This project is in line with the following CCCD Programme Objectives: i) CD 2 to generate, access and use information and knowledge; and ii) CD 5 to enhance capacities to monitor and evaluate environmental impacts and trends. It is also aligned with the first objective of the GEF-6 CCCD strategy that is to integrate global environmental needs into management information and monitoring systems. It is a direct response to the GEF-funded National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA) project conducted in Vanuatu during the period of 2004-2007. It will allow Vanuatu to address this long outstanding national environmental information capacity need. This GEF support is crucial to assist the Government of Vanuatu in this critical area at the national level, seeking to harmonize existing information systems, integrate internationally accepted measurement standards and methodologies, and develop the capacity for a more consistent environmental reporting both at national and global level. Barriers identified through the NCSA process and other national assessments will be thoroughly re-assessed in order to identify effective and efficient solutions to address those related to the availability of environmental information and allocate project resources to support the implementation of these solutions. It will target the development of capacities at the individual and organizational level, strengthening technical skills to manage data and transform this information into knowledge. The project will also support activities to strengthen the coordination between key sectors to address biodiversity, climate change and land degradation issues at systemic and institutional levels. The goal of this project is to provide leaders and decision-makers in the government and also on the community level, with the relevant information needed to take appropriate action and to make informed decisions regarding the environment and sustainable resource management in Vanuatu. Under the first component, the project will improve existing management information systems to measure achievements towards global environmental objectives. Under the second component, the project will strengthen technical capacities to monitor and evaluate the state of the environment in Vanuatu to use improved data and information for strategic decision-making in the interest of meeting global environmental obligations. Finally, under the third component, the project will focus on enhancing the institutional sustainability of capacities developed under the project, including strengthening the institutional linkages of data and information systems across agencies and stakeholder organizations. Lessons learned and best practices will be shared in the region.