Vanuatu National Waste Management Policy and Action Plan 2011-2016

1 | P a g e Government of the Republic of Vanuatu VANUATU NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ACTION PLANS 2011 – 2016 Prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation PORT VILA April 2011 2 | P a g e FOREWORD Waste management and pollution control is a priority for the Vanuatu government to help protect and conserve the natural environment for its today and tomorrow’s generation’s safety and success. This paper is a huge milestone of establishment for the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC). Vanuatu is a developing country. With annual economical growth in infrastructure, it is our role to ensure proper waste minimization techniques are enforced to keep our nature’s environment healthy and clean. Previous experiences have shown that due to lack of proper waste management strategy, our environment has become constantly strewn with litter and uncollected garbage. Rubbish has been dumped in rivers, lakes, water ways, bushes, roads and public areas. This has become a public health problem and further damage to our environment status. This strategy is based on best practice approaches that ensures major negative aspects of solid waste disposal be addressed in urban and rural communities of Vanuatu. Implementation of this strategy and enforcement of regulations will result in greater volumes of final residual waste disposed at the landfills be significantly reduced. As a result the Bouffa landfill and future landfills in Vanuatu will have a greater life expectancy in regards to filling up. In closing, I refer to the acronym ‘PAPA’ – Positive Attitude Positive Action - is the main guide of this strategy. Typically, PAPA describes the public’s attitude towards waste disposal but let as now apply it to ourselves as waste practitioners. Let us no longer allow poor waste disposal and poor waste management to take place in our streets, towns, villages and communities. I entreat you to have positive attitude in implementing our action plans outlined in this strategy to ensure a sustainable clean productive environment for all. Mr Albert Williams Director Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation 3 | P a g e ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This National Waste Management Strategy and Action Plans for 2011 – 2016, was established with financial and technical assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Vanuatu Government departments, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Provincial Governments, Private Sectors and Community groups. The government of Vanuatu greatly appreciates the generous support of the Government of Japan for providing technical and financial support to the development of this sector into the National Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan. The technical support provided by SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme) has been instrumental in efforts to protect the environment through the management of solid waste and this support is expected to continue into the feasible future. Lastly to all our Vanuatu partners mainly government departments, provincial councils, municipal councils, private sectors and non- government organizations your support in the development of the strategy and Action Plans including its implementation is truly appreciated in advance. With this National Waste Strategy on hand, the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) appreciates the support of all its partners in providing assistance to this huge milestone. It is our expectation that this strategy and action plans will allow Vanuatu citizens to maintain a sound, practical and sustainable leading role in waste management and pollution control to the environment. Albert Williams Director Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation 4 | P a g e TABLE OF CONTENTS Page FOREWARD----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 ACKNOWLEDGMENT --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 ACRNOYMS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 1.0 NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 1.1 Overall Goal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 1.2 Purpose ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 1.3 Objectives --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 1.4 Strategy Development ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 1.5 Scope -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 1.6 Time Frame -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.0 BACKGROUND ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 2.1 Introduction -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 2.2 Country Information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 2.2.1 Politics --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 2.2.2 Official Languages ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 2.2.3 Demographics ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 2.2.4 Economic Conditions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 2.2.5 Weather ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 2.2.6 Natural hazards --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 2.3 Strategic Context for Solid Waste Management -----------------------------------------------------------------------------14 2.3.1 Priorities and Action Agenda 2011 – 2016 -----------------------------------------------------------------14 2.3.2 Medium-term strategic framework --------------------------------------------------------------------------14 2.3.3 Vanuatu waste management policy 2001--------------------------------------------------------------------15 2.3.4 Stockholm Convention-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 2.3.5 Noumea Convention -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 2.3.6 The Pacific Regional Solid Waste Management Strategy-------------------------------------------------16 2.3.7 Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006 – 2015--------------------------------16 2.4 Current Situation of Waste Management in Vanuatu------------------------------------------------------------------------17 2.4.1 Institutional arrangements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17 2.4.2 Waste generation and composition --------------------------------------------------------------------------17 2.4.3 Waste collection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18 2.4.4 Waste disposal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19 2.4.5 Waste reuse and recycling ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20 2.4.6 Education and awareness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21 2.4.7 Financing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21 2.5 Stakeholders ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22 3.0 THE WAY FORWARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23 3.1 Guiding Principles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23 3.2 Strategic Elements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 3.2.1 Policy and Legislation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24 3.2.2 Sustainable Financing------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25 3.2.3 Capacity Building for waste management, pollution control and clean production-------------------26 3.2.4 Integrated solid waste management -------------------------------------------------------------------------27 3.2.5 National coordination------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29 3.3 Measuring Progress------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30 4.0 REFERENCES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31 APPENDIX 1 – High-level Implementation Plan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32 APPENDIX 2 – NWMS Monitoring/Reporting Form --------------------------------------------------------------------------------33 APPENDIX 3 – Action Plan for Implementation of the NWMS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------34 5 | P a g e ACRNOYMS ADB Asian Development Bank APTC Australia Pacific Technical College BAT Best Available Techniques BEP Best Environmental Practices CC Climate Change DEPC Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DGMWR Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources DLQS Department of Livestock and Quarantine Services DMO Disaster Management Office EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EU European Union GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF5 Global Environment Facility (Fifth cycle) GIP Government Investment Program JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency Km Kilometre MIPU Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities MoH Ministry of Health MTSF Medium Term Strategic Framework NGO Non Governmental Organization NGOs Non Governmental Organizations NIP National Implementation Plan NWMS National Waste Management Strategy NZAID New Zealand Agency for International Development PAA Priorities and Action Agenda PHD Public Health Department PIFACC Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change PNG Papua New Guinea POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants PPC Pacific Petroleum Company PROC People's Republic of China PWD Public Works Department RS2010 Pacific Regional Solid Waste Management Strategy 2010-2015 SC Stockholm Convention SLO State Law Office SOPAC South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SWM Solid Waste Management TOT Training of Trainers UNDP United Nations Development Programme USAID United States Agency for International Development USP University of the South Pacific VIT Vanuatu Institute of Technology VNTC Vanuatu National Training Council VT WSB Vatu Wan Smol Bag WHO-WPRO