By Andrianah Kole
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will launch its new Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy on Friday, following a three-day training programme to prepare ministry staff for its implementation.
The strategy was endorsed in April 2026 and is intended to strengthen the integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion across the ministry’s work.
The Pacific Community (SPC), through the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP), has provided technical assistance in developing the strategy.
The development process included a policy review, community consultations in two provinces, stakeholder engagement, key informant interviews with selected Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) staff, and a validation workshop.
The three-day training is designed to help ministry officers understand the strategy, its objectives and their roles and responsibilities in putting it into practice.
Ronelle Panda, the ministry’s Gender Focal Point, said the training was aimed at strengthening officers’ understanding of gender and its relevance to fisheries.
“We will go back to the concepts of gender, and how gender relates to fisheries,” she said.
The training brings together officers from different areas of the ministry, including aquaculture, coastal fisheries and offshore tuna fisheries.
Ms Panda said the strategy was intended to ensure different groups were considered in the management and development of the fisheries sector.
“It is men and women, and also including children, youth, people with disabilities,” she said.
“It’s all about including everyone.”
She said this was particularly important when managing fisheries resources.
“When you are managing fisheries resources, you must consider everybody inside,” Ms Panda said.
Natalie Makhoul, a Gender and Human Rights Specialist with SPC, said the organisation had supported MFMR over several years on gender, social inclusion and disability mainstreaming in fisheries.
She said the current training was intended to build the ministry’s capacity to implement the new strategy.
“We will learn about what GEDSI means, how it matters in fisheries, what are the tools that they can apply in their work,” Ms Makhoul said.
The training looks at GEDSI across different areas of fisheries, including inshore fisheries, aquaculture and the tuna industry.
It also considers GEDSI within the ministry’s internal policies, laws and human resources.
The third day of the workshop will focus specifically on the new strategy and its implementation plan.
Ms Makhoul said this would help staff understand the strategy and what was expected of them.
“The training aims to ensure that the staff that are here today are equipped with the tools and the knowledge that they need to go back and to apply GEDSI lenses in their work,” she said.
Ms Makhoul said fisheries were an important part of life in Solomon Islands, providing food, income and income-generating opportunities.
She said women were involved in different activities along the fisheries value chain, although their roles were not always visible.
“Many women do different activities along the value chain but often we don’t see their roles in fishing,” she said.
The tuna industry was also an important employment sector for Solomon Islanders, with women and men from the provinces able to access jobs in tuna processing facilities.
Ms Makhoul said the ministry wanted its services to be equitable and inclusive, allowing people to participate and benefit from the fisheries sector.
The new GEDSI strategy is broader than the ministry’s previous gender mainstreaming strategy, which Ms Makhoul said had focused on inshore fisheries.
The new strategy covers aquaculture, community-based resource management, internal policies and processes, the tuna industry and coastal livelihoods.
“It has a very comprehensive action plan to make it easy for MFMR to implement it,” Ms Makhoul said.
The strategy includes a mission and vision statement, six objectives and an action plan.
Ms Makhoul said community voices had also informed its development.
She described the strategy as a significant milestone for MFMR, saying it was among very few ministries in the Pacific to have its own comprehensive GEDSI strategy.
Ms Panda said the strategy would be incorporated into the ministry’s annual work plans, with funding allocated to support its implementation.
“We are developing work plans for every year, to make sure that we are including activities, and then also we have a budget for implementing activities,” she said.
The training also covers GEDSI tools and data collection.
Ms Panda said officers would be guided on how to ensure different groups were included when working with communities.
“We are training a lot of gender tools, how we are collecting data to make sure that when we go to communities, we make sure we are including everybody,” she said.
The workshop includes officers who have previously received gender training as well as those attending for the first time.
For some participants, the training is a refresher, while for others it is an introduction to gender concepts.
Ms Makhoul said the overall aim was to ensure ministry staff took ownership of the new strategy.
“GEDSI is everybody’s business and everybody’s responsibility,” she said.
The GEDSI Strategy will be formally launched on Friday.
[end]
The post Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources prepares to launch new GEDSI strategy first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
For the Padezaka people of South Choiseul, the decision to keep their forest standing has never been just about carbon...
The post Padezaka forest gets go-ahead to join global carbon market, promising income for 4,000 landowners appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Western communities and provincial leaders support the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park and local management role. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has completed consultations on the draft Kavachi Seascape National Park Management Plan in Western Province. Consultations were conducted from 2 to 13 August 2026 with the Western Provincial Government in Gizo and at four [...]
The post WESTERN COMMUNITIES BACK KAVACHI SEASCAPE NATIONAL PARK appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY NED GAGAHE
Children and young people from across the Solomon Islands will take their climate concerns directly to Government next week as part of efforts to ensure their experiences help shape national climate policy ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.
Twenty child delegates from Makira, Malaita and Honiara will gather in Honiara on September 2 for the Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini , an initiative led by World Vision Solomon Islands in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
The initiative aims to bring the lived experiences, indigenous knowledge and solutions of children and young people into national climate decision-making.
A key focus will be the draft National Policy for Loss and Damage, which the children will review and provide feedback on directly with MECDM officials.
The children will also formally present their key messages to the Minister of MECDM, Permanent Secretaries and diplomatic partners, including the New Zealand High Commissioner.
World Vision said the initiative is designed to transform the daily realities of children affected by climate change into concrete policy solutions and child-led resilience actions.
The outcomes and key messages from the forum are expected to be presented alongside the Solomon Islands Government delegation at COP31, highlighting the importance of child participation in climate governance.
World Vision Solomon Islands National Director Asuntha Charles said children must be recognised as important voices in decisions that affect their future.
“Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are voices of today whose experiences, hopes, and fears must shape the decisions that determine their future,” Charles said.
She said children were among those most affected by the climate crisis and deserved to be heard and included in national policies and global climate commitments.
Through initiatives such as Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini , Charles said World Vision was working to amplify children’s voices, promote their rights and ensure their experiences and solutions influenced climate action from local communities to the global stage.
The initiative forms part of World Vision’s wider climate advocacy, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action programmes.
It also supports the organisation’s advocacy for greater access to Loss and Damage financing for Small Island Developing States, including Pacific island countries facing increasing climate-related impacts.
