Recent Stories
CYCLING: CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUILD A BETTER VANUATU
Vanuatu has the opportunity of embracing cycling as an appropriate commuting alternative to motor vehicles. This is not just about the Vanuatu’s commitments to address the climate crisis, but about doing the right thing to address multiple contributions to the...
Better than “Walking the Talk” is “Cycling the Talk”
Vanuatu climate diplomacy led to a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which is pressing for international climate action. This is a clear demonstration of climate leadership from Vanuatu, saying what needs to be done: Now, not later. This is a logical and sensible...
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
The children of Erakor Bridge, Bibingo squad or "The Voice of Erakor Lagoons", have been consistency active to protect the Erakor Lagoons with awareness activities for adults, clean ups and planting mangroves at Emtem Lagoon. On the 22 July, Solomon Yeo, a lawyer and...
What are Humans Rights without Nature Rights?
Vanuatu is on the forefront of the fight of climate justice by pursuing the concept that there is a clear link between the Climate Crisis and Human Rights. The Vanuatu's initiative to put forward a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly is very important...
2023 World Environment Week
Once again the Erakor Council of Chiefs, Vanuatu Clean, Toti Lagoon Acoustic Band and Vanuatu Cycling Federation had an important contribution to put together an educational and awareness program for a full week between 2 June to 10 June. Poster of the event:...
Last hope for the Lagoons: Minister of Climate Change and Environment visit
In May 2023, the Chief of Solwota, Marik Waoute requested a meeting with Minister of Climate Change and Environment to discuss the main challenges with the implementation of the Erakor Lagoons Restoration Plan: government authorities’ indifference; ; No responses to...
Seeking for an appropriate plastics policy to Save the Paradise
Introduction In January 2018, Vanuatu banned plastic bags and few other single use plastic items. Recently, 16 March 2023, Vanuatu's invited Pacific Countries to commit for a fossil-free Pacific, the signatory countries – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue and the...
Cynthia, her friends, the Princess and the beautiful Lagoons from Paradise
Once Upon a time there was an archipelago of islands in the Pacific Ocean where there was a perfect harmony between Nature and People, since the first People who arrived there by canoes from many other northern islands. Many centuries later there were first visitors...
The United Nations General Assembly approves by consensus the Vanuatu’s initiative to request an advisory opinion to the International Court of Justice
A successful story in the history of the climate fight that gives hope to all climate activists and scientific community Here is the record of the Historical from 29th of March 2023 decision, with around 50 news in the International Media and a flashback audio...
Climates assists the Municipal Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries course in Ekoftau and the Exchange program between Nugna Island Communities and Erakor
A cooperation between the Council of Chiefs of Erakor, as part of the Erakor Lagoons Restoration Plan, Vanuatu Climate Action Network and the Ekoftau Wellbeing and Environment Association have started the free online course Municipal Solid Waste Management in...
Ekftau hosted a visit of the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships
Intro: French diplomats and staff of the French embassy have been invited to the community of Erakor Bridge and Council of Chiefs of Erakor Village in previous occasions. Namely community fundraisings an other official visits. More recently, in August 2022, Ekoftau...
Erakor Lagoons Restoration Plan
ERAKOR LAGOONS RESTORATION PLAN MAP This plan is in a public consultation phase. All stakeholders and partners are encouraged to participate and provide inputs to improve the plan. The plan simply 3 main objectives: Stop pollution Clean the Lagoons Restore the Lagoons...
An appropriate toilet system suitable for flooding and high ground water context
After completing the Exploration workshop for the SCE (sanitation in challenging environment) project. The Steering committee with community member representatives from Erakor Bridge validate the toilet design. Over a year ago, Engineers without Borders initiated its...
Vanuatu Cycling Federation and World Bicycle Day
https://youtu.be/eFdbvO5Q1zk
International World Bicycle day celebration a success
By Adele Willie Jun 4, 2022 Over 100 riders participated in the International World Bicycle Day. Vanuatu joined other countries in the world to commemorate the International Bicycle day yesterday at Feiawa Park, Sea Front in the heart of Port Vila. The celebration...