World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office 6 | P a g e EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Vanuatu, like many of its Pacific island neighbours, is undergoing a period of social and economic development. This development leads to an increasingly affluent society, which also leads to increase in waste generation. If left unchecked, Vanuatu will not be able to keep up with waste generation and disposal, and any positive changes that have been made so far, will be overshadowed by the ill-effects of poor waste management. It is in this context, that a coherent waste management strategy must be formulated to ensure that Vanuatu’s environment and public health are not adversely affected by the ongoing economic development. This National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) represents the implementation of the 2001 National Waste Policy, and is being developed in the face of several improvements that have already taken place such as the upgrade of the Bouffa dumpsite into a semi aerobic landfill, the provision of partial waste collection services in the urban centres, and more recently, the development of a draft waste bill and pollution bill. This NWMS has seven objectives under five thematic areas as shown below. Within each thematic area, the current situation is reviewed to arrive at a number of strategic recommendations which are summarized in Appendix 1. These recommendations form the basis for further action as developed in the Action Plan (presented in Appendix 3). THEMATIC AREA OBJECTIVES Policy & Legislation To support solid waste management activities with practical, effective, enforceable legislation Sustainable Financing To make solid waste management systems and programmes financially self sustaining Capacity Building To develop skilled and trained people in Vanuatu to effectively manage solid waste management systems Integrated Solid Waste management To reduce the amount of waste generated and land filled To dispose of waste that cannot be avoided, reused, recycled or composted in an environmentally sound manner To upgrade waste collection systems to be well-managed, efficient, and self-sustaining National Coordination To better coordinate national waste management activities and ensure that the NWMS is implemented, and periodically reviewed and updated to achieve the stated goal and purpose 7 | P a g e The implementation of this Strategy and Action Plan will be coordinated through the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation. It should be noted, however, that the Strategy calls for the establishment of a National Waste Coordinating Committee, which once established may be tasked with monitoring the implementation of the NWMS; a proposed format to simplify monitoring of the strategy has been proposed in Appendix 2. 8 | P a g e 1.0 NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 1.1 OVERALL GOAL An environmentally sustainable Vanuatu in which all types of generated wastes are collected, reused, recycled and treated by environmentally sound technologies suited to local conditions and waste going to landfill is minimized to the lowest possible amount. 1.2 PURPOSE To minimize the generation of waste and waste going to landfill, while maximizing the recovery of resources and improving the management of residual waste using environmentally sound techniques. 1.3 OBJECTIVES This NWMS has seven specific objectives: 1. To support solid waste management activities with practical, effective, enforceable legislation 2. To make solid waste management systems and programmes financially self sustaining 3. To develop skilled and trained people in Vanuatu to effectively manage solid waste management systems 4. To reduce the amount of waste generated and land filled 5. To disposed of waste that cannot be avoided, reused, recycled or composted in an environmentally sound manner 6. To upgrade waste collection systems to be well-managed, efficient, and self-sustaining 7. To better coordinate national waste management activities and ensure that the National Waste Management Strategy is implemented and periodically reviewed and updated to achieve the stated goal and purpose 1.4 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The following steps were taken to prepare the NWMS with the assistance of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA):  Holding of a 5-day consultation workshop in Port Vila from 16-20 March 2009. This was attended by approximately 25 stakeholders from government ministries and departments, private sector, NGOs, and community groups; 9 | P a g e  Preparation of a draft of the strategy by SPREP based on information from the consultation workshop;  One-day consultation workshop on 10 March 2010 to refine and finalize the strategy. 1.5 SCOPE The strategy covers solid waste from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources. It also covers solid wastes from natural disasters, medical waste from hospitals and dispensaries, difficult waste such as used oil and scrap metal, quarantine waste, septic and sewage sludge wastes. The following wastes are not covered in this strategy:  Liquid wastes (such as raw sewage and other wastewaters)  Gaseous wastes  Hazardous wastes (such as Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs), which will be addressed by the Stockholm Convention National Implementation Plan (NIP) 1.6 TIME FRAME This strategy covers the period 2011-2016 and its implementation will be coordinated by the Environment Department of the Government of Vanuatu. Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Strategy will also be undertaken by the DEPC using the format proposed in Appendix 2, and updated as necessary. A mid-term review of the strategy should be conducted in 2014 to ensure it is up-to-date and reflects any changes in conditions with the action plans. 10 | P a g e 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 INTRODUCTION Waste management has been identified internationally and regionally as a strategic issue for sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for more than a decade through forums, such as the 1994 Barbados Programme of Action for the sustainable development of SIDS, the 1999 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the Sustainable Development of SIDS, the 2005 Mauritius Strategy for the further implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action, the Pacific Plan for strengthening regional cooperation and integration, and the 2005-2009 SPREP Action Plan for Managing the Pacific Environment. Nationally, the first signs of a coherent approach to waste management came with the endorsement of a Vanuatu Waste Management Policy in 2001. Unfortunately, the Policy was not operationalized by developing a strategy and action plan. Despite this fact, there have been several improvements made to solid waste management over the last decade such as the upgrade of the Bouffa dumpsite into a semi-aerobic landfill, the provision of partial waste collection services in the urban centres, and more recently, the development of draft waste management legislation. Vanuatu is undergoing a period of social and economic development. This development leads to an increasingly affluent society, which also leads to increase in waste generation and changes in the type of wastes generated. If left unchecked, Vanuatu will be unable to keep up with waste generation and disposal, and any positive changes that have been made, will be overshadowed by the ill-effects of poor waste management. It is in this context, that a coherent waste management strategy, which advocates environmentally sound management of waste, must be formulated to ensure that Vanuatu’s environment and public health are not adversely affected by the waste-related effects of ongoing economic development. Good waste management can also be important for building resilience, since resources that would normally be used to react to problems created or exacerbated by poor waste management can instead be used for dealing with other issues. The development of this National Waste Management Strategy is a milestone in Vanuatu’s sustainable development and its subsequent implementation will require the involvement and collaboration of government agencies, donors, and other development partners. 2.2 COUNTRY INFORMATION Vanuatu is a sovereign nation located in the Western Pacific between latitudes 13°S and 21°S, and longitudes 165°E and 170°E, approximately 1,750 km east of North Australia. This island archipelago is part of the Melanesia sub-group of Oceania islands, and consists of approximately 83 islands comprising a total area of about 12,190 square kilometres, with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 710,000 square kilometres [SOPAC 2010]. 11 | P a g e The islands of Vanuatu are of raised limestone and/or volcanic origin, with six main island groups which comprise the country’s six provinces. These provinces are listed in Table 1 along with their major constituent islands and main urban centres. Table 1: Provinces of Vanuatu Province Provincial Centre (Island) Constituent Islands Malampa Lakatoro (Malekula) Malekula, Ambrym, Paama Penama Saratamata (Ambae) Pentecost, Ambae, Maewo Sanma Luganville (Espiritu Santo) Espiritu Santo, Malo Shefa Port Vila (Efate) Shepherds group, Efate Tafea Lenekal (Tanna) Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango, Aneityum Torba Sola Torres Islands, Banks Islands 2.2.1. POLITICS Each Province is an autonomous unit with its own parliament elected by popular vote and known officially as a provincial council. They collect local taxes and make by-laws in local matters like the provincial budget or the provision of some basic services. They are headed by a chairman elected from among the members of the local parliaments and assisted by a secretary appointed by the Public Service Commission. Provinces are divided into municipalities (usually consisting of an individual island) headed by a council and a mayor elected from among the members of the council. Vanuatu has a republican political system headed by a President who has primarily ceremonial powers. The President is elected for a five-year term by a two-thirds majority in the Electoral College, consisting of Members of Parliament and the presidents of Regional Councils. The Prime Minister, who is the head of the Government, is elected by a majority vote by a three-fourths quorum of Parliament. The Prime Minister appoints the Council of Ministers that should not number more than a quarter of the parliamentary representatives. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers constitute the Executive Government. The Parliament has 52 members who are elected every four years by popular vote. The legal system of the country is based on British common law [WHO WPRO, 2010] 2.2.2. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama, English, and French. In addition, there are more than 100 different dialects spoken throughout the country. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public Service Commission 12 | P a g e 2.2.3. DEMOGRAPHICS The population of Vanuatu in 2009 was 243,304, representing a growth rate of 2.8% a year since 1999, with the urban centres of Port Vila and Luganville increasing by 4.7% and 4.1% per year respectively. There are approximately 46,029 households with an average household size of 5.3 persons [Vanuatu Statistics Office, 2009]. 2.2.4. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS The nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of Vanuatu for the 2006 fiscal year is reported as 45,901 Million Vatu, or 205,851 Vatu per capita. The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Agricultural exports account for 80% of exports and about 14% of GDP and include copra, coconut oil, cocoa, and kava. Fishing, offshore financial services and tourism are other mainstays of the economy. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters and the long distances from main markets [WHO WPRO, 2010]. As part of plans to improve the economic status of the country, the Government has introduced the Priority Action Agenda (PAA), a long-term investment plan to expand the economy and improve the living standards of the people of Vanuatu. The agenda relies mainly on foreign aid for investment, with Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand being the main donors [WHO WPRO, 2010]. 2.2.5. WEATHER The climate in Vanuatu is sub-tropical with fairly uniform temperatures year round and two defined seasons: the hot or wet season (November to April), and the cool or dry season (May to October). The warmest month is February, and the coolest is August. Temperatures can vary from 24°C to 30°C with a daily average of 26°C in the hot season [Vanuatu Meteorological Services, 2010]. Rainfall is heaviest in the hot season, generally in March, while the driest month is in August. On the island of Efate, annual rainfall on the windward side is between 2400mm – 3000 mm per year, with half that amount recorded on the leeward side [Vanuatu Meteorological Services, 2010]. 2.2.6. NATURAL HAZARDS Cyclones The hot or wet season in Vanuatu is also the cyclone season. Vanuatu is located on a route occasionally traversed by cyclones, which by definition are associated with winds of at least 34 13 | P a g e knots (62 km/hr). The land and sea area of Vanuatu receives about 2-3 cyclones in a cyclone season, and the greatest frequency is in January and February. On average, Vanuatu and its marginal seas is a common route to some 20 to 30 cyclones per decade, with 3 to 5 causing severe damage [Vanuatu Meteorological Services, 2010]. Volcanic Eruptions There is an ever-present danger of a major volcanic eruption from one or more of Vanuatu’s active volcanoes. There are active volcanoes on several islands including Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, Tanna, Gaua, and Vanua Lava, in addition to underwater volcanoes 1 . Earthquakes and Tsunamis Vanuatu also lies on the Pacific Plate with a subduction zone to its west, and often experiences a number of earthquakes of varying magnitudes. For example, in 2009, Vanuatu experienced six earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 or greater. Vanuatu may also experience tsunamis as a result of earthquakes in other parts of the Pacific region and the world 2 . 2.3 STRATEGIC CONTEXT FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 2.3.1. PRIORITIES AND ACTION AGENDA 2006-2015 The “Priorities and Action Agenda (PAA) 2006-2015: An Educated, Healthy and Wealthy Vanuatu” (PAA) is the national development plan for Vanuatu. The PAA recognizes that “the safe disposal of solid waste is a significant problem for many communities.” It further identifies the assessment of waste disposal issues as a moderately high priority issue for many islands”, and recommends that a solid waste disposal study be conducted. Given the range of issues involved in environmentally sound solid waste management, more appropriate consideration must be given to the solid waste management needs in Vanuatu, and this National Waste Management Strategy will be vehicle for addressing those needs. 2.3.2. MEDIUM-TERM STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK The Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) is the mechanism for implementing the PAA. The MTSF provides a framework for setting development priorities, linking the Government’s strategic priorities to Corporate Plans, Business Plans, the National and Ministerial Budgets, and the Government Investment Program (GIP). It should also ensure that development programs and expenditure are monitored, and that development activities and development partner support are well coordinated. 1 For more information visit Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory online at <http://www.geohazards.gov.vu> 2 For more information visit the US Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program online at < http://earthquake.usgs.gov/> 14 | P a g e Crucially, the MTSF recommends an approach for each Ministry/sector to develop, or carry forward, a small number of high priority programs (1 to 4 each year) using a Program Proposal Form, in preparation for the Budget and the update of the Government Investment Program. 2.3.3. VANUATU WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY 2001 Vanuatu has a Waste Minimization and Management Policy, whose goal is to prevent, protect, and control the adverse effects of waste on human health, environment, and the economy of the country. The objectives of the policy are:  To minimize and ensure proper waste management through methods accepted by the Ni Vanuatu that: protect the environment by reducing adverse impacts, promote human health, and facilitate socio-economic developments.  To increase public knowledge and understanding on waste minimization and management issues to ensure their active participation in programmes and initiatives developed to achieve the goal. The Policy calls for the development of a National Waste Management Strategy and a Hazardous Waste Management Strategy by 2001, however, the Policy was never operationalized, and many of the recommendations were not realized. The recommendations covered several themes such as education and awareness, waste management systems, national coordination for waste management, training, and legislation. 2.3.4. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a global treaty “to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, and accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife.” It requires Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of 9 different POPs into the environment. Vanuatu ratified the Convention on 16 September 2005 [Stockholm Convention Secretariat, 2009]. Article 5 of the Convention requires Vanuatu to implement measures to reduce and eliminate releases of dioxins and furans from unintentional sources (POPs), which are generally from the open burning of solid waste. Vanuatu should also promote the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP), for sources of POPs, specifically waste incinerators and open burning of waste on landfills and dumpsites 3 . BAT and BEP include using low-waste technology, promoting recovery and recycling of waste, and considering alternatives to incineration. 3 Consult the text of the Stockholm Convention for complete information on Vanuatu’s obligations 15 | P a g e 2.3.5. NOUMEA CONVENTION Vanuatu ratified the Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region (Noumea Convention), which prescribes that Parties “shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the [South Pacific region] caused by dumping from vessels, aircraft, or man-made structures at sea, including the effective application of the relevant internationally recognized rules and procedures relating to the control of dumping of wastes and other matter.” The development and subsequent implementation of this solid waste management plan can be considered to be an “appropriate measure to prevent, reduce and control pollution” under the Noumea convention. 