Meanwhile, World Vision has officially concluded its emergency response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila after reaching 3,553 people from 871 households in Western and Choiseul provinces between April and July this year.
The emergency response was carried out in partnership with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), provincial governments and partner organisations, including ADRA and Kastom Gaden.
Affected families received emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene assistance, as well as early livelihood recovery kits.
The response was supported by New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, the United States Government, the START Network, TONGS Corporation and Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands.
Charles said the emergency response demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships in delivering timely assistance to communities affected by disasters.
“With the unwavering dedication of our local partners, staff, communities and the NDMO, we were able to deliver life-saving assistance rapidly to those who needed it most,” she said.
With operational assets now being transferred to local disaster management structures, World Vision said it would transition back to its development programmes while continuing to support affected children, youth and communities.
The organisation said it would also continue advocating for urgent climate action and stronger resilience measures to help Solomon Islands communities prepare for future climate-related shocks.
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Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
作者:内德·加加赫
来自所罗门群岛各地的儿童和年轻人将于下周直接向政府表达他们的气候关切,作为确保他们的经历有助于塑造国家气候政策的努力的一部分,目的是在土耳其举行的COP31之前。
来自马基拉、马莱塔和霍尼亚拉的20名儿童代表将于9月2日在霍尼亚拉聚集,参加由所罗门群岛世界宣明会与环境、气候变化、灾害管理和气象部(MECDM)以及妇女、青年、儿童和家庭事务部(MWYCFA)合作主办的“Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini”倡议。
该倡议旨在将儿童和年轻人的生活经历、土著知识和解决方案纳入国家气候决策中。
一个关键的关注点将是《损失与损害国家政策草案》,儿童将直接与MECDM官员进行审查和反馈。
儿童们还将正式向MECDM部长、常务秘书和包括新西兰高级专员在内的外交伙伴呈现他们的关键信息。
世界宣明会表示,该倡议旨在将受气候变化影响的儿童的日常现实转化为具体的政策解决方案和儿童主导的韧性行动。
论坛的结果和关键信息预计将在COP31上与所罗门群岛政府代表团一起呈现,强调儿童在气候治理中的参与重要性。
世界宣明会所罗门群岛国家主任阿苏莎·查尔斯表示,儿童必须被视为影响他们未来的重要声音。
“儿童不仅是明天的领导者;他们是今天的声音,他们的经历、希望和恐惧必须塑造决定他们未来的决策,”查尔斯说。
她表示,儿童是气候危机中受影响最严重的群体之一,应该被倾听并纳入国家政策和全球气候承诺中。
通过“Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini”等倡议,查尔斯表示,世界宣明会正在努力放大儿童的声音,促进他们的权利,并确保他们的经历和解决方案影响从地方社区到全球舞台的气候行动。
该倡议是世界宣明会更广泛的气候倡导、灾害风险减少和预期行动项目的一部分。
它还支持该组织倡导为小岛屿发展中国家,包括面临日益严重气候影响的太平洋岛国,提供更大规模的损失与损害融资。
与此同时,世界宣明会已正式结束对严重热带气旋迈拉的紧急响应,在今年4月至7月期间,惠及了西部和乔伊瑟尔省的3,553人,来自871个家庭。
此次紧急响应是与国家灾害管理办公室(NDMO)、省政府和合作组织(包括ADRA和Kastom Gaden)合作进行的。
受影响的家庭获得了紧急避难所、水、卫生和卫生援助,以及早期生计恢复工具包。
此次响应得到了新西兰外交和贸易部、澳大利亚人道主义伙伴关系、美国政府、START网络、TONGS公司和Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands的支持。
查尔斯表示,紧急响应展示了在向受灾社区提供及时援助方面强大合作伙伴关系的重要性。
“在我们当地合作伙伴、员工、社区和NDMO的不懈努力下,我们能够迅速向最需要帮助的人提供救生援助,”她说。
随着运营资产现在转移到地方灾害管理结构,世界宣明会表示将过渡回其发展项目,同时继续支持受影响的儿童、青年和社区。
该组织还表示将继续倡导紧急气候行动和更强的韧性措施,以帮助所罗门群岛社区为未来的气候相关冲击做好准备。
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Island SunEnvironment & Climate环境气候·2026-08-28Original ↗原文 ↗
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands (ESSI), a local environmental consulting and research organisation, has handed cartons of conservation books to the Malaita Provincial Government.
The books were presented on Friday, August 21 to support conservation efforts and provide communities with valuable information about Malaita’s biodiversity and natural resources.
ESSI works to protect nature, conduct research on local wildlife and promote sustainable resource management across the Solomon Islands.
The materials include photographic books containing images and information on plants and animals from Malaita and other provinces, as well as biological survey data that could assist tribes and community groups interested in establishing conservation areas.
Ednah Wasiraro of ESSI said the information would provide communities with essential biological data that it was difficult and costly to collect.
“These books contain biological survey information relating to conservation and can be helpful to any group that wants to conserve or protect their land and surrounding areas,” she said.
Wasiraro said the information could also assist communities during the application process for establishing conservation areas, depending on the location and resources they intended to protect.
Receiving the books on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, Deputy Permanent Secretary Peter Herehura expressed appreciation to ESSI, saying the materials would be valuable to the province’s conservation efforts.
“On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, I am really glad to receive these books. They are very important aspects for the development of conservation in the province,” Mr Herehura said.
He said Malaita currently has only a small number of recognized conservation areas and believed the information could encourage more tribes and community groups to consider conservation in the future.
“So far, in Malaita Province we have only two or three conservation areas, and these books can create a way forward for other tribes and groups that want to establish conservation areas in the future,” he said.
ESSI also supports rural and indigenous communities through environmental conservation, sustainable resource management and efforts to protect primary and logged-over forests under the Protected Areas Act.
The organization’s ongoing work focuses on empowering landowners and communities to protect their ecosystems and natural resources for future generations.
Sharon Inone wins the 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Young Leaders Award for climate-smart community work in Temotu. A young Solomon Islander, Ms Sharon Inone, has won a prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Young Leaders Award from the UK.& Ms Inone was presented the award yesterday by British High Commissioner, Hi Excellency Paul Turner. The Queen Elizabeth [...]