World Bicycle Day 2022 in Vanuatu
https://youtu.be/v8znWFVosXg
International World Bicycle Day Today
Adele Willie 3 June 2022 Vanuatu will be joining other countries in the world to celebrate World International Bicycle day today. Vanuatu Bicycle Federation (VBF) will be celebrating for the first time the World Bicycle Day today at Feiawa Park (Sea Front) in Port...
Vanuatu Cycling Federation Strategic Plan
Between November 2021 and March 2022 the Communities of Erakor Bridge, Mele and Pango provided some feedback and inputs to the idea of reestablish the Vanuatu Cycling Federation. [video width="1920" height="1080"...
Mele Community welcome Vanuatu Clean
Youth of Pango and Erakor Bridge are with Mele Rivers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpPn_C7KwYk&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=45 https://youtu.be/mcG3t7KKm3I
Current Affairs: Erakor Lagoons Restoration Plan
Marik Waoute Patrick, Chief blong Solwota on Tokback show
https://youtu.be/FSaMCSK5yqA
Erakor Paramount Chief is positive about Saving the Erakor Lagoons
https://youtu.be/_B3SuhaDSlU
Chief of the Sea, interview on 107 on Erakor Lagoons
Water Association formed to monitor swimming sites
A new association was recently established called the Vanuatu Coastal Water Association, aimed at monitoring and testing the water quality of the swimming sites, currently around Port Vila. On Wednesday this week, stakeholders of the Water sector gathered for their...
Lagoons still unsafe for swimming: DoWR
The Department of Water Resources (DoWR) has been conducting a case study on both the Emten and Ekasuvat Lagoons since 2020. The findings confirmed the quality of water to be really toxic with harmful Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria and algae which makes the water...
Ken White announces The Voice of Erakor Lagoons at Tokback Show
Lands Minister assures dialogue on new sewage facility soon
SOON... Minister of Lands, Edward Nalyal, has expressed his alarm at the terrible state of contamination in both the Emten (second) and Ekasuvat (first) Lagoons. He made this clear during the “Vois Blong Erakor Bridge” event on Saturday. Minister Nalyal said he...
Call to Save the Erakor Lagoons
https://www.vbtc.vu/kol-blong-sevem-solwota-blong-erakor/?fbclid=IwAR2LAM_pl8SOCSFWpzjfVOXKreI9_HAjAIBhXPHQqSnwBbIFuhp3ZrfFFe0
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources promise to Save the Erakor Lagoons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abvRguNn3Js&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=39
Thank you Vanuatu Police Force to respond to the Bibingo Squad and the Voice of Erakor Lagoons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe1m3QKRc4&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=40
Erakor Bridge Community resident David Kalsal, a vocal campaigner for improved access to safe sanitation.
Across the world, 3.6 billion people are living without access to safe sanitation. For many communities, conventional, affordable and easy-to-construct toilets are not a viable option due to the environmental landscape of the areas they live in. This lack of...
Paramount Chief of Erakor on the Voice of Erakor Lagoons
https://youtu.be/G0nIh3waqpA
Children of Erakor Bridge explain the Voice of Erakor Lagoons
Erakor Lagoons again abused by private interests.
Authorities too busy, distracted or have no funds... Thank you John Magawaiwai for, once again, standing up for the Erakor Lagoons! John explains how two running in parallel authority systems: an official (Western) established by the Constitution, and an unofficial...
Bicycles will help Vanuatu Clean
Erakor Bridge, Pango, Mele and Melemaat Youths are seeking ideas to put together a plan to revive the Cycling Federation of Vanuatu. All interested may join this initiative [video width="1920" height="1080"...
