Institutions · SolomonNow

Solomon Islands Prime Minister visits FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honourable Matthew Cooper Wale, visited the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) yesterday afternoon, including the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC), ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Palau. Prime Minister Wale met with FFA’s Officer-in-Charge and Fisheries Development Director, Dr Chris Reid, before touring the Centre and hearing more about the work taking place to support Solomon Islands and FFA’s other 16 Members. Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale with the FFA Officer-in-Charge and Director of Fisheries Development, Dr Chris Reid, during the visit on Monday. Photo: FFA The visit gave Prime Minister Wale an opportunity to see first-hand how the Centre works and how regional fisheries surveillance and intelligence support Solomon Islands and FFA’s Members. He was given a closer look at how the region keeps track of fishing activity across the vast Pacific – bringing together vessel monitoring, satellite information, aerial surveillance, intelligence and information from national authorities and regional partners. FFA Surveillance Operations Officer Yohni Fepuleai briefing the Solomon Islands Prime Minister on the roles and functions of the RFSC. Photo: FFA For Solomon Islands, the Centre provides an important regional layer of support. Information gathered through the system can help identify vessels of interest, check whether they are licensed and operating within the rules, and support national authorities when further action is needed. The discussion also covered some of the challenges facing fisheries enforcement and response to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational maritime crime, including priority areas of Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Sir Jimmie Rogers at the FFA briefing. Photo: FFA profiling vessel compliance performance and beneficial ownership, captains behind vessels and the importance of accurate reporting. But the conversation was not only about surveillance and enforcement. FFA’s broader role is to help Pacific Island countries sustainably manage one of the region’s most valuable resources and get greater economic benefit from their fisheries. With such a vast ocean to cover, no country can do this alone. The strength of the region’s fisheries work comes from countries sharing information, expertise and resources and working together Prime Minister Wale, who is the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), is expected to deliver the keynote address at FFA’s side event on the sidelines of the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, from 30 August to 5 September. The FFA side event, scheduled for 31 August from 4pm – 5pm at the Ngarachamayong Culture Centre in Koror, will focus on the role of the RFSC under the theme: Securing Our Blue Pacific: Integrated Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and the Future of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC). HONIARA, 25 AUGUST 2026

所罗门群岛总理马修·库珀·韦尔(Honourable Matthew Cooper Wale)于昨日下午访问了太平洋岛国论坛渔业机构(FFA),包括区域渔业监测中心(RFSC),此次访问是在即将召开的第55届太平洋岛国领导人会议前进行的。韦尔总理在参观中心之前,与FFA负责人及渔业发展主任克里斯·里德博士(Dr Chris Reid)进行了会面,了解了支持所罗门群岛及FFA其他16个成员国的工作。韦尔总理与FFA负责人及渔业发展主任克里斯·里德博士在周一访问期间合影。照片来源:FFA 此次访问让韦尔总理有机会亲自了解中心的运作方式,以及区域渔业监测和情报如何支持所罗门群岛及FFA的成员国。他详细了解了该地区如何追踪广阔太平洋中的渔业活动,包括船只监测、卫星信息、空中监视、情报以及来自国家当局和区域合作伙伴的信息。 FFA监测运营官约尼·费普莱(Yohni Fepuleai)向所罗门群岛总理介绍RFSC的角色和功能。照片来源:FFA 对于所罗门群岛而言,该中心提供了重要的区域支持层。通过该系统收集的信息可以帮助识别感兴趣的船只,检查它们是否持有许可证并在规则内运营,并在需要进一步行动时支持国家当局。讨论还涉及渔业执法和应对非法、未报告和无管制(IUU)捕鱼及跨国海洋犯罪所面临的一些挑战,包括优先领域: 韦尔总理与总理秘书吉米·罗杰斯博士(Dr Sir Jimmie Rogers)在FFA简报会上。照片来源:FFA 船只合规表现和受益所有权、船长背景以及准确报告的重要性。但谈话不仅限于监测和执法。FFA的更广泛角色是帮助太平洋岛国可持续管理该地区最有价值的资源之一,并从其渔业中获得更大的经济利益。由于海洋广阔,没有任何国家能够独自完成这一任务。该地区渔业工作的力量来自各国共享信息、专业知识和资源,并共同合作。韦尔总理目前是太平洋岛国论坛(PIF)的主席,预计将在8月30日至9月5日于帕劳举行的第55届PIF领导人会议期间的FFA侧边活动上发表主题演讲。 FFA侧边活动定于8月31日下午4点至5点在科罗尔的Ngarachamayong文化中心举行,主题为:保护我们的蓝色太平洋:综合监测、控制与监督(MCS)及区域渔业监测中心(RFSC)的未来。霍尼亚拉,2026年8月25日

