Vanuatu National Ozone Unit

07/04/2026

The Vanuatu National Ozone Unit (NOU) recently attended the Regional Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The meeting was hosted by the PNG NOU in partnership with UNEP and brought together ozone officers from across the region to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and discuss ongoing work under the Montreal Protocol.

Alongside the network meeting, thematic workshops for Customs and Energy Officers were held to strengthen coordination between agencies responsible for monitoring refrigerant trade and improving energy efficiency in cooling systems.

Vanuatu was represented by the NOU along with Customs Officer Mr Ronald Noah, Energy Officer Mr Willie Obed and Mr Stanley Trief of the Vanuatu Electronic Single Window System, highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors in managing controlled substances and improving trade monitoring systems.

During the sessions, Vanuatu participated in presentations and discussions on energy efficiency in the cooling sector, as well as trade control mechanisms using the Electronic Single Window System. The exchange of experiences with other Pacific countries provided valuable insights into improving licensing systems, strengthening enforcement of refrigerant trade regulations, and promoting sustainable cooling practices.

The meeting also created opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing among Pacific countries facing similar challenges, helping to build stronger regional cooperation in protecting the ozone layer and supporting the transition to climate friendly and energy efficient cooling solutions.

We look forward to applying the knowledge gained from the meeting to continue strengthening coordination, improving monitoring systems, and supporting sustainable cooling efforts in the country in partnership with our stakeholders.

Bigfala Tankiu to the PNG NOU and the PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority for being our wonderful host for this meeting. Lukim ufala bageken! 🙌🏼🇵🇬

05/04/2026

How Vanuatu charted a smarter path to cleaner cooling. Read the story here:

StoryHow Vanuatu charted a smarter path to cleaner cooling 26 March, 2026In Vanuatu, the cost of energy is high, the climate is fragile, and every policy decision echoes across communities, businesses, and public institutions. So, when the opportunity came to reform how the country manages refrigera...

18/03/2026

Today, 18 March 2026, an informal meeting was successfully held in Port Vila to initiate discussions on the establishment of a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Association.

The meeting brought together technicians operating RAC businesses in Port Vila, providing a valuable platform to share experiences and collectively brainstorm the way forward for establishing the association. Discussions focused on potential structure, policies and the formalization of the association.

Participants also agreed that follow-up meetings will be organized, with the hope of welcoming more technicians and stakeholders from across the RAC industry to be part of this important initiative.

The establishment of an RAC Association is expected to bring many benefits, including strengthening professional standards, creating networking and support opportunities, enhancing skills development, training and more.

This marks an important first step toward building a more coordinated and resilient RAC sector. 💪🏽

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DEPC

03/03/2026

Do you know about HFCs? 💭

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are gases commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and cooling systems. While they do not damage the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Under the Montreal Protocol, countries are working together to phase down HFCs and promote climate-friendly alternatives. By improving energy efficiency and using safer refrigerants, we can protect our environment from harmful substances.

For more information, call us on 33430 or visit our office at DEPC Nambatu.

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DEPC

02/03/2026

🔥 Ring Of Fire Is Wide Awake This Weekend 🔥
Sunday, March 1, 2026

Our Sunday check on the Ring of Fire shows a full arc of movement. Alaska is active, Japan is lighting up, Indonesia is packed with quakes, New Zealand is shifting, and South America is showing fresh motion. The entire Pacific rim is active at the same time and the pattern shows pressure building across the system.

Some sections stay quiet while everything around them moves. Those are the ones that usually release next.

27/02/2026

We’ve just reached 500 followers! Thank you for continuing support. We could never have made it without each and every one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

27/02/2026

This week are pleased to have with us the UNEP CAP Mission to Vanuatu, led by Mrs. Vika Rogers from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) CAP based in Bangkok, Thailand.

As the implementing agency for projects under the Montreal Protocol, UNEP continues to provide valuable technical and policy support to Vanuatu through activities funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF).

During the mission, we successfully carried out:

• Stakeholder consultations with key partners and industry representatives
• Site visits to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) and Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) workshops
• Ongoing work on the National Inventory of ODS/HFCs with local consultant
• continuous Discussions on current projects under MLF funding

The consultations provided an important platform to strengthen collaboration, assess progress, and identify practical steps to enhance compliance with our national obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

We sincerely thank Mrs. Vika Rogers and UNEP CAP team for their continued partnership and technical guidance. Together, we remain committed to protecting the ozone layer and supporting Vanuatu in fulfilling its obligations. We wish you safe travels back and look forward to seeing you again in Vanuatu. 😊

20/02/2026

What a successful week it has been for us at NOU.

📢 1st Stakeholder Consultation Meeting in Port Vila.

On Thursday 19 February 2026, the National Ozone Unit under the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) convened a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting in Port Vila to discuss Vanuatu’s ongoing commitments and upcoming obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from, the private sector and RAC industry representatives to discuss and get updates on:

- Vanuatu’s HCFC phase-out timeline (2030)
- The HFC phase-down schedule under the Kigali Amendment
- National regulatory updates and compliance measures
- Licensing, quota systems, and reporting requirements
- Strengthening coordination and enforcement

The consultation provided an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility as Vanuatu continues its transition towards ozone-friendly and climate-friendly alternatives.

NOU continues to appreciate the valuable contributions from all stakeholders and looks forward to continued partnership in protecting our environment and future generations. 🙌🏼

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DEPC

20/02/2026

📢 Customs Officers Refresher Training, Port Vila 2026.

On Wednesday 18 February 2026, the National Ozone Unit under the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) successfully conducted a Refresher Training workshop for Customs Officers in Port Vila.

The training workshop focused on strengthening border control and enforcement in relation to controlled substances, and ODS import permits enforced by DEPC under the OLP Act and Regulation including illegal trades.

Customs Officers are on the frontline of protecting Vanuatu from illegal trade in controlled substances. Their role is critical in ensuring compliance with national regulations and meeting our international obligations.

We thank all officers for their active participation and continued commitment to protecting the ozone layer. 🙌🏼

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DEPC

20/02/2026

📢 Customs Brokers Refresher Training, Port Vila.

On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the National Ozone Unit under the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) successfully conducted a Refresher Training for Customs Brokers in Port Vila.

The training strengthened participants’ understanding of:

- Proper declaration of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and HFCs
- Import and export permit requirements
- Reporting and compliance procedures
- Vanuatu’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol
- The HCFC phase-out timeline (2030)
- The HFC phase-down schedule under the Kigali Amendment

Customs brokers play a critical role in ensuring controlled substances are accurately declared and properly documented at the border. Their cooperation is essential for Vanuatu to meet its international obligations.

NOU appreciates the active participation and engagement of all brokers who attended and looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen compliance and enforcement efforts. 🙌🏼

Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation DEPC

23/12/2025

📢 Public Notice: Minimal Services at DEPC 📢

The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) wishes to inform the general public that minimal services will be in operation during this period from 22nd December 2025 to 2nd of January 2026 as per the Circular No.48 of 2025.

🔹 Office visits are available in the mornings for urgent matters only, please visit our office during this time.

Normal operations will fully resume on 5th January 2026. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we manage essential services during this period.

Thank you and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous new year 2026 from the DEPC team. 🎄🎉