Youth leadership in environmental sustainability and conservation
Erakor Bridge Community won a 2020 award Youth leadership in environmental sustainability and conservation presented in a meeting of Environment Ministers of the Pacific (SPREP) The Erakor Bridge Community is located in a peri urban area of Port Vila. Few families are...
Nothing has been done with the Hospital Waste Water Plant
https://www.vbtc.vu/en/no-fix-on-vila-hospital-pollution-of-lagoon/?fbclid=IwAR0LC10Q8JWp6SleeMmOcZkDqDZdfO-WzaZ2Vh5S1zzU9W4emumgnLgPswE
Save the Erakor Lagoons
Help us to protect the Erakor Lagoons by expressing your solidarity with the Erakor Bridge Community Fish are dying at Erakor Lagoons. We all need to Act together before we lose them forever. A PLEDGE TO DEFEND THE ERAKOR LAGOONS The Community of Erakor Bridge is...
Developing a sanitation solution to Vanuatu’s Emten Lagoon pollution
Featured Image: Satellite image of Emten Lagoon on Efate Island, Vanuatu. Credit: Google Earth and CNES/Airbus. Emten Lagoon is a picturesque and important part of Vanuatu’s Efate Island, with the several communities that reside nearby relying on it for livelihood and...
Erakor Bridge Community Centre opening
Call for an increase spending on Youth
The Voice of the Erakor Lagoons
The Independence Canoe refurbished in 2017 to collect floating plastics from Erakor Lagoons After consistent clean ups, mangrove plantations and a fishing ban for 5 years, the Community of Erakor Bridge is disappointed with the lack of action from the authorities and...
On the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis
Crucial action taken by the world’s wealthiest and biggest polluters could affect the long-term survival of developing countries, especially low-lying island nations like Vanuatu. Made up of 83 islands in the South Pacific,...
Children of Erakor Bridge plan the Voice of Erakor Lagoons
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P4oSEB8RAY9Zwu37fFEyHKsHCPJN1ZjB/view?fbclid=IwAR1Ja_m0wzZcoBLhdpfiqnKP378XwOjLOhyS2R0i7nHAw2vINM8PiXnWUUQ
Vanuatu Storian with Exxpedition a only women scientists network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1e7WZLqk10
Fish dying in Emten Lagoon, no funds for waste assessment
Residents want an assessment to determine the cause of the fish kills and are warned not to consume the fish Residents at the Erakor Bridge Community in south Efate have reported finding dead fish in Emten Lagoon. The dead fish were found over the last several days....
Toti Lagoon December 2020
People and Fish are sick from negligence
https://youtu.be/9ECvEZwNY3E
Sipa Tio Band to come and clean Mele rivers and organise a fundraising for the fish
https://youtu.be/ekOX9zPZl5A
Vila Central Hospital issued with Direction Notice
By Anita Roberts The Chlorination Tank.With high turbidity, chlorination is not effective, according to the water quality report. Photos: DoWR The outlet drain that discharges the water further from the shoreline is broken, with leakage of wastewater. VCH pipe. The...
National Referral Hospital needs new sewage system: Dr. Harry
Vila Central Hospital’s current sewage system Vila Central Hospital (VCH) needs a new sewage system. The national referral hospital’s sewage system is also polluting Ekasuvat or First Lagoon. VCH Superintendent, Dr. Tony Harry said the sewage system is from the 1960s...
The People of Seaside Police stand up… worries about Pollution at Erakor Lagoons!
Head News Hospital a public health risk...? https://www.facebook.com/vbtc.vu/videos/649002525772250/ https://www.facebook.com/vbtc.vu/videos/649002525772250/
Either Government or Chiefs have the authority to stop pollution, But…
Either Government or Chiefs have the authority to stop pollution. Businesses, individuals and hospital... Please ACT NOW: Stop leaking waste water into the Erakor Lagoons! Protect our People and Marine Resources! Thank you Department of Water Resources-Vanuatu...