2.3.6. THE PACIFIC REGIONAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY The Pacific Regional Solid Waste Management Strategy 2010-2015 (RS2010) is the region’s guiding document for solid waste management. The implementation of this regional strategy is coordinated by SPREP, and it prescribes actions for SPREP as well as SPREP member countries and territories. In particular it addresses nine priority areas: Sustainable Financing; Integrated Solid Waste Management; Legislation; Awareness, Communication and Education; Capacity Building; Environmental Monitoring; Policy, Planning and Performance; Solid Waste Industry; and Medical Waste. As a member of SPREP, Vanuatu was consulted during the development of RS2010, and committed itself to the implementation of the strategy. Vanuatu also identified three high priority issues as being (1) Integrated Solid Waste Management, (2) Legislation, and (3) Awareness, Communication and Education. The actions identified in the Regional Strategy should be closely aligned with the actions identified in this Vanuatu National Waste Management Strategy. 2.3.7. PACIFIC ISLANDS FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE 2006-2015 In 2005, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders endorsed the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change (PIFACC) whose goal is to ensure that Pacific island peoples and communities build their capacity to be resilient to the risks and impacts of Climate Change (CC). Two of the key expected outcomes of the PIFACC are to implement adaptation measures to the adverse effects of climate change and to contribute to global greenhouse gas reduction. Better waste management, achieved through the implementation of this National Waste Management Strategy can contribute to adaptation to CC, since it can lead to reduced discharge of leachate and the lower levels of pollution from litter, poorly managed dumpsites, etc. These positive effects reduce the manmade stresses on the ecosystems such as reefs, thus allowing them to better cope with CC impacts. In terms of mitigation of greenhouse gases such as methane, 16 | P a g e better waste disposal methods such as semi-aerobic landfills and home composting can reduce the production of methane. 2.4 CURRENT SITUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN VANUATU 2.4.1. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS The lead agency for solid waste management issues in the national Government is the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC), which was upgraded from an Environment Unit in 2009. Within the DEPC, the waste management functions are carried out by the Waste Management and Pollution Control Officer. Roles and responsibilities for the various waste categories are clearly defined as shown in Table 2. Table 2: Responsibilities for Waste Management Responsibility Type of Waste Solid Sewage/ wastewater Quarantine Hazardous Medical Policy development DEPC DEPC DLQS DEPC PHD Regulation DEPC DEPC DLQS DEPC PHD Monitoring, enforcement DEPC DEPC DLQS DEPC PHD Operation (e.g., collection & disposal) Municipal Councils* Provincial Councils* Rural: DGMWR Urban: UNELCO Sub-urban: PWD DLQS DEPC PHD Notes: * in designated areas DEPC: Department of Environment al Protection and Conservation DGMWR: Department of Geology, Mines, and Water Resources DLQS: Department of Livestock and Quarantine Services PHD: Public Health Department PWD: Public Works Department 2.4.2. WASTE GENERATION AND COMPOSITION A solid waste generation and composition study was conducted in Port Vila Municipality in 2007 and the results are shown in the chart below. No other waste characterization has been done for the other municipalities. There is approximately equal amounts waste generated as depicted in table 3 below. This data suggests that a strong recycling program focusing on the traditional recyclables (paper, plastics, 17 | P a g e and glass) would go a long way to reducing the amount of waste ending up at the landfill. Encouraging the separation of kitchen and yard waste at the household level to feed animals or for composting, would further reduce waste to landfill. There is very little information on quantities of septic sludge disposed. In terms of oils and lubricants, one of the largest importers is Pacific Petroleum Company (PPC), who exports about 100 m 3 per year of waste oil generated from their clients. There are also other importers such as BP Oil and other generators of waste oil such as local mechanic shops; however, no data was available from these sources. It is reported that BP Oil operations in the South West Pacific will be bought by PPC in a deal to be finalized in the first quarter of 2010 [Islands Business, 2010]. Table 3: Waste Composition in Port Vila Municipality Waste Percentage Composition (%) Kitchen waste 21.9 Plastics 18.6 Glass/Ceramics 18.3 Paper 15.6 Metals 10.1 Yard waste 7.4 Other 7.0 Textiles 0.9 Hazardous 0.2 2.4.3. WASTE COLLECTION Solid waste collection services are usually provided in the Provincial Centres where the population density tends to be higher than in rural areas. In Port Vila Municipality, waste collection is scheduled for three times per week using a combination of compactor vehicles and tipper trucks. A similar situation exists in Luganville Municipality; however in the other provincial centres smaller pickup trucks are commonly used. In general, the waste collection service can be unreliable, and inefficient, and the collection routes have not been optimized using techniques such as time and motion studies. The following characteristics are noted with respect to the collection service for other waste types:  Collection and transportation of septic sludge to the dumping area is done by the private sector using vacuum pump trucks.  Transportation of quarantine wastes in Port Vila is managed by the Department of Livestock and Quarantine Services (DLQS) using pickup trucks. {The quarantine waste is transported 18 | P a g e directly from the Port and Airport to an incinerator sited on the compound of DLQS.} is this still happening?  Medical wastes are managed on site at the Port Vila Central Hospital. Segregation of waste is done in the hospital and then this is transported to a storage site on the hospital grounds, where it may be mixed again with general waste. This storage site is unsightly and malodorous, and a breeding site for flies. When operating funds are low, the waste is stored for a period before being transported to the dumpsite where it is burnt or buried. 2.4.4. WASTE DISPOSAL The predominant method of solid waste disposal in Vanuatu is by dumpsite. The landfill in Port Vila (Bouffa) is the exception as it was rehabilitated with the assistance of JICA to operate on semi-aerobic landfill principles. Figure 1: Operations at Bouffa Landfill in Port Vila Sewage sludge from septic tanks is collected by private trucks and disposed of at the Bouffa landfill site in an open pit. In Port Vila, there is a hospital sewage treatment plant which is privately operated by UNELCO – a subsidiary of Lyonaise des Eau. The disposal of medical waste at the Port Vila Central Hospital is by incineration. There are two incinerators located on the hospital grounds and residual ash is taken to the Bouffa landfill site for disposal. If the incinerator is not working due to technical or other problems, the medical waste is often taken to the landfill where it is burnt in an open pit. In other Provincial Centres, where there is no incinerator, or where the incinerator is not functional, medical waste is openly burnt and buried. 19 | P a g e (a) (b) (c) Figure 2: (a), (b) Incinerators located at the Port Vila Central Hospital; (c) medical waste storage area 2.4.5. WASTE REUSE AND RECYCLING Recycling activities are done by the private sector only. Recycle Corp Vanuatu is the only private recycler who currently engages in the recycling of metals (ferrous metal, copper, brass, aluminium cans), and lead-acid batteries. Recycle Corp buys these materials from the general public (see Table 3), then processes and packs the materials for export to recycling companies. Table 4: Recyclable material prices, March 2010 Item Value (Vatu) Steel 2,000/ton Aluminium cans 30/kg Copper 100/kg Brass 50/kg Lead acid batteries 20 each There are two brewers/bottling companies in Vanuatu, Vanuatu Brewing Limited and Vanuatu Beverage, and both companies often reuse glass bottles as part of their normal operations. A deposit is paid on each bottle when purchased from wholesale and retail locations and this is refunded when the bottle is returned for reuse. Wan Smol Bag, a Port Vila-based NGO that promotes awareness in certain areas, is also engaged in a community initiative to collect plastics, cans, scrap steel, packaging waste and diapers from seven communities in Port Vila. The recyclable material collected is transported to the recycler (Recycle Corp) and the remainder goes to the Bouffa Landfill. This is a good initiative, however, 20 | P a g e throughout the country, the integrated waste management approach at the community level, which involves recycling, reuse and waste reduction seems to be absent. 2.4.6. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS There are two main stakeholders who conduct waste management and awareness activities, namely Live & Learn Environmental Education (Live & Learn), and Wan Smol Bag (WSB). Live & Learn in Vanuatu was established in 2001 and is part of a regional network with offices in Solomon Islands, Fiji, PNG, Cambodia, and the Maldives. The aim of Live & Learn is to reduce poverty and advance sustainable development through education and learning. In their 2008-2013 Strategic Plan for Vanuatu, Live & Learn has named waste management and minimization as one of seven focal areas. The specific activities to be undertaken include establishing income generating waste management projects, and developing a household waste management and minimization program for Port Vila and Luganville. WSB is a Vanuatu-based NGO that uses structured workshops facilitated by actors, and drama to inform, raise awareness and encourage public discussion on a range of issues including environment, health, lifestyle, and governance. Many of their outputs include plays, films, teaching resources, radio programmes and more. As mentioned under the Waste Reuse and Recycling section, WSB also provides a waste collection service for specific types of waste in several communities. Despite the involvement of these to NGOs, it is believed that the education and awareness of environmental and health impacts of poor waste management at the rural village level is lacking. 