 ½ year long project aims to revitalize Vanuatu’s forests and seascapes to strengthen ecosystem resilience and food security for 635 households across four islands. It takes a community-based, Nature-based Solutions approach, combining climate-smart agroforestry with sustainable fishing practices to address deforestation, degraded ecosystems, and economic vulnerability.

The project will restore 400 hectares of degraded land through diverse agroforestry systems that provide food, income, and habitat for native species. It will also restore 200 hectares of coral reefs through coral gardening and conservation. These efforts are complemented by sustainable agriculture and fisheries training, enabling communities to adopt practices that protect natural resources while improving livelihoods.

Across islands such as Tanna, Aneityum, Pentecost, and Mota Lava, targeted actions include reforestation, fisheries management, protected area establishment, and income diversification. The project also strengthens local governance, builds technical skills, and promotes inter-island knowledge exchange. With clear, measurable targets, such as hectares restored, households supported, and incomes increased, the initiative demonstrates a scalable model for integrating conservation and development. Ultimately, it empowers communities to lead sustainable resource management while enhancing climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem health across Vanuatu.

Project objectives

• Objective 1: Reforest 400 hectares of degraded forestlands with climate resilient native tree species. Establish community-based agroforestry on 500 hectares of farmland to improve food security and livelihoods for 635 subsistence farming households, by increasing crop diversity and resilience.
• Objective 2: Restore coral reef ecosystems across 200 hectares of coastline and establish 3 marine protected areas.
• Objective 3: Provide sustainable fishing and alternative livelihoods training to 2,000 fishers to reduce pressure on fragile marine ecosystems.
• Objective 4: Build technical capacity and establish cooperatives for 500 women and youth for income generation.

Social inclusion and gender equity

The project integrates gender and social inclusion considerations through data collection, consultations, and targeted capacity building activities.

• Targeted consultations: Focus group discussions and community consultations specifically included women, youth, and other community groups to identify priorities and inform project design.
• Inclusive stakeholder engagement: Women’s groups, youth groups, and marginalized groups (including people with disabilities and Indigenous communities) are actively engaged in decision-making processes.
• Capacity-building trainings: Training programmes are designed with gender and youth targets, including equal participation of men and women in agroforestry, fisheries, and conservation training across islands.
• Youth-focused engagement: Dedicated leadership and livelihood training will support 325 youth, promoting inclusion and long-term sustainability.