Over the course of 10 years, the World Bank has supported efforts by the government of Vanuatu to build the skills and institutions needed to manage frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and increasingly severe cyclones. This collaboration with one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries could serve as a model for other small island states facing similar challenges.
The World Bank has been active in Vanuatu since the 1980s, focusing on disaster risk management over the past decade. This includes building on geohazard monitoring work initiated by Dr. Esline Garaebiti in 1997. Dr. Garaebiti, one of the first female geoscientists in the Pacific and a recipient of a Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership Award, is now Director General of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Climate Change.
Tevi Obed, the World Bank’s Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist in Vanuatu, emphasized his long-term commitment to working with local officials: “What I can offer to the partnership with the government is to be relevant, trusted, and strategic over the long term,” he stated. Together with Dr. Garaebiti, Obed has worked to enhance Vanuatu’s monitoring network.
“The World Bank helped develop Vanuatu’s seismic monitoring network and link it to a national multi-hazard warning center," said Obed. "These stations around the country transmit real-time data to the national center." This system enables Vanuatu to detect up to 100 earthquakes daily and respond effectively to major events like the 2017 eruption on Ambae Island.
In addition to geological threats, Vanuatu faces increasingly severe cyclones. In response to Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015, which was tracked continuously by local weather forecasters despite challenging conditions, the World Bank invested US$50 million in recovery efforts. These included rebuilding infrastructure such as roads and schools across multiple islands.
The National Advisory Board for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (NAB), established in 2012 with support from the World Bank, combines climate change and disaster management into one joint committee. “The NAB makes my life easier,” said Director General Garaebiti. “When we get heads of all relevant departments together...we don’t leave anyone behind with our funding.”
Leisande Otto, Liaison Officer at the World Bank in Vanuatu, highlighted ongoing institutional strengthening efforts: “As a result of our partnership...a disaster recovery team has been trained within the Department of Planning.” The team conducted its first post-disaster needs assessment following cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023.
Future initiatives may include applying disaster risk considerations to urban planning. “The World Bank helped us develop our first ever multi-hazard risk maps,” noted Dr. Garaebiti. A recent US$25 million project aims to improve resilience and services in informal settlements around Port Vila.