Pollution at Erakor Bridge is affecting People and Nature
Littoral Resorts Address Contaminated Lagoon
Owners of three Resorts along Emten to Erakor Lagoon have shared their views concerning the bacterium found in the water, which is another problem to tackle once the borders open. General Manager of Tropicana Lagoon, Peter Forgaty mentioned that his staff have been...
Contaminated Lagoons Force Chiefs to Act
Water analysis on Emtem lagoon and Erakor lagoon by Vanuatu Engie Services have confirmed high levels of Enterococci, a bacterium which indicates the presence of faecal matter.
No more allegations: Scientific evidence of pollution
Interview from Tribal Chief Marik Koftau https://www.facebook.com/Vanuatuclean/posts/1687365228105095 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PMnCL5FNolry6lnQ37IHmirJscuvEul2/view?fbclid=IwAR1P2yhnbbB4Yk0PFqi00Is5PODZBtMW5FEQyIOX-v43En54COn4wday-1A ...
Erakor Bridge Chief is well advised with science on his side
Marik Koftau interview by Buzz FM on Erakor Lagoons water analysis https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PMnCL5FNolry6lnQ37IHmirJscuvEul2/view?fbclid=IwAR0M4HQwqrMy-8967WZWqIuRxCaC1PWmYgnbMYtCZsjMRy8w2AURvfB6vDM
Erakor with Pango Beach
https://youtu.be/1bhInwuwybo
Pango & Erakor cooperation to Clean Takabe river
https://youtu.be/_H0bgo1DEYE
Erakor Bridge Enviromental Fighters encourages more cyclists
The Erakor Bridge Enviromental Fighters[EBEF] put on a fundraising activity at Samu Nakamal to encourage more people to go into cycling last Friday. A member of the EBEF, good friend and mentor to a lot of the young people in the Erakor Bridge area, Carlos Noronha...
Cette communauté du Vanuatu a déclaré la guerre au plastique
"Le lagon est vert, mais avant il était bleu, vraiment bleu turquoise…" Au Vanuatu, Brut a suivi des habitants en guerre contre les déchets en plastique qui envahissent leur lagon. Vanuatu : la chasse au plastique Partout sur la planète, la pollution plastique pose un...
Erakor marine ban remains
The marine protected areas covering Erakor waters is still in effect, representatives of the Erakor Council of Chiefs confirmed. Speaking on behalf of Paramount Chief, Kalsau Kalomtak, Marik Waoute and Timothy Andrew Marikoftau said the have received reports that some...
Residents Show Self-Reliance
Young residents of Respect Street showing the way forward Complaining and whinging seems to be a norm in Vanuatu, however the residents of Respect Street at Erakor Bridge are putting the norm aside and showing self-reliance in keeping their street clean....
Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change : Youth Law & Climate Change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8BTh8JLkNk&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=39
Tribal Chiefs decide to Ban Fishing for 5 Years
Fishing Ban at Erakor Lagoons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hri-_JNicPg&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=14
Erakor village to ban traditional fishing grounds
The areas that are to be banned are shaded in pink. The Chief Administration Office of Erakor Village on Efate is placing a ban on its traditional fishing grounds on Saturday. A notice has been put out to all villagers of Erakor that the Chiefs and Council will make...
THE COMMONWEALTH LITTER PROGRAMME: FINAL REPORT – BEST PRACTICES FOR VANUATU
Author(s): Nicole T Garofano, Mike Webster (WasteAid UK): Download here: Issue Date: 03 April 2019
CLiP Congratulates Marine Litter Challenge Winners
All participant winners of 2019 Marine Litter Challenge Several Vanuatu artists were among the winners of the 2019 Marine Litter Challenge announced by the UK Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) at the Pacific Regional Conference on Marine Litter yesterday evening....
