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。
//End//
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.../
The GREAT Coalition Government is moving to strengthen forestry laws and improve the management of Solomon Islands’ forest resources. The...
The post GREAT Coalition Moves to Overhaul Forestry Laws appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
GREAT 联盟政府正在采取措施加强林业法律,并改善所罗门群岛森林资源的管理。......
这篇文章最初发布在 In-depth Solomons 上。
A proposed $1.5 million increase in office-rent funding for the Ministry of Forestry and Research has come under scrutiny at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with lawmakers questioning a $100,000-a-month rental arrangement and whether proper procedures were followed. The ministry appeared before PAC on Tuesday to defend its supplementary funding request. According to the 2026 [...]
The post FROM $350K TO $1.85M: WHY A $100K-A-MONTH RENT DEAL RAISED RED FLAGS AT PAC appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOSES SAREN
THE Office of the Auditor-General is seeking $6.7 million in supplementary funding to upgrade its auditing methodology and clear a provincial audit backlog.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry this morning into the 2026 Supplementary Bill, Deputy Auditor-General Vincent Misi said the proposed allocation is being sought under a recurrent advance warrant.
The supplementary funding combines two main components: $6,435,942 for the World Bank-backed Capacity Building in Audit and Statistics Project (CAPSA), and $259,505 for the United Nations-funded Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL).
Misi said the CAPSA funding covers four local consultants and an external audit firm tasked with bringing the agency’s methodology up to global standards.
He explained that while the technical support was included in last year’s budget, it was inadvertently dropped by the budget unit during consolidation.
“The support had been provided for in last year’s budget but was overlooked during consolidation,” Mr Misi told the Committee.
The LoCAL component targets a backlog of local government accounts, supporting consultant fees, field travel, sea-safety equipment, and IT hardware.
PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai opened the hearing by noting that total recurrent advance warrants across all government agencies reach $316.4 million—exceeding the $150 million statutory cap under Section 6 of the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Dr Bosawai and Independent Leader Peter Shanel Agovaka both pressed for the fast-tracking of the Auditor-General’s Bill 2026, which would grant the agency a dedicated budget and full mandate to audit all ministries and constituencies automatically.
In response, Mr Misi confirmed that consultations remain ongoing, with no firm date yet set for tabling the legislation.
Hograno/Kia/Havulei MP Jeremiah Manele sought clarification on the external firm and whether provincial audits were climate-specific.
Mr Misi confirmed the external firm engaged is UK-based public sector body CIPFA, clarifying that the audits cover general provincial accounts rather than climate work.
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare raised concerns over constituency-level audits, arguing that Constituency Development Funds are public money and should not wait on a formal request before an audit is triggered.
Mr Misi noted that Guadalcanal’s audit is nearing completion with Are’are scheduled next, but agreed to respond to Sogavare’s policy objection in writing.
Mr Agovaka also questioned whether public servants carry greater responsibility for corruption than politicians, criticizing advocacy by Transparency Solomon Islands—a point Ms Misi declined to comment on.
Dr Bosawai closed the 30-minute hearing by noting remaining technical questions would be answered in writing before moving to the next ministry’s submission.
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
作者:JOSES SAREN
审计总署(Office of the Auditor-General)正在寻求670万美元的补充资金,以升级其审计方法并清理省级审计积压。
今天上午,副审计长文森特·米西(Vincent Misi)在公共账目委员会(Public Accounts Committee,PAC)对2026年补充法案的调查中表示,所提议的拨款是根据经常性预付款令申请的。
这笔补充资金主要包括两个部分:6435942美元用于世界银行支持的审计和统计能力建设项目(Capacity Building in Audit and Statistics Project,CAPSA),以及259505美元用于联合国资助的地方气候适应生活设施(Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility,LoCAL)。
米西表示,CAPSA资金涵盖四名地方顾问和一家外部审计公司,负责将该机构的方法提升到全球标准。
他解释说,虽然技术支持已包含在去年的预算中,但在整合过程中被预算单位无意中遗漏。
“支持在去年的预算中已得到提供,但在整合时被忽视,”米西先生告诉委员会。
LoCAL部分针对地方政府账户的积压,支持顾问费用、现场旅行、海上安全设备和IT硬件。
PAC主席保罗·博萨瓦伊(Dr Paul Bosawai)在开庭时指出,所有政府机构的总经常性预付款令达到3.164亿美元,超过了2026年拨款法第6条规定的1.5亿美元法定上限。
博萨瓦伊博士和独立领导人彼得·沙内尔·阿戈瓦卡(Peter Shanel Agovaka)都呼吁加快审计总署2026年法案的进程,该法案将赋予该机构专门预算和全面授权,自动审计所有部门和选区。
对此,米西先生确认,咨询仍在进行中,目前尚未确定提交立法的具体日期。
霍格拉诺/基亚/哈武雷(Hograno/Kia/Havulei)国会议员杰里迈亚·马内莱(Jeremiah Manele)要求澄清外部公司以及省级审计是否与气候相关。
米西先生确认,参与的外部公司是总部位于英国的公共部门机构CIPFA,并澄清审计涵盖一般省级账户,而非气候工作。
反对派领袖马纳塞·索加瓦雷(Manasseh Sogavare)对选区级审计表示担忧,认为选区发展基金是公共资金,不应在正式请求之前等待审计触发。
米西先生指出,瓜达尔卡纳尔的审计即将完成,阿雷阿雷(Are’are)将是下一个,但同意以书面形式回应索加瓦雷的政策异议。
阿戈瓦卡先生还质疑公务员是否对腐败承担更大责任,批评透明所罗门群岛(Transparency Solomon Islands)的倡导——这一点米西女士拒绝评论。
博萨瓦伊博士在30分钟的听证会结束时指出,剩余的技术问题将在书面上回答,然后转向下一个部门的提交。
Island SunEnvironment & Climate环境气候·2026-08-10Original ↗原文 ↗
MECDM outlines resilience, climate action and environmental reforms to strengthen Solomon Islands’ sustainable future HONIARA, Solomon Islands – August 5, 2026 – The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Hon. Wayne Ghemu, delivered a pivotal response to the Speech from the Throne today, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to bolster national resilience [...]