2.4.7. FINANCING Municipal and Provincial Councils are responsible for waste collection and disposal in designated areas. Some Council obtain the money for these operations through a waste management fee included in the Property Tax. However, this year 2011, waste fee is excluded from the property tax as yellow paper bag is implemented for rubbish packing and collection. This is the case in Port Vila, where the fee is about VT 13,000/year per property (as at March 2010). The overall budget for waste management in Port Vila for 2009 was reported to be VT 49,095,500. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the total budget was spent on collection and 32 percent (32%) on disposal. In the past, some communities operated their own waste collection service for a fee of about VT 500 per month for each household; however this system broke down due to mismanagement. 21 | P a g e 2.5 STAKEHOLDERS There are many waste management stakeholders that should be consulted when developing and implementing solid waste management activities and initiatives. The table below provides an indicative list of the key Stakeholders and should be updated as additional stakeholders are identified. Table 5: Major Stakeholders for Waste Management in Vanuatu Major Stakeholders Areas* Level of Participation Reasons for level of participation Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation H, L, M, S High National lead agency for waste management Environmental Health Unit H, L, M, S High Sanitation, inspections, technical advice on sanitation Ministry of Health H High Planning, regulation and management of medical waste Department of Livestock and Quarantine Services (DLQS) Q, H High Planning, regulation and management of quarantine waste Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Geology & Mines L High Rural sanitation Public Works Department L High Sub-urban sanitation Municipal Councils S High Waste management in designated areas Provincial Councils S High Waste management in designated areas Pacific Petroleum Company H High Major importer of oil BP Oil H High Major importer of oil Ports Authority H, Q Medium Management of major shipping entry to main harbours in cases of oil & HNS spills Wan Smolbag Education High Education and awareness campaigns Live and Learn Education High Education and awareness campaigns Recycle Corp Vanuatu H, S High Private recycler for scrap metal, lead-acid batteries Vacuum Truck owners L High Septic waste removal and disposal Ministry of Education Education High Waste education in curriculum Chamber of Commerce Education Medium Educational programs in rural areas Churches S High Potential involvement in rural areas Schools S High Potential involvement in rural areas UNELCO L High Private operators of Hospital sewage treatment plant * LEGEND : H = Hazardous Waste L = Liquid Waste (including septic sludge) M = Medical Waste Q = Quarantine Waste S = Solid Waste 22 | P a g e 3.0 THE WAY FORWARD 3.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES This National Waste Management Strategy is built on several key principles, which will be used to drive the actions that will transform current solid waste management practices. Polluter-pays Principle Those responsible for causing pollution or generating waste should pay the cost for dealing with the pollution, or managing the solid waste in order to maintain ecological health and diversity. This is an equitable basis for cost recovery and if properly applied, it encourages responsible waste management behaviour. Precautionary Principle Lack of scientific data/information certainty should not be used as a reason for not acting to prevent serious or irreversible environmental damage or degradation. Consultation Principle All levels of Government should consult and work with people and organizations throughout the development and implementation of waste management strategies and action plans. Waste Hierarchy The Waste Hierarchy is a strategic tool which prioritizes actions for SWM. The general hierarchical model is a 4R model consisting of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – listed in order of priority. Refuse: avoid generating waste in the first place Reduce: reduce waste that must be generated and that goes to the landfill (e.g., composting) Reuse: repair goods that can be repaired, or find alternative uses for wastes Recycle: return wastes with recoverable value for re-processing 3.2 STRATEGIC ELEMENTS During consultations with key stakeholders, five priority areas for waste management were identified, namely: policy/legislation, sustainable financing, capacity building, integrated solid waste management, and national coordination. Each area is examined in the following sections by looking at the current situation (“Where are we now?”), setting the strategic objectives (“Where do we want to be?”) and finally making appropriate recommendations, which in turn form the basis for detailed actions identified in the Action Plan in Appendix 3. The recommendations are numbered continuously through each of the priority areas. 23 | P a g e 3.2.1. POLICY AND LEGISLATION OBJECTIVE: TO SUPPORT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH PRACTICAL, EFFECTIVE, AND ENFORCEABLE LEGISLATION Where are we now?  The following draft laws and regulations addressing waste management and pollution control issues have been developed in 2010 with the assistance of SPREP: Waste Operation and Services Bill Draft Environmental Management and Conservation (Pollution Control) Regulations 2010 Draft Environmental Management and Conservation (Waste and Litter Control) Regulations 2010  These drafts clearly address the roles and responsibilities for different agencies and the general public, as well as identify appropriate fines and penalties. However, in order to be effective, a clear path needs to be set to ensure that these laws and regulations are enacted and enforced after an appropriate period of awareness.  There is a lack of strategic planning in the form of a national policy and strategy covering medical waste. This lack of strategic planning hinders development with the result that the medical waste is still at stake.  As indicated in Chapter 2, Vanuatu is prone to several disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones, which can give rise to significant amounts of disaster waste. However, there is no policy or standard procedure in place to manage this kind of waste. Where do we want to be?  Appropriate legislation for waste management enacted and enforced  Appropriate policies in place for medical waste management  Appropriate policy/procedure in place for managing disaster waste Recommendations 1. Enact the draft laws and regulations 2. Strengthen capacity for enforcement of waste management laws 3. Develop a policy for medical waste management 4. Develop a policy and procedures for managing disaster waste 24 | P a g e 3.2.2. SUSTAINABLE FINANCING OBJECTIVE: TO MAKE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND PROGRAMMES FINANCIALLY SELF SUSTAINING Where are we now?  There is very limited sustainable financing of waste management and pollution control in Vanuatu.  No funds are allocated from the national budget for waste management. Funding at the municipal and provincial levels is usually obtained through property taxes and user pay charges such as in the case of Port Vila. However, in all cases, the resources allocated for waste management are insufficient and there is still a strong reliance on donors for waste management projects. Where do we want to be?  In the short to medium term, maximize donor financing and partnership to improve waste management, while working towards a system of 100 percent sustainable financing for waste management and pollution control from internal sources over the long-term. Recommendations 5. Mainstream waste management and pollution control into the medium term strategic framework MTSF/PAA. UNDP’s Environment Unit is currently undertaking a 5 year (2008 2012) project that will involve mainstreaming environment sustainability by developing national capacities to design and implement environment policies, legislative, and management frameworks. 6. Identify investment opportunities from bilateral, multi-lateral, international agencies for waste management and pollution control 7. Establish multi-sectoral partnerships (NGOs, local business community) in Vanuatu 25 | P a g e 3.2.3. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT, POLLUTION CONTROL, AND CLEAN PRODUCTION OBJECTIVE: TO DEVELOP SKILLED AND TRAINED PEOPLE IN VANUATU TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Where are we now?  There is limited human capacity in the municipal, provincial, and national governments for waste management and pollution control. Positive actions have been taken with the upgrading of the Environment Unit to the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation and with the addition of a position for Waste Management and Pollution Control.  At the institutional level, capacity to undertake project/program development and implementation, fundraising, partnerships and collaboration, evaluation, policy change, etc., is limited and needs to be enhanced.  There is no structured program of financial assistance to build human and institutional capacity in waste management.  Industrial activity in Vanuatu is growing yearly, however there are no guidelines and requirements to use clean production techniques which minimize waste generation, and there is limited knowledge on these techniques within Vanuatu. Where do we want to be?  