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I'm interested to know more and grow cocoa

This is a great piece by Peter Judge. Peter raises critical points regarding the economic challenges faced by Vanuatu, including the significant decline in government revenue and the impact of the liquidation of Air Vanuatu on VAT returns. His suggestions for achieving rapid economic growth through productive capacity expansion are commendable. However, as we look forward, might I add, it is important to consider Vanuatu's unique strengths and its international commitments to biodiversity. A. Integrating Vanuatu’s Safety Nets: Customary Land as Economic Resilience While boosting productive capacity and foreign investments are important, the resilience of Vanuatu’s economy cannot be separated from the customary land tenure system. Indeed it may be agued that over-reliance on foreign investments exposes the economy. Over 80% of Vanuatu’s land is held under customary ownership, which provides a significant social safety net during economic crises. Access to customary land has historically protected communities during times of economic hardship, allowing them to rely on traditional agriculture and resources. This is a unique form of wealth that is not captured in traditional GDP metrics but plays a critical role in social stability and food security. Judge’s focus on productive capacity expansion should therefore be complemented by efforts to strengthen and protect customary land rights, ensuring that this vital safety net remains intact. Doing so not only preserves social cohesion but also provides an economic buffer against future crises. B. Aligning Economic Strategy with Biodiversity Targets Vanuatu is a global leader in environmental conservation, and any economic recovery plan must align with its role in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 targets. These targets commit countries to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030, which is critical for safeguarding biodiversity and combating climate change. Intervention on Indigenous Peoples' role in biodiversity, lands managed by indigenous communities often demonstrate better conservation outcomes than state-protected areas. Vanuatu’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic one. Healthy ecosystems provide services that underpin sectors like tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, which are cornerstones of Vanuatu’s economy. Therefore, economic responses should prioritize nature-based solutions and sustainable development that contribute to these biodiversity targets. By leveraging international financing (Green Climate Fund and Biodiversity Funds etc) Vanuatu can secure investment to both protect biodiversity and foster sustainable economic growth. C. Developing Resilient Economies Based on New Definitions of Well-being As the world faces increasingly complex global challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic inequality—traditional models of economic growth are becoming outdated. It might even be argued that those economic growth models are irresponsible on a planetary scale Vanuatu’s current economic difficulties should be viewed as an opportunity to pioneer a new model of well-being, one that is planetary in scale and based on the well-being of ecosystems as well as people. The Kunming-Montreal Targets emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Vanuatu’s economic strategy should thus shift from a focus solely on GDP growth to a more holistic approach that values ecosystem services, social well-being, and climate resilience. This new model would not only benefit Vanuatu but could serve as a blueprint for other nations. By integrating indigenous knowledge systems and customary land practices with modern economic policies, Vanuatu can demonstrate how small island developing states (SIDS) can build robust, resilient economies that thrive within the natural limits of the planet. This would position Vanuatu not just as a participant in global economic systems, but as a leader in redefining what true prosperity means in the 21st century. Summary: While Peter Judge’s recommendations for increasing productive capacity and foreign investment are valuable, they must be integrated with Vanuatu’s customary land-based safety nets and commitment to global biodiversity targets. Furthermore, the current economic challenges provide a platform for developing a new model of economic resilience that goes beyond traditional metrics like GDP, focusing instead on planetary well-being and sustainability. This holistic approach will ensure that Vanuatu emerges not only economically stronger but as a regional leader in sustainable development. Happy biological diversity month:)

We don't need to raise VAT, Just cut unessary spending, implement a public sector reform to strengthen public institutions and improve quality of government spending.

Fiscal consolidation in Sri Lanka since the 2022 crisis has only marginally depended on spending cuts and mostly relied on revenue measures taking tax collections from 7.3 percent of GDP at the low point in 2022 to 9.6 percent of GDP in 2023 and heading to 12.4 percent of GDP in 2024. VAT rates at 20 percent and higher may become problematic. Perhaps Vanuatu should finally move to a more balanced tax system that includes income tax like most countries.

This is a commendable summary about the lives of refugees and positive support of them, in Jordan a country caught between too many local conflicts. I noticed on the banner in the photo that the Australian Government is involved. This article should be presented - forcefully - the Australian media, detailing how refugees live and why Australian aid matters. Not often publicised and the impacts of our aid are too often forgotten.

I have read Kieran's book too and really enjoyed it. I have been to PNG many times myself, so was struck by how well Kieran can paint a vivid image of a PNG scene in just a few words. As just one example, he writes about the character Ellen going towards a local building that he describes as: "a building of native materials on stilts standing over pieces of lawn and beds of bright flowers edged with white stones". Great image.

It's now been confirmed that if you have a job that meets the adequate means requirement.

No information, sorry. I agree it would be interesting.

This article raises important points about the global water crisis and some exciting solutions. I love the focus on small-scale desalination and reusing wastewater, which can really help communities in need.

I have a question and that is how is the PEV ballot being processed; as in are people still being approved? is the department going through each application to consider people to apply?

Thanks for outlining your findings so clearly. Super useful for me to better understand the context of our work in Bougainville.

It has taken a little while to catch up on the sad loss of Tony. I am Tony's cousin, Andrew Fraser. A very interesting article, containing many features I wasn't aware of regarding his many achievements and aims. Regards to all his family.