One of the roles of the department is to prepare environmental policies, plans, guidelines, procedures etc. Key environmental policies include the:

• Vanuatu 2030 The People’s Plan: National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 to 2030
• Vanuatu National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan 2016–2030
• Vanuatu National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030 Summary (English)
• Vanuatu National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030 Summary (French)
• Vanuatu National Environment Policy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030 Summary (Bislama)
• Vanuatu National Waste Management, Pollution Control Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016 - 2020
• National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan 2014 - 2020
• Vanuatu NBSAP 2018-2030

As the environment is a cross cutting issue, the department also works with other government agencies to develop sectoral and cross sectoral policies. For example, the Vanuatu Forest Policy 2013 - 2023.