Improved institutional capacity in the lead waste management entities (e.g., DEPC, Port Vila Municipality, etc) for waste management and pollution control  Improved capacity for individuals on waste management and pollution control, and clean production Recommendations 8. Develop institutional capacity for waste management in the lead waste management entities 9. Develop and deliver training of trainers (TOT) program for practitioners of waste management and pollution control 26 | P a g e 3.2.4. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE GENERATED AND LANDFILLED TO DISPOSE OF WASTE THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED, REUSED, RECYCLED OR COMPOSTED, IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER TO UPGRADE WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEMS TO BE WELL-MANAGED, EFFICIENT AND SELF SUSTAINING Where are we now?  There is a lack of incentives that encourage the practice of waste minimization, reuse, and recycling. The development of Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) has begun and is being funded by UNDP. If implemented correctly, the CDL scheme will transform some wastes (e.g. aluminium and tin cans, plastic bottles, etc) into resources, and lead to the sustainable management of those wastes, while strengthening the private sector capacity for waste management. Priority should therefore be given to supporting this CDL scheme.  There is a lack of incentives/mechanisms to control or regulate the importation and production of items which become problematic wastes, and to manage the disposal of those wastes. A good example of this is the plastic shopping bag, which has been the focus of initiatives in several Pacific island countries such as PNG, Samoa and more recently Fiji. There are also private sector initiatives promoting the use of reusable bags (e.g. Vanuatu Independent), which suggest that there may be support for developing national initiative to address plastic bag use.  As noted in the waste characterization study for Port Vila, there are significant amounts of recyclables in the waste stream (paper-15.6%, plastics-18.6%), glass- 18.3%, and metals 10.1%). These materials are innocuous and inoffensive. The lifetime of the landfill could be significantly extended if these materials could be properly stockpiled until formal recycling programs can be implemented (provided land space is available, and provided the material is stored properly and does not become a nuisance – for example by encouraging mosquito breeding).  A significant portion of the waste is also organic (yard waste-7.4%, and kitchen waste- 21.9%). If segregation of this waste at home can be encouraged (e.g. for composting), this will also reduce waste to landfill, and also reduce some of the negative impacts of leachate and landfill gas).  Some private sector reuse and recycling activities exist such as the reuse of glass bottles by local breweries and bottling companies, and recycling of cans and other materials by Recycle Corp Vanuatu. These programs reduce the quantity of waste disposed, thus also reducing collection costs. Significant benefits could therefore be realized if these activities are strengthened to promote further separation.  Inefficient collection systems exist, and they cover just a few of the main urban centres in some provinces. 27 | P a g e  A semi-aerobic landfill is operated in Port Vila Municipality; however dumpsites are used in other municipalities and provinces.  An incinerator for quarantine waste is installed and operated by DLQS, but there is a lack of environmentally sound facilities for disposal of medical waste, and sewage and septic sludge.  An ADB project has recently been approved, The Port Vila Urban Development Project, which includes a component to develop a detailed drainage and sanitation master plan for Port Vila. The project is being executed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, and it will be a good opportunity to identify strategic linkages and activities between the sanitation master plan and this waste management plan.  There are several dumpsites which have been closed over time, however there is no central mapping and environmental monitoring of these sites and other contaminated sites. Where do we want to be?  Better awareness of waste minimization techniques among all Ni-Vanuatu.  Incentives created to encourage waste minimization, reuse and recycling, and to strengthen existing activities.  Mechanisms established and strengthened to control importation and production of problematic items.  Effective and appropriate collection service implemented for main urban centres  Environmentally sound and technologically-appropriate disposal facilities for solid waste, medical waste, septic sludge and residues.  Environmental contamination from closed dumpsites and other contaminated sites assessed and monitored. Recommendations 10. Improve the awareness of waste minimization techniques by working together with key stakeholders 11. Implement systems that encourage waste minimization, reuse and recycling of key waste items to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills and dumpsites 12. Implement incentives and mechanisms to control/regulate importation and production of items which become problematic wastes 13. Develop appropriate collection services for the provincial centres 14. Develop environmentally sound facilities for disposal of solid waste and medical waste. 15. Develop an environmental monitoring program for closed dumpsites, existing dumpsites and landfills, and other contaminated sites. 28 | P a g e 3.2.5. NATIONAL COORDINATION OBJECTIVE: TO BETTER COORDINATE NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND ENSURE THAT THE NWMS IS IMPLEMENTED AND PERIODICALLY REVIEWED AND UPDATED TO ACHIEVE THE STATED GOAL AND PURPOSE Where are we now?  The Environment Unit within the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was upgraded to the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) in 2009, and the position of Waste Management and Pollution Control Officer (WMPCO) was created and filled on a full-time basis.  No formal mechanism is in place to facilitate interagency cooperation on waste issues (solid waste, medical waste, quarantine waste, wastewater/septic sludge). The 2001 Vanuatu Waste Policy required the establishment of a National Waste Coordinating Committee, however this was not done. It is advisable to establish such a Committee given the many stakeholders and benefits to be gained from better coordination of waste management activities in Vanuatu.  There is some collaboration between NGOs and agencies for waste management education, but there is lack of a coordinated approach to maximise resources and avoid duplication.  Environment and waste management are not high priorities with the rest of Government.  At the rural subsistence community level, the integrated approach to waste management which involves reuse, recycling, composting, and waste reduction seems to be absent, possibly due to the general absence of central and provincial government from these communities. In these cases, it is crucial to involve school networks and/or churches for better waste management. Where do we want to be?  Stronger cooperation and collaboration among the responsible agencies for the management of the different types of wastes, and between agencies and NGOs for education and awareness.  Waste management seen as a high priority by all levels of government.  Increase the budgetary allocation to DEPC for national waste management activities  Better involvement of rural subsistence communities in waste management Recommendations 16. Establish a National Waste Management Coordinating Committee to facilitate cooperation among agencies with respect to the management of the different types of wastes 29 | P a g e 3.3 MEASURING PROGRESS Measuring the implementation success of this strategy should be based on national key performance indicators such as the amount of waste generated, amount of waste diverted from landfill (reused, recycled, or composted), number of dumpsites and landfills, level of illegal dumping and littering, number of people qualified in certain areas of waste management, etc. However, there is a lack of baseline data in many of these indicative areas, and very few mechanisms to enable this information to be collected. One of the goals of this strategy is to change this situation and implement these improvements. Until this can be done, a yearly monitoring form (Appendix 2) will be used by relevant lead agencies to report on any initiatives undertaken in Vanuatu. 30 | P a g e 4.0 REFERENCES 1. Islands Business. (2010). BP Oil South West Pacific now has a new buyer. Retrieved 7 March 2010 from http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index dynamic/containerNameToReplace =MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=17410/tableName=mediaRelease/overide SkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl 2. Stockholm Convention Secretariat (2009), Retrieved 7 October 2009 from http://chm.pops.int/ Convention/tabid/54/language/en-US/Default.aspx 3. Vanuatu Meteorological Services. (2010). Climate of Vanuatu.. Retrieved 8 March 2010 from http://www.meteo.gov.vu/VanuatuClimate/tabid/196/Default.aspx 4. Vanuatu National Statistics Office. (2009). 