Protecting Vanuatu's
natural heritage
for future generations
A community-rooted organization from south Santo working at the frontlines of conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods across Vanuatu.
Rooted in community,
driven by purpose
The Vunausi Environmental Conservation Organization (VECO) is a local charitable organization based in south Santo, Sanma Province, Vanuatu. We work hand-in-hand with communities to protect natural ecosystems, restore degraded coastlines, and build long-term food and environmental security across Vanuatu.
Founded in the Vunausi area, our work bridges traditional knowledge with evidence-based conservation — because the best stewards of this land are those who have always called it home.
“The best environmental stewardship combines the wisdom of generations with the urgency of today's climate reality.”
Meet the team
Ioan VijiNakarai Vutilolo
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Degree of Science in Forestry with a Master of Science in Biology. 24 Years with the Vanuatu Department of Forests. Initiated the National Climate Change Program, REDD+.
McIntyre Vutilolo
Project Manager and Team Leader
Former Physical Planning Officer for the Sanma Provincial Government Council. A passionate youth advocate dedicated to ecological preservation. He leads grassroots sustainability efforts through his involvement with the Vunausi Environmental Conservation Organisation.
Nickolyne Masingeuro
Administrator and Logistics Officer
She works as a research assistant for the Our Vanua Project. A key participant in the Regenerative Verification Program. She facilitates local learning exchanges to assess farmers' livelihoods, promote agritourism, and implement eco-friendly farming action plans. She works directly with Vunausi Environmental Conservation Organisation. She organizes local workshops to educate community leaders, smallholder farmers, and church groups (such as Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union mothers) on how to build environmental resilience.
Three pillars of our work
Conservation & Restoration
Planting trees, restoring coastal zones, and protecting biodiversity through community-led conservation areas. Our nursery produces thousands of seedlings supplied across Vanuatu.
Climate Resilience
Supporting communities to adapt to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Partnered with the Vanuatu Ministry of Climate Change on the VCAP Phase 2 program in Big Bay.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Integrated farming systems combining traditional irrigation, water taro cultivation, and freshwater aquaculture that reduce pressure on natural resources and improve food security.
From the field
Tangible change for communities and ecosystems
The Vunausi Environmental Conservation Organization (VECO) creates lasting, measurable impact — from nurseries producing seedlings distributed across Vanuatu, to a formally recognized Community Conservation Area launched in 2026.
We believe environmental conservation only succeeds when communities lead. Every VECO project is designed with and for the people who depend on these ecosystems.
Partners & funders
UNDP
GEF
Vanuatu
VCAP Phase 2
Sanma Province
NZ MFAT
Live & Learn
Work with VECO
Whether you're a donor, partner organization, researcher, or community member — the Vunausi Environmental Conservation Organization welcomes collaboration that advances conservation and climate resilience in Vanuatu.