Solomon Islands Prime Minister visits FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre

FFA Environment & Climate · 2026-08-25 Original ↗

Community-Led Climate Adaptation Projects Strengthen Resilience Across Solomon Islands

Five rural communities across Solomon Islands are better prepared to face the impacts of climate change following the successful completion of the Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Phase III Programme, implemented through the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP). Funded by the Government of Australia, the programme invested US$150,000 in community-led adaptation initiatives between 2022 and 2026. The projects focused on strengthening climate resilience through nature-based solutions, sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal protection. To mark the programme's completion, UNDP convened a three-day closing workshop in June 2026, bringing together representatives from the five grantee organizations, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, and UNDP staff to reflect on achievements, exchange lessons learned, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. The projects delivered tangible benefits to participating communities. In West Kwarae, Malaita Province, the Ado Rural Farmers Association expanded its agroforestry nursery, improving food security and supporting sustainable farming practices. In South Malaita, the Angouru Community Development Association rehabilitated mangrove ecosystems and established a community research and meeting centre to strengthen environmental awareness and conservation efforts. The Kauhata Foundation Trust Board restored degraded landscapes through large-scale reforestation activities in West Are'are, while Afio Primary School implemented innovative land restoration activities that improved environmental management and created safer access for students travelling to and from school. In Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal, the Wahere Community Association constructed a seawall that now protects homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods from coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Collectively, the projects strengthened the resilience of vulnerable rural communities while promoting the active participation of women, youth, and other underrepresented groups in climate adaptation and local decision-making processes. Director of Environment and GEF Operational Focal Point, Thaddeus Siota, commended the grantees for their achievements and acknowledged the contribution of community-based adaptation to national development priorities. "The results achieved through these projects show the value of investing in local solutions. Communities have demonstrated that small-scale initiatives can make a significant contribution to climate resilience, environmental conservation, and sustainable development," he said. Speaking at the closing workshop, UNDP Solomon Islands Resilience and Climate Change Programme Specialist, Barnabas Bago, highlighted the importance of community leadership in driving sustainable development outcomes. "These projects demonstrate that local communities are at the forefront of climate action. Through their commitment, innovation, and leadership, they have developed practical solutions that not only address climate risks but also improve livelihoods and protect natural resources for future generations," he said. Participants at the workshop identified several key factors behind the success of the projects, including strong community ownership, local leadership, inclusive participation, and the effectiveness of nature-based adaptation approaches. They also emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences between communities to strengthen future climate resilience efforts across Solomon Islands. The CBA Phase III Programme has demonstrated that community-driven adaptation can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. By empowering local organizations and strengthening community capacity, the programme has provided a strong foundation for future climate action and contributed to the Solomon Islands' broader climate and sustainable development goals. As climate-related challenges continue to affect communities across the country, the experiences and lessons generated through these projects will help inform and inspire future locally led adaptation initiatives, ensuring that communities remain at the centre of building a more resilient Solomon Islands.

