Located in the South Pacific, the small, low-lying islands of Vanuatu are home to immense cultural and ecological diversity. However, these beautiful islands and the locals who call them home are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, natural disasters, population growth, and the threat of a growing tourism industry.
Maintaining traditional knowledge and developing innovative solutions are key for locals to build resilience to the pressing challenges they face today – especially when women are given a seat at the table.
That’s why Island Reach, a local organization and Global Greengrants Fund grantee, has been empowering local people to become environmental leaders and mentors in their community. These “resource monitors” work in collaboration with local chiefs and community stakeholders towards the goal of sustainable, community-managed conservation and greater resilience to natural disasters and a warming world.
In 2017, the group used a Greengrant to increase the number of women resource monitors on the islands. They also used this funding to produce an inspiring new video – an important medium used by the organization for knowledge sharing and raising awareness – which introduces women from around Vanuatu who are at the forefront of climate action. Watch the video below to meet the women leaders driving change on the islands.