The post SHARON INONE AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS QUEEN ELIZABETH II AWARD appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
香农·伊诺恩因在特门图的气候智能社区工作而获得2026年伊丽莎白二世青年领袖奖。这位年轻的所罗门群岛人,香农·伊诺恩(Ms Sharon Inone),获得了来自英国的杰出伊丽莎白二世青年领袖奖。香农·伊诺恩于昨天由英国高级专员保罗·特纳(Hi Excellency Paul Turner)颁发该奖项。伊丽莎白二世奖......
该文章的完整内容请见于Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
BY CHARLES STENNETT
A new forest carbon policy project, Rights, Integrity, Safeguards and Equity (RISE) in carbon markets was officially launched in Solomon Islands to support stronger policy, safeguards and community leadership in the country’s emerging carbon market.
RISE and the project is designed to promote best practice policy and regulation for community-owned forest carbon projects, helping ensure benefits, rights and development outcomes remain with local communities.
Bill Apusae from Live and Learn Solomon Islands the project aims to help Solomon Islanders.
“This project is about putting local leadership, customary land rights and fair, inclusive benefit-sharing at the core of Solomon Islands’ growing carbon market,”
“RISE is about having a constructive dialogue with carbon market decision makers. We want to see a place for locally led projects in national and international policy forums.” Mr Apusae said.
Live and Learn Solomon Islands is leading the RISE project locally, with collaboration from Live and Learn International, Nakau and Plan Vivo Foundation. The project is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the UK-based Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme.
Director of Live and Learn Solomon Islands, Elmah Panisi said need the support of many players to make it successful.
“High integrity in carbon markets cannot be achieved by individual projects and actors alone. It requires the same collaboration we see at project level to extend to national policies, safeguards, and implementation frameworks,” said the Director of Live and Learn Solomon Islands, Elmah Panisi.
“The RISE project will aim to engage with all change makers in society. We invite everyone, from national and provincial government to civil society, community representatives and technical partners, to be part of it.” Ms Panisi said.
Launched on earlier this week in Honiara, the RISE event highlighted the success stories and momentum of forest conservation carbon projects in Solomon Islands and called for continued collaboration between all actors for policies and practices that support locally led and rights-based projects.
It was attended by representatives from Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology and the Ministry of Forestry and Research, alongside NGOs and other key stakeholders.
A central focus of RISE is to ensure national carbon policy reflects Indigenous governance systems and customary land ownership, and that benefits flow equitably to landowners. Inclusive approaches are also a critical part of the conversation, where women, youth and people with disabilities can equitably participate and benefit.
Forest conservation and carbon projects are strongest when built on these foundations, and when the benefits of local projects directly reach communities.
Nakau’s Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Sebastian Thomas said carbon markets can play an important role in supporting sustainable livelihoods and better stewardship of natural systems.
“Carbon is the currency of a climate-changed world and a measure of value in an economy that depends on how well we care for the natural systems that sustain us.”
“Done well, carbon markets can help turn that stewardship into sustainable livelihoods, regenerative businesses, and a more resilient model of trade and development,” he said.
RISE is also launching in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
Across the three countries, the project will share accessible knowledge and evidence from project case studies and policy analysis, strengthen capacity and policy dialogue through multi-stakeholder workshops, and advocate to international policy and market actors for locally led carbon projects.
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作者:查尔斯·斯特内特
一个新的森林碳政策项目——碳市场中的权利、诚信、保障和公平(RISE)在所罗门群岛正式启动,旨在支持该国新兴碳市场中更强的政策、保障和社区领导力。
RISE及该项目旨在促进社区拥有的森林碳项目的最佳实践政策和法规,帮助确保利益、权利和发展成果留在当地社区。
来自Live and Learn Solomon Islands的比尔·阿普萨表示,该项目旨在帮助所罗门群岛人民。
“这个项目的核心是将地方领导力、习惯土地权利和公平、包容的利益分享置于所罗门群岛日益增长的碳市场之中,”
“RISE旨在与碳市场决策者进行建设性对话。我们希望在国家和国际政策论坛中为地方主导的项目留出空间。”阿普萨先生说。
Live and Learn Solomon Islands在当地主导RISE项目,并与Live and Learn International、Nakau和Plan Vivo Foundation合作。该项目由英国政府的外交、联邦和发展办公室通过英国的森林治理、市场和气候项目提供资金。
Live and Learn Solomon Islands的主任埃尔玛·帕尼西表示,需要许多参与者的支持才能使其成功。
“碳市场的高诚信不能仅靠单个项目和参与者来实现。它需要我们在项目层面看到的同样合作,扩展到国家政策、保障和实施框架。”Live and Learn Solomon Islands的主任埃尔玛·帕尼西说。
“RISE项目将旨在与社会中的所有变革者进行互动。我们邀请所有人,从国家和省级政府到民间社会、社区代表和技术合作伙伴,参与其中。”帕尼西女士说。
RISE活动于本周早些时候在霍尼亚拉举行,强调了所罗门群岛森林保护碳项目的成功案例和势头,并呼吁所有参与者之间继续合作,以支持地方主导和基于权利的项目的政策和实践。
活动吸引了所罗门群岛环境、气候变化、灾害管理和气象部以及林业和研究部的代表,以及非政府组织和其他关键利益相关者的参与。
RISE的一个核心重点是确保国家碳政策反映土著治理体系和习惯土地所有权,并确保利益公平地流向土地所有者。包容性的方法也是对话的重要组成部分,女性、青年和残疾人能够公平参与和受益。
森林保护和碳项目在这些基础上最为强大,当地方项目的利益直接惠及社区时。
Nakau的政策与倡导协调员塞巴斯蒂安·托马斯表示,碳市场在支持可持续生计和更好管理自然系统方面可以发挥重要作用。
“碳是气候变化世界的货币,是一个经济体中价值的衡量标准,这个经济体依赖于我们对维持我们生存的自然系统的关心程度。”
“如果做得好,碳市场可以帮助将这种管理转化为可持续生计、再生商业和更具韧性的贸易与发展模式。”他说。
RISE还将在巴布亚新几内亚和印度尼西亚启动。
在这三个国家,项目将分享来自项目案例研究和政策分析的可获取知识和证据,通过多方利益相关者研讨会加强能力和政策对话,并向国际政策和市场参与者倡导地方主导的碳项目。
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Island SunEnvironment & Climate环境气候·2026-08-27Original ↗原文 ↗
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CLIMATE change is putting increasing pressure on the lives and livelihoods of communities in central Ranongga.
