Latest news in Vanuatu? September 11th, 2026

Vanuatu has seen several major environmental, diplomatic, and domestic developments in early September 2026:

• Community Conservation and Invasive Species: At the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation in Nouméa, Vanuatu’s Department of Environment and local conservation ranger networks highlighted community-led initiatives in areas like Nusumetu. The project combines traditional ecological stewardship with targeted pest control to protect forests, waterways, and native agricultural biodiversity.
• Territorial Dispute with France at the ICJ: Vanuatu formally moved to bring its long-running sovereignty dispute with France over the Matthew and Hunter Islands before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling for adjudication over the islands and their surrounding Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Domestic Governance and Healthcare: In Port Vila, discussions have centered on healthcare capacity, including calls from parliamentary opposition for reviews into maternity care at the Vanuatu National Hospital and the rollout of new biomedical training programs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice launched an initiative to reform and tighten the presidential pardon system.
• Seismic and Volcanic Activity: Moderate seismic events have continued along the Vanuatu subduction zone, including an offshore magnitude 5.6–5.8 earthquake near Isangel on September 5, with no major tsunami threat or significant infrastructure damage reported.