五个农村社区在成功完成由联合国开发计划署(UNDP)全球环境基金小额赠款计划(GEF SGP)实施的社区基础适应(CBA)第三阶段项目后,更好地准备应对气候变化的影响。该项目由澳大利亚政府资助,投资了15万美元用于2022年至2026年间的社区主导适应倡议。项目重点通过基于自然的解决方案、可持续生计、生态系统恢复、气候智能农业和沿海保护来增强气候韧性。为庆祝项目的完成,UNDP于2026年6月召开了为期三天的闭幕研讨会,汇集了五个受赠组织的代表、环境、气候变化、灾害管理和气象部的工作人员以及UNDP员工,共同回顾成就、交流经验教训,并探讨未来合作的机会。这些项目为参与社区带来了切实的好处。在马莱塔省的西夸拉埃,阿多农村农民协会扩大了其农林业苗圃,提高了粮食安全并支持可持续农业实践。在南马莱塔,安古鲁社区发展协会修复了红树林生态系统,并建立了一个社区研究和会议中心,以增强环境意识和保护工作。卡乌哈塔基金会信托委员会通过大规模植树活动恢复了西阿雷阿雷的退化景观,而阿菲奥小学则实施了创新的土地恢复活动,改善了环境管理,并为学生往返学校提供了更安全的通道。在东瓜达尔卡纳尔的马劳湾,瓦赫雷社区协会建造了一道海堤,现已保护了房屋、基础设施和生计,免受海岸侵蚀和海平面上升的影响。总体而言,这些项目增强了脆弱农村社区的韧性,同时促进了女性、青年和其他代表性不足群体在气候适应和地方决策过程中的积极参与。环境和GEF运营联络点主任萨迪乌斯·西奥塔对受赠者的成就表示赞赏,并承认社区基础适应对国家发展优先事项的贡献。 “这些项目所取得的成果显示了投资地方解决方案的价值。社区已经证明,小规模的倡议可以对气候韧性、环境保护和可持续发展做出重要贡献,”他说。在闭幕研讨会上,UNDP所罗门群岛韧性与气候变化项目专家巴拿巴斯·巴戈强调了社区领导在推动可持续发展成果中的重要性。 “这些项目表明,地方社区在气候行动中处于前沿。通过他们的承诺、创新和领导,他们开发了切实的解决方案,不仅应对气候风险,还改善了生计,保护了自然资源,为未来的世代,”他说。研讨会的参与者确定了项目成功的几个关键因素,包括强烈的社区拥有感、地方领导、包容性参与和基于自然的适应方法的有效性。他们还强调了在社区之间分享知识和经验的重要性,以加强未来在所罗门群岛的气候韧性努力。 CBA第三阶段项目已证明,社区驱动的适应可以带来持久的环境、社会和经济效益。通过赋能地方组织和增强社区能力,该项目为未来的气候行动提供了坚实的基础,并为所罗门群岛更广泛的气候和可持续发展目标做出了贡献。随着气候相关挑战继续影响全国各地的社区,通过这些项目产生的经验和教训将有助于指导和激励未来的地方主导适应倡议,确保社区始终处于建设更具韧性的所罗门群岛的中心。

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A presenter in a blue shirt stands and speaks to a group around a table with laptops and flowers.

Man in yellow shirt stands at a table with a green tablecloth; others sit nearby indoors.

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Two men wearing masks sit on a couch in a sunlit room with patterned walls, chatting.

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Photo: group of people in blue shirts gathered around a long white table outdoors, signing.

UNDP Environment & Climate · 2026-08-25 Original ↗

Central Bank of Solomon Islands Launches Instant Funds Transfer Service

Honiara, Solomon Islands —The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) today officially launched the Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) service, a new feature of the Solomon Islands Automated Transfer System (SOLATS) that will allow customers to send money between participating banks faster than ever before. Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Governor, Raynold Moveni, said the introduction of IFT marks an important step forward for the country's payment system and for ordinary Solomon Islanders. "Today is an important day for the Central Bank, our commercial banks, and most importantly, the people of Solomon Islands," the Deputy Governor said. "This is not simply about introducing another banking system, but about making our payment system work better for our people." What IFT Means for Solomon Islanders IFT allows a customer with funds in their bank account to transfer money to someone who banks with another participating institution, with the transfer processed much faster than under current arrangements. This is convenient in everyday scenarios where the service could make a real difference. For instance, a parent in Honiara sending money to a child for school expenses, families supporting relatives in urgent need, or a small business owner waiting on payment from a customer. SBD5,000 Transaction Limit To support a safe rollout, a maximum limit of SBD5,000 has been set for a single customer IFT transaction. The Central Bank said this limit will allow it and participating banks to monitor the system's performance, identify risks, and make improvements as usage grows. The limit will be reviewed in future as the service develops. Safety and Compliance Safeguard To ensure the faster payments remain secure, the Central Bank has established the SOLATS Business Rules, which set out how participating banks must process transactions, handle problems, and meet their responsibilities within the system. The Deputy Governor emphasised that participating banks must continue to meet their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations, including monitoring for suspicious activity such as structuring the practice of splitting larger payments into smaller transactions to avoid controls. The SBD5,000 limit does not reduce these responsibilities. Supporting a Digital Economy The CBSI noted that IFT is expected to benefit the wider Solomon Islands economy by enabling businesses to receive payments faster, giving families more convenient ways to pay, and reducing reliance on cash. The service also adds to the SOLATS infrastructure connecting the country's financial institutions, laying a foundation for future payment services and greater interoperability across the financial system. Looking Ahead The CBSI called on participating banks to make IFT simple, affordable, reliable, and secure for their customers, noting that its success will ultimately be measured by whether ordinary Solomon Islanders find it useful whether a parent can send money more easily, a small business can be paid faster, and people can transact with greater confidence. Deputy Governor acknowledged the commercial banks, CBSI teams, and technology partner Montran for their work in bringing the service to launch and formally declared the Instant Funds Transfer module of SOLATS operational. "Our goal is simple: faster payments, safe payments, and a payment system that works better for the people of Solomon Islands," Deputy Governor Moveni said. — ENDS — For more information, contact the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) on 21791 or Email: info@cbsi.com.sb | Website: www.cbsi.com.sb