Erakor Bridge Community stands up for the Emtem Lagoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIVKFP2Uj7g&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=19
Toti Lagoon an Ecological Band
ENVIRONMENT A SONG FROM TOTI LAGOON By Ken White and Joan Niras https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MqDdOxFNE0&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=6
Pacific Power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ugYKmjZ_Q&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=37
Erakor Chiefs protest against Cyclone Pam Road Reconstruction Project
Tribal Chief Marik Koftau standing beside incomplete drainway project holding a namele leaf as a sign of 'Tabu' Tribal Chief Marik Koftau of Erakor leads the Council of Chiefs of Erakor village on Tuesday 18 September, objecting to the Port Vila Urban Development...
Vanuatu takes part in the World Environment day 2018
The Capital of Vanuatu- Port Vila had a general cleanup to create Plastic free areas together with 25 schools. Citizens and residents have all joined their communities, involving hundreds of people in the general clean up. Eyes on the future, one volunteer at a...
Plantem Flowa
Overfishing discussion… the beginning of a responsible decision
Fishing Sustainability and Appropriate Technologies John Mangawaiwai tell us about the TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS. But goes further and tell us also about CIRCULAR ECONOMY Finding local solution to SAVE THE EMTEM LAGOON THE BIODIVERSITY LOSS. Over fishing and Marine...
Vanuatu Clean with Zero Plastic Bags
Say No to Plastic Bags a grassroots movement that started a change in Vanuatu
The beginning of a better Vanuatu Clean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td0qvhTtuUA&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=5
Plastic & Sugar together Killing Vanuatu People & Environment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuqyOCl2QDw&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=15
Iririki Island Landfill
Luxury Unsustainable Tourism in Vanuatu Exclusive for People and Nature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GZRk0Uad34&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=4
Tagabe community encourages mothers to put children in school
Mrs. Myriam Malau, a member of Tagabe community speaking at the launching and handover of the trash bin for Erakor Bridge community. A member of the Tagabe community of Port Vila is encouraging mothers and communities to put their children into school. Myriam Malau, a...
Six Year Class One’, an Education campaign
Chief Pierre Gambetta, speaking at the launching of the trash bin for Erakor Bridge community. The challenge with the habit of throwing plastic hinges on early education for children, says Pierre Gambetta, a senior Education official, speaking at the launching of the...
DEP&C Director Reedly Tari unveils the trash bin at the launching and handing over ceremony while the chief of the community of Erakor Bridge, Marik Koftau, applauds the occasion. Director Reedly Tari (L) congratulates Erakor Bridge community chief Marik Koftau...
New canoe for Second Lagoon Clean-up
Independence Canoe, for lagoon rubbish collection, Carlos Noronha The Erakor Bridge Youth has created a specialised canoe, which will assist in the clean-up campaigns being started this Friday, for a work start at Second Lagoon (Emten). The canoe and others to follow...
Vanuatu Clean with zero Plastic Bags
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td0qvhTtuUA&list=PLx1jIOLugLOt01UyGZ5ih0i4IF60wk8eN&index=6&t=196s
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project Implementation Plans, Port Vila
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project Implementation Plans, Port Vila, Vanuatu'. Wellington, New Zealand: Report prepared by Victoria University of Wellington for the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change Programme (PEBACC) of the Secretariat of the...
Community of Erakor Bridge, John
Erakor – Emtem Lagoon Environment
Concern over alleged Lagoon pollution
The ni-Vanuatu residents living around the first and second lagoons are cautioned to be careful of eating shells and fish from the coastal areas of the two lagoons because they may be polluted by the urban sewages surrounding the lagoon, Jean Kalmet, of Erakor village...
Vanuatu Central Hospital a public health hazard
https://www.facebook.com/Vanuatuclean/posts/1686400378201580 "Marine life affected, Human lives endangered" A plea to the authorities concerned for our health & safety. VCH and all other soak-away to Erakor Lagoon must be redirected to dry land as per Mr Kaltong...
Second Lagoon residents saying ‘no’ to bridge
Where the bridge will go. Residents of the western end of the Second Lagoon (Emten) and custom owners are saying a loud “No” to plans to build a bridge across the lagoon at a point where it narrows. The plans have been public knowledge since the lease to the large...
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