An investigation carried out by Plan International last week found that climate change and climate-related disasters are affecting key areas of community life, including agriculture, fisheries, income and social wellbeing.
The investigation involved four communities, where people shared similar experiences and concerns about climate change, loss and damage during community tok stori sessions.
According to the investigation, one of the major concerns raised was the changing pattern of weather.
Residents said the traditional wet and dry seasons no longer appeared to follow their usual periods, with rainfall occurring during times that were normally expected to be dry.
They said the unpredictable weather was making it difficult for communities to plan agricultural activities and maintain food production.
The impact of Cyclone Maila has further worsened the situation.
Following the cyclone, communities reported worms affecting root crops and cabbages, making it increasingly difficult to grow and harvest food.
The destruction of coconut trees was another major concern.
Many families depend on coconut trees as an important source of income, but a large number of trees were destroyed by Cyclone Maila.
Coconut plantation destoryed by TC Maila.
Residents said the loss of coconut trees had directly affected household livelihoods and their ability to generate income.
The communities also reported a decline in fish catches.
Fishermen said fish had become harder to catch compared to previous years, raising concerns about food security and the future of fishing as an important source of livelihood.
The findings indicate that climate change is not only affecting the natural environment but is also placing pressure on the economic and social wellbeing of communities.
For people in central Ranongga, changes in weather, damaged food gardens, destroyed coconut trees and declining fish catches are becoming part of a growing challenge that communities must face.
Residents said continued support and appropriate measures would be important to help communities recover from climate-related disasters and strengthen their ability to cope with future impacts.
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NSC, NDFSI gear up for September 5 play for equity open day
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Preparations are gathering pace for the Play For Equity Open Day, with the National Sports Council (NSC) and National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) now looking towards September 5 for the rollout of the inclusive sports initiative.
The NSC said preparations have progressed following a planning meeting between its Sports and Recreational Development Department and the NDFSI team, held as part of efforts to finalise arrangements for the event at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The Open Day was initially announced for August 28 but has now been rescheduled to Saturday, September 5.
The change comes as organisers work to ensure the programme is properly structured to provide meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage in sport, recreation and other lifestyle activities.
According to the NSC, the initiative will place particular emphasis on women and girls with disabilities, while also creating greater opportunities for men and boys to participate in an environment designed to be inclusive and accessible.
Rather than focusing solely on sporting activities, the Open Day will incorporate a range of programmes intended to connect participants with wider opportunities within sport and recreation.
These will include registration and database development, talent identification, sports pathways, community-led inclusive activities and empowerment sessions.
The NSC said the activities are designed to help challenge existing perceptions while addressing some of the barriers that can prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in sport and community activities.
“The Open Day provides a meaningful, inclusive and empowering experience for participants,” the NSC said, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between the two organisations as preparations progress.
The initiative also carries a broader development focus, with the programme seeking to use sport as a platform for participation, empowerment and greater inclusion within communities.
The activity is supported through the Play for Equity grant under the Australian Government’s Team Up Program, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee through its Olympism365 strategy.
The NSC and NDFSI collaboration forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive sport opportunities in Solomon Islands, with further updates expected as preparations continue ahead of the September 5 Open Day.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Climate change is posing growing risks to agriculture in Solomon Islands, threatening food security, household incomes and the wider economy, according to the National Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.
The assessment, prepared by Beca International Consultants Ltd in association with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), indicates that more frequent extreme rainfall, flooding, heat events and tropical cyclones could damage crops, disrupt agricultural activities and spoil produce.
The report, dated July 13, 2026, said local markets are the main avenue for selling fresh produce and an important source of income for many households, particularly in the provinces.
However, extreme weather events could disrupt local markets and result in income losses and food shortages.
It also warns that roads, wharves and coastal processing facilities face increasing exposure to coastal inundation, with some risks projected to become extreme by the end of the century.
The assessment said stronger storm events could make the transportation of agricultural produce to markets increasingly hazardous.
Roads and bridges could be washed out or damaged, while boats transporting produce between provinces could face dangerous storm waves according to the report.
“These environmental pressures also threaten land productivity, soil health, and the wider supply chain that the agricultural sector depends on,” the assessment states.
The reports said agriculture contributes about 16 percent of Solomon Islands’ national GDP and provides food and livelihoods for many people, particularly in predominantly rural provinces.
It warns that reduced crop yields and disruptions to supply chains could lower food production and household incomes while reducing farmers’ capacity to invest in future production.
Shortages of fresh produce could also drive-up food prices, increase poverty and worsen malnutrition.
The impacts are expected to fall excessively on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The assessment said most agricultural activity in the provinces occurs close to the coast, leaving crops and supporting infrastructure highly exposed to coastal inundation and erosion.
This exposure is expected to increase with rising sea levels.
It identified rising sea levels, increasing water salinity, extreme temperatures, coastal erosion and changing pest and disease patterns as threats to agricultural productivity and food security.
Urbanisation and growing pressure on natural resources are also adding to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
The assessment noted that women and children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, with existing concerns including anaemia, stunting and undernutrition.
It therefore calls for greater priority to be given to adaptation measures that can protect crop productivity and reduce climate-related risks.
Failure to address these risks, it warns, could create wider impacts across other sectors, including health, education and community wellbeing.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
BHP Enterprise is calling on the Government to strengthen support for locally owned businesses, saying the private sector has an important role in creating jobs and supporting economic growth in Solomon Islands.
The local company has grown to three branches and currently employs approximately 45 Solomon Islanders.
BHP Enterprise said its growth was based on a vision to create opportunities, provide employment, support local economic activity and contribute to national development.
The company acknowledged that building and growing a business in Solomon Islands was not easy, requiring commitment, financial discipline and the willingness to continue despite challenges.
It said its 45 employees represent more than just numbers on a payroll, with each job supporting families, providing young people with work experience and helping workers develop skills.
BHP Enterprise said it wants to continue expanding and creating more sustainable employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The company also highlighted the wider contribution of local businesses to the economy.
It said businesses helped keep money circulating in communities through the purchase of goods and services, payment of wages, rent, transportation, utilities and other operating costs.
