The Port Vila Urban Greening Master Plan is a strategic initiative designed to enhance and protect the city's natural assets, known as green infrastructure. Developed under the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) Programme, the plan provides a long-term vision to improve Port Vila’s environmental quality, resilience to climate change, and overall livability.
Key Objectives:
- Expand Urban Greenery: Aims to increase urban canopy cover by 30% by 2030, providing shade, cooling, and improving air quality.
- Enhance Public Green Spaces: Focuses on making parks, streets, and public areas more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
- Boost Climate Resilience: Implements strategies to combat urban heat islands, improve stormwater management, and protect biodiversity.
- Strengthen Urban Planning & Regulations: Advocates for policy changes to ensure the protection and sustainable management of green spaces.
- Support Economic & Social Wellbeing: Improves Port Vila’s appeal as a green and clean capital, fostering tourism, national pride, and community health.
Plan Focus Areas:
The strategy covers four key precincts, each with unique environmental and urban characteristics:
- Northern & Southern Gateways: Enhancing greenery along main entry corridors from the airport and wharf.
- Central Business District (CBD): Creating a more pedestrian-friendly and shaded city core.
- Administrative & Cultural Precincts: Improving the government and national heritage zones with well-maintained green spaces.
- Public Parks & Conservation Areas: Strengthening natural landscapes, urban forests, and biodiversity hotspots.
Implementation & Community Involvement:
The Plan was developed with stakeholder engagement, community consultations, and expert assessments. It aligns with national policies to ensure sustainable urban growth and climate adaptation.
By investing in urban greening, Port Vila can enhance its resilience, economic vitality, and quality of life, ensuring a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future for all.