Graduates of the financial literacy and business basics trainings (left to right): Helentos Tosusu, Donald James, Rose Gere and Dolce Talang.
3 February, 2025, Vanuatu – In the heart of Northern Efate, Vanuatu, a significant collaborative effort emerged to reconnect and reinvigorate financial literacy to sustainable resources management. The University of the South Pacific (USP) component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, in collaboration with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), hosted two community-based financial literacy trainings in the month of August at Tonaliu, Northern Efate in Vanuatu. Funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, this initiative aimed to empower local communities with the skills to manage income generated from marine resources and build a stable financial future.
The workshops, titled, Money-Minded Financial Literacy and Money-Minded Business Basics, brought together key members of local networks to enhance their understanding of financial management. Among the recipients of the training were Donald Aromalo James, Coordinator of the Vanua-Tai Resources Monitors Network; Rose Gere, Chairlady of the Shefa Vanua-Tai Network; and Doroline Raymond, Finance Officer of the TasiVanua Network. These community leaders were eager to learn and implement practical financial strategies to improve their roles within their respective networks.
Donald Aromalo James, reflected on the significance of the training. “I will utilize the knowledge gained in my role as coordinator for this network, such as the development of the business plan. I plan to also share some of the financial learnings I learnt with the Network,” he shared, eager to apply what he had learned to strengthen his network’s efforts.
Rose Gere, with a focus on negotiation and network-building, emphasized how the training taught the value of learning from both strengths and weaknesses. “If one sub-network is strong and one is weak, we learn from the successes of the strong network and we learn from the challenges and how to counter these from the weak sub-network. Explaining of learnings and knowledge,” she explained, underscoring the importance of collaborative growth.
Doroline Raymond also found the knowledge gained to be invaluable, stating, “The training was highly engaging. Financial literacy isn’t something people are born with—it’s a skill that must be learned. This program has equipped me with essential knowledge on prioritizing expenses, bookkeeping, and more, which will help me manage implementation funds effectively in my role.”
These networks, Vanua-Tai and TasiVanua, play a vital role in Vanuatu’s environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
The Vanua-Tai Resources Monitors Network, established in 1995, is a community-based initiative focused on marine and terrestrial conservation. With over 400 trained volunteers, it has become a pillar of Vanuatu’s biodiversity protection efforts, helping to monitor resources, enforce conservation rules, and promote sustainable practices. Through collaboration with communities, NGOs, and international organizations, Vanua-Tai has significantly contributed to the establishment of locally managed protected areas.
Similarly, the TasiVanua Network, launched in 2010, focuses on sustainable resource management in North Efate. It addresses challenges like declining coastal fisheries and climate change through a community-led approach that integrates local decision-making and a ridge-to-reef management strategy. TasiVanua collaborates with initiatives such as the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area Network, blending education and resource management to promote sustainability.
“The Money-Minded financial literacy trainings exemplify the power of partnership in fostering both community well-being and environmental stewardship.” said Lavenie Tawake, Team Leader, USP PEUMP. “Through these collaborative efforts, we are equipping local leaders with the skills to maximize the benefits of their marine resources while ensuring a resilient and sustainable future.”
Both networks share a commitment to preserving the interconnected ecosystems of land and sea, recognizing that the health of the environment directly impacts the communities that depend on it. As an extension of Vanua-Tai, TasiVanua focuses specifically on coastal and marine resources, monitoring marine protected areas and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Together, these networks empower local communities to protect their natural resources while fostering resilience in the face of climate change.
The Money-Minded financial literacy trainings represent a crucial step in strengthening the capacity of these networks. By equipping community leaders with the tools to make informed financial decisions, the program ensures that they are better prepared to manage conservation projects, safeguard biodiversity, and build long-term sustainability for both their communities and the environment. Through this collaboration, the people of Northern Efate are not only learning how to manage their finances but also how to create lasting, positive change for Vanuatu’s natural heritage.
The EUR 45 million PEUMP programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.
Media Contact
Lore Croker, USP PEUMP Communications, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