However, BHP Enterprise said local businesses continue to face challenges including rising operating costs, transportation and logistics difficulties, limited access to finance, competition, infrastructure limitations, regulatory requirements and the cost of bringing goods into the country.
It said these challenges could make expansion particularly difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Despite these difficulties, the company said it continues to take risks, invest capital, employ people and contribute to the economy because it believes in the future of Solomon Islands.
BHP Enterprise is calling for Government policies and practical support that will allow local businesses to survive, grow and compete.
It wants better access to affordable business financing, stronger support for locally owned small and medium-sized enterprises and improvements to roads, ports, electricity, telecommunications and other infrastructure.
The company also calls for fair and efficient taxation and business regulations, greater opportunities for local businesses to participate in Government procurement, skills development and training for workers, and policies that encourage local investment and expansion.
BHP Enterprise said the private sector should not be viewed only as a source of taxation but as a partner in national development.
“Government cannot create every job. Businesses cannot develop the country alone either. Government and the private sector must work together,” it said.
The company said every local business that survives, expands and employs people helps reduce pressure on Government to provide employment for everyone.
It said creating the right environment for businesses to invest could result in more businesses, jobs, skills and stronger communities.
BHP Enterprise said it remains committed to responsible growth, creating more employment, developing its workers, supporting suppliers and contributing to the communities where it operates.
“Support local businesses. Support local entrepreneurs. Support local employment. Strengthen the private sector. Strengthen Solomon Islands,” the company said.
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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Coral planting training has been conducted in four communities in Ward 24, West Are’are, Malaita Province, to strengthen local efforts to protect and restore coral reefs.
The one-day training was held in each of the four communities including; Taarutona, Pipisu, Haurapi and Uhu, last week.
The training was facilitated by Auki Senior Fisheries Officer Mathew Isihanua and implemented by Malaita Fisheries with funding support from the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme.
The programme provided community members with practical knowledge and skills in coral planting and reef restoration, with a focus on protecting marine biodiversity, fisheries resources and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Participants attending the coral Training at Pipisu and Haurapi, West Are’are. Photo credit: Mathew Isihanua
Mr Isihanua said participants took part in practical activities, including the preparation and installation of coral structures as part of efforts to restore damaged reef areas.
He said the training was well received, with participants and other community members actively taking part in the activities.
“The participants were really happy and enjoyed the training. Not only the participants, but other community members also took part,” Mr Isihanua said.
He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of community-based conservation and the role local communities can play in protecting their marine environment.
He added that locally led reef restoration efforts would help ensure marine resources are protected and preserved for future generations.
Photos from the coral Training at Pipisu and Haurapi, West Are’are. Photo credit: Mathew Isihanua.
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MECDM Aligns Work Plan Priorities with GREAT Coalition Government Development Agenda and Advances GEF-9 Programming
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) has completed a strategic workshop focused on aligning its work plan priorities with the development agenda and priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government.
The workshop provided an important platform for the Ministry to review and align its programmes, priorities and planned activities with the GREAT Government’s broader development direction, ensuring that MECDM’s work contributes meaningfully to national development and the sustainable management of Solomon Islands’ environment and natural resources.
The alignment process is expected to strengthen coordination within the Ministry and its partners, ensuring that work plans remain responsive to the Government’s priorities, while maintaining a strong focus on environmental protection, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, disaster management, and meteorological services.
As part of the programme development, MECDM also undertook internal consultations on the Global Environment Facility (GEF‐9) programming. This process provides an important opportunity for Solomon Islands to identify and advance priority environmental initiatives that can be supported through the GEF‐9 funding cycle. MECDM also engaged with relevant stakeholders to ensure that national priorities are aligned with regional and global commitments, thereby strengthening the country’s capacity to access and effectively utilise GEF‐9 resources.
The GEF-9 programming will be used to complement Government’s broader environmental priorities and support national efforts to address key environmental challenges, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, land degradation
The completion of both processes marks an important step for MECDM in strengthening the harmonisation between national, regional and international development priorities and environmental financing opportunities.
Through these initiatives, MECDM is reaffirming its commitment to working closely with development partners, provincial governments, communities and other stakeholders to deliver practical environmental outcomes that support sustainable development of Solomon Islands.
The completion of both processes marks a milestone for MECDM, enabling the translation of work plan harmonisation and GEF‐9 programming into concrete programmes that reinforce resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen environmental stewardship in line with the GREAT Government’s policy direction.
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Wayne Ghemu also participated in the final day of the two‐day workshop, underscoring its significance to national priorities. The workshop also brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other ministry projects, reflecting broad collaboration across sectors and partners.
Ends///
Open contamination has emerged as a growing urban challenge, raising concerns about public health and the environment.
Our team visited several areas where open contamination remains an ongoing concern to see how the issue is affecting communities and the surrounding environment.
Watch our report for more on the situation and its impact on residents.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group is raising serious concerns over a SBD$100,000-a-month Government rental arrangement involving a property over which Prime Minister Matthew Wale holds the Fixed Term Estate, saying the matter raises important questions about transparency, accountability and the use of public funds.
The issue concerns a reported SBD$100,000 monthly Forestry rental arrangement involving property at Tolu Street, Lengakiki, identified as Parcel No. 191-015-058.
The Opposition has obtained a certified Certificate of Title for the property which identifies Mr. Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder.
The title material provided to the Opposition does not record a registered lease or sublease in favour of THM Logistics Limited.
The Ministry of Forestry and Research is reported to have entered into a tenancy arrangement with THM Logistics Limited. However, the title material identifies Prime Minister Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder and does not show THM Logistics Limited as a registered lessee or sublessee of the property.
Residential house now turn office for Forestry Utilisation staff.
The Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Manasseh D. Sogavare, MP, said the matter cannot simply be treated as an ordinary administrative arrangement when public funds are involved and the property is connected to the Prime Minister’s registered land interest.
“This is a test of leadership. The Prime Minister has spoken repeatedly about integrity, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse of public office. Those principles must apply when public money is paid in connection with property over which he holds the registered Fixed Term Estate.”
Hon. Sogavare said the outstanding questions concern the basis of the rental arrangement, including how the property was selected and how the rental rate was established.
“My concern is not simply the amount being paid. The Government needs to explain why this particular property was selected, what process was followed in selecting it, and how the SBD$100,000 monthly rental rate was determined.”