霍尼亚拉,所罗门群岛——所罗门群岛中央银行(CBSI)今天正式推出了即时资金转账(IFT)服务,这是所罗门群岛自动转账系统(SOLATS)的新功能,允许客户在参与银行之间更快地转账。在发布会上,副行长Raynold Moveni表示,IFT的推出标志着该国支付系统和普通所罗门群岛人民向前迈出了重要一步。副行长说:“今天对中央银行、我们的商业银行,以及最重要的,所罗门群岛人民来说是一个重要的日子。这不仅仅是引入另一个银行系统,而是让我们的支付系统更好地为我们的人民服务。” IFT对所罗门群岛人民的意义 IFT允许在银行账户中有资金的客户将钱转账给在另一家参与机构开户的人,转账处理速度远快于当前安排。这在日常场景中非常方便,服务可以带来真正的改变。例如,霍尼亚拉的一位家长为孩子的学费汇款、家庭支持急需帮助的亲属,或小企业主等待客户的付款。 SBD5,000交易限额为了支持安全的推出,单个客户的IFT交易设定了最高限额为SBD5,000。中央银行表示,这一限额将允许其和参与银行监控系统的性能,识别风险,并在使用量增长时进行改进。随着服务的发展,限额将在未来进行审查。安全与合规保障为了确保更快的支付保持安全,中央银行建立了SOLATS业务规则,规定参与银行必须如何处理交易、处理问题以及履行其在系统中的责任。副行长强调,参与银行必须继续履行其反洗钱和打击恐怖融资(AML/CFT)义务,包括监测可疑活动,例如将较大付款拆分为较小交易以规避控制。SBD5,000的限额并不减少这些责任。支持数字经济 CBSI指出,IFT预计将通过使企业更快地收到付款、为家庭提供更方便的支付方式以及减少对现金的依赖,从而使更广泛的所罗门群岛经济受益。该服务还增加了连接该国金融机构的SOLATS基础设施,为未来的支付服务和金融系统的更大互操作性奠定基础。展望未来 CBSI呼吁参与银行使IFT对客户而言简单、实惠、可靠和安全,并指出其成功最终将通过普通所罗门群岛人民是否觉得它有用来衡量,无论是家长能否更轻松地汇款、小企业能否更快收到付款,以及人们能否更有信心地进行交易。副行长感谢商业银行、CBSI团队以及技术合作伙伴Montran在推出服务方面所做的工作,并正式宣布SOLATS的即时资金转账模块投入运营。副行长Moveni表示:“我们的目标很简单:更快的支付、安全的支付,以及一个更好地为所罗门群岛人民服务的支付系统。” —— 结束 —— 如需更多信息,请联系所罗门群岛中央银行(CBSI),电话:21791,或发送电子邮件至:info@cbsi.com.sb | 网站:www.cbsi.com.sb

CBSI Deputy Governor Raynold Moveni standing third from right with commercial banks' heads.

CBSI Business & Economy · 2026-08-24 Original ↗

Snap and Connect Entry 43: Staying Close Across Any Distance

📸 SNAP AND CONNECT ❤️📱 Entry 43 | The more likes gets you to win awesome prizes. 'Enjoying Our Telekom because it keeps me connected with the friends and family who mean the most to me. ❤️📱 No matter the distance, we’re always just a call or message away. 📶🇸🇧'