Vanuatu has launched a USD 28 million project with global partners to secure safe, climate-resilient water for most of its population.
Across Vanuatu, many families cannot count on safe water every day. Springs dry up in long droughts, wells are contaminated by saltwater in low-lying islands, and cyclones damage fragile storage systems. To address these challenges, the Government of Vanuatu has launched a new USD 28 million (VT 3 billion) project, the Vanuatu Water Security Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with support from the Pacific Community (SPC), UNICEF, the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), and Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management.
The initiative was formally launched at an inception workshop in Port Vila on 19 September 2025, bringing together government agencies, development partners and community representatives to agree on priorities and guide the project’s first steps.
Over the next five years, the project will strengthen climate-resilient water systems across the islands, directly benefitting more than 85,000 people and indirectly reaching an additional 200,000, which is almost three-quarters of the national population.
Vanuatu is consistently ranked as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The combination of stronger cyclones, prolonged droughts, flooding and sea-level rise threatens freshwater resources and damages fragile infrastructure. Currently, only about 55% of rural water systems can provide reliable access year-round.
Without urgent action, water insecurity will continue to undermine health, food security and livelihoods in rural communities. The project works on three fronts:
- Empowering communities to manage their own climate-resilient water resources,
- Expanding and climate-proofing rural water infrastructure to withstand extreme events, and
- Building the capacity of provincial and national institutions to plan for climate risks in the water sector.
By linking household needs with national systems, the project is designed to provide both immediate benefits and long-term resilience.
The project is being implemented by DoWR, located in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which will lead delivery in communities and provinces across the country. DoWR’s role is central to ensuring that climate finance translates into stronger infrastructure, better services, and long-term resilience for the people of Vanuatu.
SPC is serving as the accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund and co-executing the project alongside the DoWR, ensuring that international climate finance is translated into practical results on the ground.
SPC’s role includes providing technical expertise in climate-resilient water design, embedding gender equality and social inclusion, strengthening water governance systems, and leading monitoring and evaluation so lessons from Vanuatu can be shared across the Pacific. UNICEF will act as a delivery partner, bringing expertise in water, sanitation and hygiene, particularly for children.
The Director General of the Vanuatu Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Mr William Nasak, said the project comes at a critical time.
“Vanuatu is on the frontline of climate change. Rural communities, which make up the majority of our population, are vulnerable, with many water systems already under strain. Data show us that we must act with urgency and determination”.
SPC sees the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen resilience from the household to the national level.
Deputy Director, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Division (CCES) SPC, Ms Esline Garaebiti, said the project was not just about infrastructure.
“It is about dignity, safety, and long-term prosperity. It gives us the opportunity to strengthen water systems, improve governance, and empower communities to manage their own resources sustainably”.
The project builds on Vanuatu’s National Adaptation Plan and National Sustainable Development Plan, ensuring alignment with national priorities. By connecting global finance with local realities, it will help secure the foundations of daily life, including water for households, schools and health centres, food production and livelihoods.
Project Manager, Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division (GEM) at SPC, Mr Kieren Davis, said the project is built on strong partnerships.
“It is about working together across divisions and with partners and member countries to bring the best of SPC’s science and technical knowledge to support government leadership. By combining expertise from water governance, engineering and community engagement, we can make sure this project delivers sustainable results for Vanuatu.”
For Vanuatu, the measure of success will be simple when families in rural communities can open a tap and trust that safe water will flow, even after the next cyclone. This project directly contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, while also supporting progress on SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
For more information:
- Kieren Davis, Project Manager, Geoscience, Maritime and Energy Division, Pacific Community (SPC)), [email protected]
- Lizzie Conway, Climate Finance Officer, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Division, Pacific Community (SPC), [email protected]