The Opposition is also aware of other Government ministries that have rented multiple floors of commercial office space in the Honiara CBD for more than SBD$200,000 a month while their headquarters were undergoing major construction.
The Opposition said this provides a relevant comparison and raises the question of whether SBD$100,000 a month for premises accommodating six staff represents value for money.
The Opposition said these questions go directly to the standards expected when public money is being committed.
“If THM Logistics held valid authority from the registered proprietor, whether through a power of attorney, agency appointment, head lease, sublease or another lawful instrument, then the Government should produce that document.”
Building with 3 floors of commercial office space rented by the Lands Ministry for more than $200,000 a month while their head office was demolished for rebuilding.
The Opposition Leader, who is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee, said he was disappointed during the Committee’s recent hearing that supporting documents requested from the Ministry were not provided.
“The Committee should be able to examine the records supporting the expenditure it is asked to scrutinise. The failure to provide documents requested by a parliamentary committee is also a serious matter that raises concerns about respect for the authority and privileges of Parliament”.
Hon. Sogavare said the Government should now provide the outstanding documentation so the arrangement can be properly examined.
“The Supplementary Appropriation has been passed. The issue now is not to revisit the budget decision, but to ensure that the supporting documentation is available and that the Government can account properly for the arrangement.”
The Opposition is therefore calling on the Ministry of Forestry and Research to provide the relevant records requested through the PAC process, including the tenancy agreement, documents establishing THM Logistics Limited’s authority to lease the premises, procurement and valuation records, relevant legal advice and approvals, and records relating to the rental payments.
“A Prime Minister cannot simply speak about integrity and accountability while failing to demonstrate those same standards when public money is connected to his own registered land interest,” Hon. Sogavare said. “The real test is whether his Government can show that the arrangement was handled openly, lawfully and in the public interest.”
The Opposition makes no final finding against Prime Minister Wale, THM Logistics Limited, public officers or any other person. It calls for full disclosure and independent examination of the title, authority, legal, procurement and payment records before any final conclusion is reached.
[ENDS]
– OPPOSITION PRESS
The post OPPOSITION CALLS OUT PM WALE OVER SBD$1.5 MILLION FORESTRY RENTAL first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The g7+ is calling for more practical and accessible climate finance for conflict- and post-conflict-affected countries, with less bureaucracy standing in the way of investment.
The g7+ Secretary General, Dr Helder da Costa, made the statement during a joint press conference between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and a visiting g7+ delegation held in Honiara last week.
Dr Costa said climate change remains an important issue being advocated by the g7+, particularly in relation to conflict- and post-conflict-affected states.
“The President of Sierra Leone used the most recent COP to make a strong appeal to major international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, and other development partners,” he said.
He said the appeal called for practical solutions to reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase investment in conflict- and post-conflict-affected states.
“This is something that we continue to do, adding that the issue will remain high on the agenda for the next COP in Turkey in November,” Dr da Costa said.
MFAET Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au, who also spoke at the joint press conference, said climate change and other issues affecting Solomon Islands are being considered as part of the GREAT Government’s broader review of its foreign service.
Hoa’au said the Government is prioritising a new Foreign Service Bill and a policy white paper that will assess Solomon Islands’ foreign service presence and help future-proof a foreign service that is “small but has to be smart and sovereign.”
He said climate change and other issues of relevance to Solomon Islands will be addressed through cooperation with regional and international organisations.
Hoa’au said Solomon Islands’ involvement in the g7+ provides an opportunity to learn from countries that have experienced conflict and fragility and apply relevant lessons to the country’s foreign service.
The Permanent Secretary said lessons from the g7+ will form part of a broader analysis being undertaken by the Foreign Service under the Government’s new coalition priorities.
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By Agnes Menanopo
Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the Tina Hydro project is a significant financial risk and should serve as an important lesson for the Solomon Islands Government.
Prime Minister Wale made the statement in parliament yesterday.
Parliament then discussed the cost of the Tina Hydro project to the Government, including loans secured from the World Bank.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo, said that in terms of Solomon Islands’ relationship with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Tina Hydro is by far the worst.
“Tina Hydro is a very bad one, honestly, that we ended up with two loans,” Lilo said.
He warned that walking away from the project would result in higher penalties.
“For us to break away from these loans...penalty goes even higher,” he said.
Lilo said the penalty involved is about US$60 million.
“We have tied ourselves to a punishment on a single figure, a fixed amount penalty,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale said the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy have requested an additional US$35 million for the project.
He said despite the financial challenges and loan commitments, the project has reached a stage where it should not be abandoned.
Wale said the Government has been discussing options with partners, including seeking grant financing through the Green Climate Fund.
“We are asking for grants. If we ask for a loan, the tariff will be way expensive and we’ll be stuck with it for thirty years. So, we are hoping that it will be granted,” he said.
He questioned whether the Government could walk away from the project after investing significant funds to date.
“We spent so much money on it till today, do we just leave it and walk away?” Wale said.
He said the Government is also considering options to buy out the loan components.
Wale said the loan component could reach about US$230 million by the time the project is commissioned, while the Government could still face a US$60 million penalty for breaching the sovereign guarantee.
He said the Government is continuing discussions with development partners to secure grant financing.
Wale said the current approach is to move the Tina Hydro project from the greenfield stage towards investment-grade grant financing.
He stressed that the experience should serve as an important lesson for the Government in managing major development projects and associated financing risks.
[end]
The post Tina Hydro raises financial risks-should be a lesson first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
As parliament passes the $758 million 2026 supplementary appropriation bill 2026, $1.5million of it is allocated for renting a house linked to Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week noted that ‘there was no due diligence processes followed or compliance to our laws’ surrounding the rental of this house.
The Ministry of Foresty and Research (MoFR) is renting the house near its headquarter at the Geology area in Lengakiki at $100,000 per month.
Company Haus records show the house is registered to Tamra Wale, daughter of prime minister Wale.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week, the MoFR admin team justified the rental saying the ministry was in dire need of work space, adding that proximity of the house to the MoFR headquarter made it an ideal choice.
MoFR Permanent Secretary Richard Raomae told PAC the $1.5 million is for 14 months of office rent of the same single building which houses ‘project counterparts’.
