Vanuatu Review of National Land Legislation, Policy and ... - AusAID

Attachment 7without which there will be confusion and a high probability that administrative,management and enforcement activities will not be undertaken.The National Land Summit, in approving the 20 resolutions, has highlighted seriouspublic concern over the management and administration of land matters in Vanuatu.There is ineffective regulation of land dealings, failure by the Government to protectthe interests of the public and customary owners, poor or non-existent enforcementof regulations, incorrect interpretation of government legislation and a lack ofdefined responsibilities for numerous administrative activities that should beundertake to ensure adequate and appropriate management and administration ofland. This is all exacerbated by a lack of public awareness of property rights.In Vanuatu there are a number of ministries and organisations responsible for themanagement and administration of land matters, and these include: Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Department of Lands, Survey and Records which includes,surveying, land registration, land valuation, land use planning andcustomary lands unit Environment Unit Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Provincial Affairs Physical Planning Unit National Council of ChiefsThe key agency responsible for the administration of land activities in Vanuatu is theDepartment of Lands, Survey and Records (DOLSR) under the Ministry of Landsand Natural Resources. The Ministry in the Corporate Plan 2006-2008 details itsVision, Mission and Values and summaries the strategic issues and the role andresponsibility of each of the 5 strategic areas of responsibility under its control.The Vision Statement is:Our vision is to establish an appropriate framework to promote thesustainable development of the nation’s natural resources for the social,environmental and economic well-being of the people of Vanuatu. 3The strategic issues identified in the Corporate Plan that relate specifically to theland administration functions are:Solving land disputes and promoting effective dealings in the land sectorto facilitate economic and social development;Improvement in current rating and taxing systems to encouragecompliance, equity and transparency.The roles and responsibilities of the land related functions are detailed as follows:Legislation and policy3 Ministry of Lands, Geology and Mines 2007 Portfolio Budget Submission (note that it is notreferred to as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources)