News - Nov 7, 2024 Statutory Board to Operate the Vanuatu Product Stewardship Scheme

The Vanuatu Government has announced the establishment of a Statutory Board to operate the Vanuatu Product Stewardship Scheme.

The Government and a multi-agency Working Group have collaborated for several years to design the Scheme. Key issues discussed included determining the most appropriate agency to oversee the scheme, and how the finances will be managed.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) have considered several options and conducted research into schemes operating in Pacific island countries, and Australia.

“No two schemes are the same in terms of their operation—some are government-run, others are private sector-run, and some are managed by state-owned enterprises,” said Ms Roselyn Bue, Senior Officer at the DEPC. “We want to learn from other countries and adapt their insights to our specific context to ensure our scheme works effectively in Vanuatu. It needs a strong legislative framework while allowing enough flexibility and a robust decision-making process to be adaptable when necessary.”.

At the recommendation of the Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, Hon. John Salong, DEPC and the Working Group researched the option for a Statutory Board to oversee the Vanuatu Product Stewardship Scheme.

“We completed an investigation on the operation of Statutory Boards in Vanuatu, such as the National Green Energy Fund, and found this model to be a suitable option for our Product Stewardship Scheme,” continued Ms. Bue.

“The board will comprise representatives from government offices—including Environment, Finance, and Customs—as well as representatives from the manufacturing sector, importers, the waste management industry, and NGOs/communities. All parties within the Working Group agree that this mix is appropriate for ensuring effective and fair scheme operations and decision-making.”

With clarity and consensus finally reached on scheme operations, the legislative process can now move forward to drafting.

The DEPC expresses gratitude to SPREP PacWaste Plus for their support to the Working Group in assisting with scheme design, economic modeling, and legislative drafting, which was completed with consulting assistance from Searious Business.