A copy of the tenancy agreement between the MoFR and house owner, THM Logistic Ltd, sighted by Island Sun said the rental was for 12 months beginning November 1, 2025.
PS Raomae told PAC that MoFR has been facing challenges for many years with regards to office space, which consecutive governments have failed to help the ministry address.
PAC said the $1.5million is a 428 percent increase from the original budget last year, $350,000 office rent allocation of MoFR, and pressed the ministry’s admin on how it came to rent a house at an exorbitant rate and whether due process was followed.
The $350,000 in this year’s budget was for provincial MoFR offices.
Extra $100,000 for flexibility
PAC member, Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare pressed PS Raomae to clarify that the house in contention is in parcel 19101558 in Tolu Street, Lengakiki, to which Raomae confirmed.
Mr Sogavare asked MoFR to provide the calculations to support the $1.5 million rental at $100,000 per month rate, for 14 months.
“And also, what commitments and payments have been charged to office rent item 101-001-000027-0004 from November 2025 to date.
“Were any 2025 rent liabilities paid or accrued in 2026? If so, under what authority?”
PS Raomae said: “It’s 14 months at $100,000 per month starting from November last year.
“The tenancy agreement was signed on the end of November. So, calculated on 14 months, it’s $1.4 million.
“And then there will be an additional $100,000 is not accounted for in the $1.5 million. That $100,000 was meant for just financial flexibility, in case of changes in the rental but at least we have some sort of flexibility. So overall it’s $1.5 million,” Raomae said.
Residence converted to office
When pressed by Opposition leader Sogavare whether the building was a private residence converted to an office, PS Raomae said he was ‘not really certain whether it’s really meant for private residential or for public office’.
Raomae said there was no one living inside the house before MoFR rented it.
PAC Chair MP for North Guadalcanal Dr Paul Popora Bosawai asked, “Did you have a Certificate of Occupancy? Because if you have the Certificate of Occupancy, then it will indicate it is residential or it’s a non-residential building.”
Raomae said, “No, Chair, we don’t have the residence certificate of occupancy.”
Sogavare said: “If you want to convert a private residence or you want to find an office, there are processes. Converting a residence to office, the appropriate authorities, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Town Council, also for providing reports on zoning, for example, if the building is in a residential area, then, of course, you really need to raise a lot of questions whether that zone is residence, it’s not office area.
“Normally, before you do that, there would be some kind of certification by the appropriate authority, by Ministry of Infrastructure Development and by the City Council. Were those certifications given? You’re not aware.”
Raomae said, “According to the copy of the registration under the City Council, the business registration is under the entity THM Logistics Limited. So, from MID, the Ministry has not taken any sort of certification of occupancy. Under the Honiara City Council document provided it is registered under THM Logistics Limited.”
3 quote process oversight
PAC member MP for Central Guadalcanal Peter Shanel Agovaka queried the MoFR admin on whether they followed the process of ‘three quotes’ to get the most affordable house for government to rent.
“The process for finance should always be three quotes. So, has that process been achieved? Did you go and get three quotes for potential houses to rent?
“You could have found three quotes, and find which was the cheapest one so that the government can rent for your timber utilisation units. But has that process been followed?” Mr Agovaka asked.
MoFR financial controller Aldrin Sese said, “We looked for other places, but this location was more close and convenient to us, near to the headquarter, and when we needed it, it was available at that time, therefore we came up with the agreement.”
House connected to PM Wale
The house being rented by the Ministry of Forestry for $100,000 per month belongs to a family member of prime minister Wale.
The tenancy agreement for the house is between MoFR and THM Logistic Ltd, a company owned by a Tamra Wale, according to the Company Haus records.
The agreement was witnessed by a nameless signature with occupation ‘MP’, and postal address of Box 1004, Honiara.
The agreement commenced November 1, 2025, to be reviewed on October 31, 2026.
A stamped invoice, sighted by Island Sun, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of MoFR by THM Logistic Ltd dated January 2, 2026 for three months – Nov 25, 2025; Dec 25, 2025; Jan 26, 2026 – claimed $300,000 in first-quarter rental payment.
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by Charley Piringi “When a Prime Minister is simultaneously the regulator, the tax collector, and a timber merchant, state policy...
The post The Six-Foot Betrayal: How a Generation Lost Everything appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) are partnering to build workforce skills and support community wellbeing in the timber plantation sector on Kolombangara Island, Western Province.
Australia is supporting two key activities: targeted on-site training for KFPL’s workforce in vehicle and heavy machinery operation and maintenance, as well as administrative skills; and the upgrade of an Early Learning Centre for children of KFPL employees to support working families and improve wellbeing in this remote community.
KFPL is Solomon Islands’ only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation.
Students and teachers of KFPL Early Learning Centre in front of the upgraded centre.
It is a major employer in the country, providing jobs for around 1000 Solomon Islanders. The company operates in close partnership with the local landowners of Kolombangara, enabling it to generate income for communities and replant trees for the next generation.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership reflected Australia’s commitment to supporting a sustainable timber sector and inclusive economic development across Solomon Islands.
“Plantation forestry is an important part of Solomon Islands’ economic future. It creates jobs, supports landowner incomes and provides a sustainable alternative to logging natural forests,” the High Commissioner said.
“This partnership is about helping businesses and communities build the skills and capabilities they need to thrive well into the future.” .
Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel and KFPL staff planting a tree outside the Early Learning Centre to commemorate the partnership between Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL).
Edwin Schramm, General Manager of KFPL said the company welcomed Australia’s support.
“This targeted training will give our workforce the skills to operate safely and efficiently in demanding conditions, while the Early Learning Centre will support our staff provide care for their families. Together, these investments will help us build a stronger, more resilient business that continues to deliver for our employees, landowners and communities,” Mr. Schramm said.
The partnership is expected to contribute to KFPL’s long-term sustainability, and ultimately to building a stronger and more inclusive economy in Solomon Islands.
ENDS//
– AHC Media Statement
The post AUSTRALIA PARTNERS WITH KOLOMBANGARA FOREST PRODUCTS TO BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE TIMBER SECTOR first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Guadalcanal welcomes Water,
Sanitation Projects
GUADALCANAL Province has welcomed water and sanitation projects implemented with support from development partners.
This follows the selection of two communities in Guadalcanal, along with communities in Makira and Central Islands, as recipients of a new climate adaptation initiative aimed at strengthening freshwater security, improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, and building resilience to the growing impacts of climate change.
