Vanuatu

The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu has a population of approximately 300,000 people spread across approximately 65 of the nation’s 80 islands.

Vanuatu has a diverse landscape made up of mountains, volcanoes, rolling hills, white sandy beaches and coral reefs. 

While its location seems idyllic, it is in fact one of the most at-risk countries in the world for climate-related disasters, with volcanic eruptions, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts and floods impacting the population. Climate change also threatens the way of life for people in Vanuatu, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion, storms and cyclones predicted to become more intense.

Climate-related disasters can put the most marginalised people in the community at even more risk as services and accessibility of essential goods are cut off and exposure to those who may take advantage, manipulate or abuse them increases. Family violence is also a national challenge in Vanuatu, with violence in the home endemic. Our partner, the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) Vanuatu works with their communities to ensure that women, children and those living with a disability are protected before, during and after disasters.