Summary of publication

This document outlines the reasons, objectives and planned management arrangements for Australian support for 'a prosperous, equitable and sustainable land sector for Vanuatu' under the Land Sector Framework 2009-2018.

The Design considers land issues in Vanuatu and explains why and how Australia is providing a new five-year program of support. The program goal is that 'all Vanuatu people benefit from the equitable and sustainable development of their land, while securing the heritage of future generations'. Its three objectives are: 1) to ensure that communities can make informed collective decisions on the use of their customary land (e.g. by establishing a National Kastom Land Office with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs; and through research, information and awareness raising with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre); 2) 'participatory land governance' (e.g. supporting the Government of Vanuatu to manage the Land Sector Framework; encouraging broad community participation in decisions about land; and supporting the Department of Lands to establish transparent and accountable processes for leases on customary land); and 3) improving land service delivery (e.g. effective Land Registry and Information Service provides easy access to information on land leases and land parcels; and improved land lease and development planning, assessment, permitting and enforcement by the Department of Lands).

Full publication

Land Program Mama Graon Design (12 February 2009) [PDF 2.5 MB]