UNICEF has supported three wards in North East Guadalcanal.
UNDP has also constructed seven WASH facilities in Guadalcanal, five of which are located in schools and benefit 1,800 students.
The partnership has been implemented since 2024 and continues through 2025.
Through the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme, UNDP has further supported WASH interventions in two schools, which are expected to benefit more than 1,000 students, as well as health clinics that serve more than 2,000 people.
Speaking at the launch of the Protecting Freshwater Resources for Increased Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands (PacFresH2O) programme at Pacific Crown Hotel on Thursday, Premier Atu said the sanitation projects would ensure hygiene practices are improved in schools, consequently reducing the spread of diseases that may affect pupils’ wellbeing and education.
“As we all know, girls need greater toilet privacy and adequate facilities for their monthly hygiene management.
“Lack of such facilities may deter parents from sending their daughters to school or even cause them to drop out,” he said.
Premier Atu said UNICEF assessments had indicated that the student-to-toilet ratio in Guadalcanal was 48 girls to one toilet, while for boys the ratio was 64 to one.
He said the national standard for Solomon Islands should be 30 girls to one toilet and 40 boys to one toilet.
“We sincerely thank you that in your support we will be able to reduce these ratios in our strive to achieve the national ratio standards,” he said.
Premier Atu confirmed that in its last budget, the provincial government allocated 2.46 percent of its Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) towards water and sanitation.
The launch of PacFresH2O marks the commencement of programme implementation in Solomon Islands.
Led by GIZ Pacific, the programme is being implemented in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands, the Pacific Community (SPC) and Live & Learn.
Supported by the German Government’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) and funded through the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the five-year regional programme supports Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to strengthen climate resilience through sustainable freshwater resource management and climate-resilient WASH services.
According to the 2019 Population Census, Guadalcanal has a population of 154,022, making it the second-largest province in the country.
YOUTH VOICES CONCERN OVER LOGGING
OPERATION IN SOUTH MALAITA
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
Growing concerns have emerged among young people in South Malaita, particularly in Malou, over a logging operation with some residents saying they were not adequately consulted before the activity took place.
The concerns have surfaced in recent days as young people from the area voiced fears about the potential impacts of logging on their livelihoods, environment and future access to natural resources.
While acknowledging that the logging company is expected to provide royalties and financial benefits to landowners and communities, some youths questioned whether those benefits would outweigh the long term environmental benefits.
One youth, who asked not to be named, said the community had seen many negative impacts associated with logging and believed the latest operation could create further problems if concerns were not properly addressed.
The youth said the lack of consultation was among the key issues contributing to the concerns, with some young people feeling excluded from decisions that could directly affect their future.
The situation has prompted calls for all parties, including community leaders, responsible authorities, landowners and young people, to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful ways to resolve disagreements.
There are also concerns that frustration over logging could lead some people to take matters into their own hands, potentially creating further conflict within communities.
The concern youth said the call is therefore for young people to use peaceful and lawful avenues to raise their concerns, while leaders are encouraged to come down to the community level and listen directly to the issues being raised.
He said young people are seen as important stakeholders in decisions concerning natural resources, particularly because they will inherit the land and environment in the years ahead.
Leaders have also been urged to provide young people with greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership, rather than overlooking their concerns.
He said the wider message is that development should not only be measured by immediate financial returns, but also by its long-term sustainability and impact on communities.
For communities in South Malaita, the debate highlights the need to find a balance between economic opportunities from natural resource development and the protection of the environment and livelihoods that future generations will depend on.
The call from concerned youths is ultimately for consultation, dialogue and sustainable development, while maintaining peace and unity within the community before the logging operates following their landing in Malou in South Malaita on 8 August 2026.
//End//
YOUTH VOICES CONCERN OVER LOGGING
OPERATION IN SOUTH MALAITA
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
在南马莱塔,尤其是马洛(Malou),年轻人对伐木作业的担忧日益加剧,一些居民表示在活动进行之前并没有得到充分的咨询。
这些担忧在最近几天浮出水面,来自该地区的年轻人表达了对伐木可能对他们生计、环境以及未来自然资源获取的影响的担忧。
虽然承认伐木公司预计将向土地所有者和社区提供特许权使用费和经济利益,但一些年轻人质疑这些利益是否会超过长期的环境利益。
一位要求匿名的年轻人表示,社区已经看到许多与伐木相关的负面影响,并认为如果不妥善解决这些担忧,最新的作业可能会带来进一步的问题。
这位年轻人表示,缺乏咨询是导致担忧的关键问题之一,一些年轻人感到被排除在可能直接影响他们未来的决策之外。
这一情况促使各方,包括社区领导、负责当局、土地所有者和年轻人,呼吁进行对话,并寻求和平解决分歧的方式。
还有人担心,对伐木的不满可能导致一些人采取极端措施,从而在社区内引发进一步的冲突。
这位关注的年轻人表示,因此呼吁年轻人通过和平和合法的途径表达他们的担忧,同时鼓励领导者深入社区,直接倾听所提出的问题。
他说,年轻人被视为涉及自然资源决策的重要利益相关者,特别是因为他们将在未来继承土地和环境。
领导者们也被敦促为年轻人提供更多参与决策和领导的机会,而不是忽视他们的担忧。
他说,广泛的信息是,发展不应仅仅通过即时的经济回报来衡量,还应考虑其对社区的长期可持续性和影响。
对于南马莱塔的社区而言,这场辩论突显了在自然资源开发带来的经济机会与保护未来几代人所依赖的环境和生计之间找到平衡的必要性。
关注的年轻人最终呼吁进行咨询、对话和可持续发展,同时在伐木作业于2026年8月8日抵达马洛之前,维护社区内的和平与团结。
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SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Samoa focuses on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and regional environmental action. 12 August 2026, Apia – The collective collaborative effort to cushion Pacific& communities against the impacts of the triple planetary crises of climate change,& biodiversity loss and pollution continues to be the core of the work of the [...]
The post SPREP BOARD REVIEWS PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Solomon Islands launches PacFresH2O programme to strengthen Freshwater Security
Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O Programme this morning, a regional initiative to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
The initiative brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, provincial authorities and community representatives.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/solomon-islands-launches.../
