Press Releases
Looking for more press releases? Explore our full press release archive by date to access past announcements, news updates, and media releases published on Vanuatu Free Press.

Changing the narrative – experts discuss how circularity can improve waste management in the Pacific
1 October 2024, Port Vila – Waste management and recycling experts from around the region have gathered in Port Vila, Vanuatu this week to convene the Circular Economy workshop which will focus on changing the narrative on how the region...

U.S. Navy Leads Multinational Team in Pacific Partnership Mission
The Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) mission team worked alongside allies and partners to strengthen relationships and bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services. The group also supported efforts to reduce the risk...

How Does Ghost Gear Affect Small Island Developing States?
In 2016, I first traveled to the island nation of Vanuatu with a mission: to understand the real-life impacts of ghost gear(abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear) on the local communities. When you look at Vanuatu’s remote location...

Effective management of disaster waste a key to disaster risk reduction and resilience
4 October 2024 – Port Vila, Vanuatu – There is one thing that is always a certainty when a disaster strikes, and that is increased waste will be created by the disaster. The Pacific region is identified to be the most prone to natural disasters...

Forest and Nature Reserves encroachment can lead Taveuni into a crisis
The development of Taveuni’s agriculture has increasingly been at odds with the need to protect and conserve its natural environment. As encroachment into the Taveuni Forest Reserve and Ravilevu Nature Reserve for agricultural production of dalo...

Immersive Study Tour Commences on Invasive Species Management to Empower Pacific Battlers
17 September 2024, Auckland: A regional study tour, set to be a learning and knowledge exchange-based programme, that provides participants with a unique chance to delve into invasive species management and acquire essential skills for leading...

MEDIA RELEASE – Samoa Police Celebrate Milestone in Regional Law Enforcement Training
Matautu, Samoa – September 24, 2024 – A significant ceremony was held at the Police Interim Training Centre in Matautu to conclude a three-week Basic Motorcycle Rider Training program, marking a historic moment for the Samoa Police, Prisons &...

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE – Green transformation of transport sector in Samoa receives major boost with mass donation of 76 EVs from UNDP to the Government of Samoa
SAMOA, October 3 - 03 October 2024 Apia, SAMOA – Seventy-six electric vehicles (EVs) were handed over to the Government of Samoa earlier today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), thanks to a major regional project that Samoa is...

Press Release – Fourth SPREP Executive Board Meeting opens in Samoa
4 September 2024, Apia Samoa – The crucial role played by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to ensure a resilient Pacific environment sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures...

Fourth SPREP Executive Board Meeting opens in Samoa
Island and Ocean Ecosystems Climate Change Resilience Environmental Monitoring and Governance Waste Management and Pollution Control General News 4 September 2024, Apia Samoa – The crucial role played by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional...

Minister of Health and Chair of Parliamentary Health Committee attend 8th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health
Minister of Health and Chair of Parliamentary Health Committee attend 8th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health MP for East Honiara, the Hon Morris Toiraena, Chair of Solomon Islands Parliamentary Health Committee. PC: WHO Dr Sam...

PS Dr Rodie attends ADB Project Implementation Seminar in Nadi, Fiji
PS Dr Rodie attends ADB Project Implementation Seminar in Nadi, Fiji Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie was among senior officials from the government ministries in the pacific...

PM MANELE ATTENDS LEADERS’ PLENARY MEETINGS AND BILATERALS IN TONGA
PM MANELE ATTENDS LEADERS’ PLENARY MEETINGS AND BILATERALS IN TONGA Prime Minister honorable Jeremiah Manele attended the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting for the first time as the head of the government. The PIF leaders meeting took place in...

Fourth Clean Pacific Roundtable advances journey towards Cleaner Pacific
9 August 2024, Funafuti Tuvalu – The Fourth Clean Pacific Roundtable (4CPRT) guided by the theme “Clean Environment. Resilient Oceans. Healthy Communities” has closed with a renewed focus to strengthen regional cooperation, collaboration,...

With the benefit of hindsight: Currents 2024
Multilateral events and processes carried on in 2024, but its limitations were increasingly evident to participants and observers. UN negotiations confronted severe headwinds at key events intended to increase global commitments, actions and...

Pacific Partnership 24-2
The mission commenced on July 15, with U.S. and Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF) service members conducting meet and greets and information exchanges with the Vanuatu medical staff at the Port Vila Central Hospital. Pacific Partnership 2024-2...

Navakacoa women and youth join efforts to rehabilitate mangroves
Navakacoa village is located on the northeastern coastline of Taveuni island, and its community is dependent on fish and marine resources for subsistence and livelihoods. However, over the years, the people of Navakacoa have been experiencing a...

Work to reduce marine pollution in Pacific countries discussed at 4CPRT
6 August 2024, Funafuti Tuvalu - The Pacific Ocean is the lifeblood of our Pacific communities. It sustains livelihoods, cultures, and economies. However, the growing threats of marine pollution as a result of oil spills, marine invasive species,...

Pacific Islands region waste management challenges under the microscope at Fourth Clean Pacific Roundtable
5 August 2024, Funafuti Tuvalu - Officials and delegates at the Fourth Clean Pacific Roundtable (4CPRT) have been urged to develop tailor-made waste disposal and management measures that are of practical use and application to circumstances in...

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT – PRF and SRWMA Convene Inaugural Grassroots Pacific Recyclers Meeting in Fiji
1 Aug 2024: Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association (SRWMA) are thrilled to announce the Inaugural Pacific Recyclers Meeting, set to take place at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji, from...