Review of socio-economic information on the Malekula communities targeted by the IWP Vanuatu project

Abstract

Natural resource management occurs within a social and economic setting and seeks to influence resource use and management. Consequently social and economic factors are important considerations within resource management planning. Socio-economic information refers to information that includes both social and economic dimensions. The focus of much socio-economic work are the relationships of authority and subordination within a society, and the access to, use of and control over social, economic and environmental resources. This report summarises readily available social and economic information on the Malekula communities targeted by Vanuatu’s IWP pilot project, identifies significant gaps in the information held and identifies opportunities for the IWP project.