2009 Census Household Listing Counts. Retrieved 7 March 2010 from http://www.spc.int/prism/country/vu/stats/P releases/Adhoc/HH%20 listing%20count%20release%20-%20071009.pdf 5. WHO WPRO. (2010). Vanuatu Country Context. Retrieved 7 March 2010 from http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2009/van/ http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=17410/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=17410/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=17410/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl http://chm.pops.int/Convention/tabid/54/language/en-US/Default.aspx http://chm.pops.int/Convention/tabid/54/language/en-US/Default.aspx http://www.meteo.gov.vu/VanuatuClimate/tabid/196/Default.aspx http://www.spc.int/prism/country/vu/stats/P releases/Adhoc/HH%20listing%20count%20release%20-%20071009.pdf http://www.spc.int/prism/country/vu/stats/P releases/Adhoc/HH%20listing%20count%20release%20-%20071009.pdf http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2009/van/ 31 | P a g e Appendix 1 – High-level Implementation Plan Action Lead Agency Time-frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) 1 Enact the draft laws and regulations DEPC 2011 30,000 2 Strengthen capacity for enforcement of waste management laws DEPC 2012-2016 1,500,000 3 Develop a policy for medical waste MoH 2011-20112 200,000 4 Develop a policy and procedures for managing disaster wastes DEPC 2012 200,000 5 Mainstream waste management and pollution control into the medium term strategic framework MTSF/PAA DEPC 2011-2016 ? 6 Identify investment opportunities from bilateral, multi-lateral, and international agencies for waste management and pollution control DEPC 2011-2016 ? 7 Establish multi-sectoral partnerships in Vanuatu (NGOs, local business community) DEPC 2011-2015 40,000 8 Develop institutional capacity for waste management at the municipal, provincial, and national levels DEPC 2013-2016 1,500,000 9 Develop and deliver training of trainers (TOT) program on waste management, pollution control, and clean production DEPC/VNTC 2012-2014 1,540,000 10 Improve awareness of waste minimization techniques by working together with key stakeholders DEPC 2012-2015 40,000 11 Implement systems that encourage waste minimization, reuse and recycling of key waste items to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills and dumpsites Councils 2012-2016 1,250,000 12 Implement incentives and mechanisms to control/regulate importation and production of items which become problematic wastes (focus on plastic bags) DEPC 2014-2016 4,550,000 13 Develop appropriate collection services for the provincial centres Councils 2012-2016 11,200,000 14 Develop environmentally sound facilities for disposal of solid waste and medical waste, septic sludge and residues DEPC 2011-2016 70,100,000 15 Develop an environmental monitoring program for closed dumpsites, existing dumpsites and landfills, and other contaminated sites DEPC 2013-2016 1,030,000 16 Establish a National Waste Management Coordinating Committee to facilitate cooperation among agencies with respect to the management of the different types of wastes DEPC 2011 130,000 TOTAL ESTIMATE 2011-2016 93,310,000 32 | P a g e Appendix 2 – NWMS Monitoring/Reporting Form ACTIONS (as given in the Action Plan) DESCRIBE PROGRESS DATE OF PROGRESS 33 | P a g e Appendix 3: Action Plan for Implementation of the NWMS Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions 1. Enact the draft laws and regulations 2011 30,000 a. Review the draft bill and regulations DEPC (DLQS, PWD, PHD, DGMWR) 2011 - - Drafts reviewed Records of discussion b. Confirm the drafts DEPC (SLO) 2011 - - Drafts confirmed Approval of SLO c. Lobby for bill to be approved and included in list of bills for next parliament session (e.g. lunch workshop for DG, Ministers, etc) DEPC 2011 30,000 DEPC budget Council of Ministers approve the drafts Official correspondence d. Publish the approved drafts for consultations DEPC 2011 ? DEPC budget Draft published Newspapers, gazette e. Write Council of Ministers (COM) paper on draft bill and regulations DEPC 2011 - - Paper completed and submitted Council of Ministers Paper f. Council of Ministers to finally approve the drafts DEPC 2011 - - COM approve the regulations Official correspondence g. Minister of Environment to sign Regulations (and for the Act, Parliament to enact) DEPC 2011 - - Regulations signed, Act enacted Signed regulations, Act h. Gazettal of Regulations DEPC (SLO) 2011 ? DEPC budget Regulations Gazette 2. Strengthen capacity for enforcement of waste management laws 2012-2016 1,500,000 a. Identify enforcement officers from relevant agencies (e.g. Health Dept, Police, etc) and train them on aspects of enforcing the legislation through training workshops. Enforcement should be done after an adequate period of awareness (give people time to adjust) DEPC (SLO, MoH, Police Department) 2012 1,000,000 National sources Number of enforcement officers trained Training records, training exams Act and regulations are enacted b. Promote awareness of the legislation after it is enacted through an awareness campaign in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders DEPC (SLO, Live & Learn, Wan Smolbag) 2012-2016 500,000 NGOs, DEPC budget, other national sources Number of awareness campaigns conducted Awareness materials Act and regulations are enacted 3. Develop a policy for medical waste 2011-2012 200,000 a. Convene a stakeholder meeting to develop the draft policy and national medical waste management strategy MoH (DEPC, WHO, SPREP) 2011 200,000 MoH, WHO, SPREP Meeting convened Meeting minutes b. Prepare the draft Policy and Strategy and circulate for comments MoH (DEPC, WHO, SPREP) 2011 - - Policy and Strategy drafted Draft policy and strategy 34 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions c. Present draft policy and strategy to Council of Ministers for approval MoH 2011 - - Policy and strategy endorsed Council of Ministers Decisions Draft policy and strategy developed d. Begin implementation of the strategy MoH 2012 ? WHO, AusAID, NZAID, USAID Activities identified in the strategy are implemented Independent report/evaluation of the strategy Resources available to undertake actions in the strategy 4. Develop a policy and procedures for managing disaster waste 2012 200,000 a. Convene a stakeholder meeting to develop the draft policy and procedures for managing disaster waste DEPC (DMO, PWD, MoH, other agencies) 2012 200,000 DMO, SPREP, SOPAC Meeting convened Meeting minutes b. Prepare the draft policy and procedures, taking into account lessons from other islands such as Cook Islands and Samoa and circulate for comments DEPC (DMO, PWD, MoH, other agencies) 2012 - SPREP, SOPAC Policy and procedures drafted Draft policy and procedures c. Present draft policy and procedures to Council of Ministers for approval DEPC 2012 - - Policy and procedures approved Council of Ministers Decisions Draft policy and procedures developed 5. Mainstream waste management and pollution control into the medium term strategic framework MTSF/PAA 2011-2016 0 a. Contact project leader for the UNDP project on mainstreaming of environmental sustainability and identify opportunities and mechanisms for mainstreaming of waste management DEPC (Other govt departments, NGOs, Chamber of Commerce) 2011 - UNDP Meeting held with project leader Meeting minutes b. Develop and implement any actions identified from the discussions to support mainstreaming of waste management DEPC 2011-2016 ? UNDP Actions implemented to support mainstreaming Official reports & correspondence Assumes appropriate actions have been identified 6. Identify investment opportunities from bilateral, multi-lateral, and international agencies for waste management and pollution control 2011-2016 0 a. Use available resources (internet, networks) to identify from donors, partners, technical assistance and cooperation agencies, volunteer organizations, regional institutions, etc. Establish a system for continuous review and update of opportunities DEPC (Aid Coordination Unit, PM's Office, Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority) 2011-2016 - SPREP Number of funding opportunities identified Compiled list of opportunities 35 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions b. Develop concise concept notes (2 pages max) for projects to implement the national waste management strategy and submit these to appropriate donors, partners, etc DEPC (Foreign Affairs, Aid Coordination Unit) 2011-2016 - NGOs, EU, ADB, PROC, AusAID, NZAID, USAID, GEF5, ADB Number of funding applications submitted Funding applications 7. Establish multi-sectoral partnerships in Vanuatu (NGOs, local business community) 2011-2015 40,000 a. Identify key stakeholders to develop partnerships with DEPC 2011 - - Stakeholders identified List of potential partners b. Invite stakeholders to planning session to discuss relevant sections of the National Waste Management Strategy in detail and identify areas for collaboration and barriers (if any) that should be addressed DEPC (NGOs, business community) 40,000 NGOs, Local business community Number of stakeholder consultations Minutes of consultation meetings c. Develop a plan to address those barriers that can be resolved (and implement the plan) 2012-2015 ? Barriers resolved Assumes barriers were identified d. Develop and sign MOUs and agreements based on discussions 2013 - - Number of signed MOUs & agreements Signed MOUs /agreements Assumes MOUs do not already exist 8. Develop institutional capacity for waste management at the municipal, provincial, and national levels 2013-2016 1,500,000 a. Develop the terms of reference for a consultancy to assess the institutional capacity of DEPC and Councils for waste management (in particular policy development and planning, funding and resource management, monitoring and assessment, project cycle management) DEPC, (Municipal Councils, Provincial Councils 2013 - SPREP Terms of Reference produced Terms of Reference b. Undertake the consultancy DEPC 2013 1,500,000 AusAID, NZAID, USAID, ADB Consultant hired, Capacity assessment report produced Consultancy contract, Capacity assessment report c. Seek funding to implement the recommendations of the assessment DEPC 2013-2016 ? AusAID, NZAID, USAID, ADB Funding secured Financing Agreement 9. Develop and deliver training of trainers (TOT) program on waste management, pollution control, and clean production 2012-2014 1,540,000 36 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions a. Convene a meeting with VNTC & VQF to discuss the requirements for developing and delivering a training program for waste management DEPC (VNTC, VIT, APTC) 2012 40,000 DEC budget Meeting convened Minutes of meeting b. Sign MOU with VNTC/VQF for developing and delivering the course DEPC (VNTC, VIT, APTC) 2012 - - MOU signed Signed MOU c. If needed, seek funding to develop the module and to offer scholarships as an incentive to attracting students for the first year of the module DEPC (VNTC, VIT, APTC) 2012 1,500,000 AusAID, NZAID, JICA Funding secured Financing Agreement d. Complete the development of the module content (subject to funding) and develop a timetable for delivering the module VNTC (DEPC, VIT, APTC USP, SPREP) 2014 - - Module developed and available at local institution Course material, syllabus, official course schedule 10. Improve awareness of waste minimization techniques by working together with key stakeholders 2012-2015 40,000 a. Convene a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss and agree on waste minimization focus (e.g. composting) and to develop a joint work program for awareness raising activities. Mechanisms for reporting on the joint work program must also be discussed and agreed. Schools and churches must be included as key stakeholders especially from rural subsistence communities. DEPC (Live & Learn, Wan Smolbag, Chamber of Commerce, local business sector, Schools, churches) 2012 40,000 Chamber of Commerce, local business sector Meeting convened Meeting minutes, agreed joint work program b. Sign MOU with key stakeholders based on discussions DEPC 2012 - - MOUs signed Signed MOUs c. Implement the agreed joint work program All involved 2012-2015 ? NGOs, Local business community Number of awareness activities conducted Joint work program reports 11. Implement systems that encourage waste minimization, reuse and recycling of key waste items to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills and dumpsites 2012-2016 1,250,000 a. Conduct waste characterization study in Provincial Centres to identify the main waste components (Universities and colleges can be approached to undertake this as a student project) Provincial councils, municipal councils (DEPC) 2012 50,000 Colleges and Universities, SPREP Waste characterization study completed Waste characterization report b. Commit to taking the actions necessary to support the implementation of the CDL scheme DEPC (all stakeholders) 2012 - CDL scheme ready for implementation 37 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions c. Develop and implement a plan for storage of recyclable waste at Bouffa Landfill. The plan should identify wastes for which segregation is to be encouraged, storage locations, basic infrastructure (e.g. shed, containers), etc Port Vila Municipality (DEPC) 2012 700,000 JICA, AusAID, NZAID, PROC, SPREP Reduction in organic waste landfilled Waste audit at landfill d. Promote segregation of yard and kitchen waste at home by promoting and demonstrating composting - link with action 9(a) DEPC (Councils, NGOs) 2011-2016 500,000 Local business community, NGOs Reduction in organic waste landfilled Waste audit at landfill 12. Implement incentives and mechanisms to control/regulate importation and production of items which become problematic wastes (focus on plastic bags) 2014-2016 4,550,000 a. Conduct local consultations with local business community and other stakeholders to introduce plans and discuss potential barriers that might prevent further action on plastic bags DEPC (business sector, manufacturers, importers, supermarkets, etc) 2014 50,000 Local business community, DEPC budget Local meeting/ consultations conducted Meeting minutes b. Develop terms of reference for a consultancy to evaluate the options for controlling the consumption of plastic bags in Vanuatu DEPC (business sector, 2014 - SPREP Terms of Reference produced Terms of Reference Assumes positive consultation outcomes c. Undertake the consultancy DEPC 2014 1,500,000 AusAID, NZAID, USAID, NGOs Consultant hired, Report produced Consultant's report d. Implement the recommendations of the consultancy DEPC (all stakeholders identified in the report) 2015-2016 3,000,000 AusAID, NZAID, USAID, NGOs Reduction in plastic bag usage Importation statistics for plastic bags 13. Develop appropriate collection services for the provincial centres 2012-2016 11,200,000 a. Seek technical assistance to conduct time and motion studies on waste collection in Port Vila and Luganville Municipal & Provincial councils, DEPC (SPREP, VNTC, VIT) 2012 200,000 SPREP, JICA, AusAID, NZAID, Universities Study conducted with recommendations for improvement Time & Motion Study report b. Implement recommendations from the study using existing resources as much as possible Councils (DEPC) 2013-2016 - AusAID, NZAID, JICA, GEF5, ADB, GIP Waste collection system improved Independent time & motion study 38 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions c. Develop project proposal to implement additional recommendations from time and motion study, which cannot be implemented with existing resources (e.g., procurement of additional garbage trucks, bins) and seek funding Councils (DEPC) 2013 10,000,000 AusAID, NZAID, JICA, GEF5, ADB, GIP Project proposals developed Project proposals, concept notes d. Evaluate the cost recovery mechanisms for waste collection in Port Vila and Luganville and develop a proposal to modify/implement mechanisms. Seek technical assistance if necessary to support the evaluation of the mechanisms Councils (DEPC) 2012 1,000,000 SPREP Cost recovery mechanisms evaluated, proposal developed to modify/improve Evaluation report, Proposal 14. Develop environmentally sound facilities for disposal of solid waste and medical waste, septic sludge and residues 2011-2016 70,100,000 a. Develop concept notes and project proposals for upgrading existing facilities (e.g. purchase and installation of a weigh bridge at Bouffa landfill, upgrading Luganville dumpsite) and aggressively seek funding to implement them DEPC, Municipal Councils, Provincial Councils (MoH, 2012 70,000,000 JICA, AusAID, NZAID, SPREP, PROC, ADB, GIP Project proposals developed and submitted to donors Project proposals, concept notes, donor correspondence b. Develop landfill guidelines for Bouffa semi aerobic landfill Councils (DEPC) 2012 100,000 JICA, SPREP, national sources Landfill guidelines developed Approved landfill guidelines c. Initiate dialogue with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, which is the executing agency for the ADB Project that includes a review of the sanitation master plan. This dialogue should focus on identifying strategic linkages between the master plan and this national waste management strategy, and opportunities for funding relevant activities in this strategy. DEPC (MIPU) 2013 - - Dialogue established, opportunities for cooperation discussed Minutes of meeting d. Undertake any actions identified during dialogue with MIPU. DEPC 2011-2016 ? ADB Actions identified during discussions are implemented Correspondence, Minutes of Meeting Assumes actions have been identified 15. Develop an environmental monitoring program for closed dumpsites, existing dumpsites and landfills, and other contaminated sites 2013-2016 1,030,000 39 | P a g e Action Lead Agency (Other Stakeholders) Time frame (for completion) Indicative Budget for the timeframe (VT) Possible sources of: funding, TAs, & partnerships Performance Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions a. Convene a meeting/workshop with key stakeholders to identify initial sites to be monitored, items for monitoring (e.g. surface water such as rivers, groundwater, gas), and existing capacity for monitoring. Discuss and agree a way forward. DEPC (EHU, Councils, UNELCO) 2013 30,000 Universities, Meeting convened Meeting minutes b. Seek technical assistance to prepare the outline of the monitoring program (location, items for monitoring, methods, equipment needs, etc) DEPC 2013 500,000 SPREP Outline of environmental monitoring program prepared Environmental Monitoring Program c. Seek funding to implement the environmental monitoring program DEPC (EHU, Councils) 2013-2016 500,000 AusAID, NZAID, JICA, GEF5, ADB Funding secured and program implemented Financing Agreement 16. Establish a National Waste Management Coordinating Committee to facilitate cooperation among agencies with respect to the management of the different types of wastes 2011 130,000 a. Develop the draft terms of reference (TOR) explaining powers, duties, and responsibilities, etc for the coordinating committee DEPC 2011 - - Draft TOR developed Draft TOR b. Identify the primary stakeholders for membership of the committee and convene a meeting with these stakeholders to refine and finalize the draft TOR. Particular attention should be paid to the representation from rural subsistence communities lacking government presence (possibly through churches and schools) to ensure that the needs of these communities are adequately considered during the implementation of the National Strategy. DEPC (DLQS, PWD, PHD, DGMWR, MoH, Live & Learn, Wan Smolbag, schools, churches) 2011 30,000 DEPC budget, other national sources Meeting convened Meeting minutes, Finalized TOR Stakeholders willing to participate in the Committee c. Launch the committee DEPC 2011 100,000 DEPC budget, other national sources Committee established Launch program, Instrument of appointment or establishment of the committee TOTAL ESTIMATE 2011-2016 93,310,000