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MECDM Sets Out Environmental and Climate Resilience Priorities
Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Hon. Wayne Ghemu, has outlined the Ministry’s key priorities to strengthen environmental protection, climate resilience and disaster preparedness in response to the Speech from the Throne.
Minister Ghemu said the Ministry will focus on translating the government’s transformation agenda into practical actions that benefit communities across Solomon Islands.
A major focus of the Ministry’s programme is strengthening environmental stewardship through updated legislation, improved compliance measures and the establishment of a Compliance and Enforcement Unit to support environmental protection standards.
The Ministry also plans to expand protected areas across land and marine environments through community-based approaches that recognise the role of provincial governments and customary resource owners.
On waste management, Minister Ghemu highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Ranadi rubbish dump and develop a new engineered landfill at Tenaru through collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, Honiara City Council and Guadalcanal Provincial Government. Similar improvements are planned for provincial centres including Gizo, Noro, Auki and Tulagi.
Addressing climate change, Minister Ghemu described it as one of the country’s greatest challenges and said the government will invest in nature-based solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure in key sectors such as agriculture, education and health.
The Ministry is also working to strengthen Solomon Islands’ ability to access international climate finance by pursuing national accreditation for institutions, including the Development Bank of Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Minister Ghemu announced plans for a national loss and damage framework to support communities affected by climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
Following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recovery efforts, including a shelter reconstruction programme for families whose homes were destroyed. He said recovery support is being strengthened with assistance from international partners.
The Ministry will also introduce modernised meteorological services, including the installation of Solomon Islands’ first weather radar system, to improve early warning capabilities for tropical cyclones and other weather-related hazards.
Minister Ghemu concluded by emphasising that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility, calling on individuals, communities and leaders to work together in building a more resilient Solomon Islands.
“This is our solemn commitment—to serve our people, safeguard our environment, and build a Solomon Islands that is more resilient,” Minister Ghemu said.
ENDS/////////////////////
CaB SMART MSP TEAM Successfully Complete Community-Led Marine Spatial Planning Field Trial
The CaB SMART MSP Project team has completed a field trial of Community-Led Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) approach at Nagotano Community, Central Islands province.
This was an activity under the Climate and Biodiversity Smart Marine Spatial Planning (CaB-Smart MSP) Project which is implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Ch...ange, Disaster Management and Meteorology, through the CAB SMART MSP Project Management Unit.
The trial involved 44 participants (28 male and 22 female) serving as community representatives.
These representatives comprised customary marine resource owners, community leaders, women, youth, and fishers.
Together, they mapped coastal and marine resources, identified areas of ecological, cultural and economic significance and developed practical management priorities for the community's marine environment and resources.
Spatial maps, illustrating the use of ocean and coastal space, were generated based on the collected spatial information.
Community members and groups participated actively in marine resource mapping, stakeholder discussions, and planning exercises that integrated traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches.
This facilitated and collaborative process enabled the community to identify key fishing grounds, coral reefs, mangrove areas, seagrass habitats, spawning and nursery sites, navigation routes, and culturally significant locations that require interventions such as sustainable utilization, management, conservation and protection and even restoration and rehabilitation.
The trial demonstrated that Community-Led Marine Spatial Planning can be an effective and inclusive process that empowers communities to make informed decisions about the sustainable use and conservation of their coastal and marine resources while supporting food security, livelihoods, protecting biodiversity, and building climate resilience.
The CaB-Smart MSP Project recognises customary resource owners as pivotal to marine stewardship in the Solomon Islands.
By placing communities at the center of planning and decision-making, the project recognizes and aims to strengthen local governance systems and promote long-term sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.
The successful completion of the Nagotano Community field activities provides valuable lessons for refining Community-Led Marine Spatial Planning approaches that can be applied to other coastal communities targeted under the Project and in the long term to other communities in the country.
The successful activity highlights the strength and benefits of partnership between communities, government agencies, development partners, and technical organisations in advancing locally led solutions for the sustainable management of Solomon Islands' coastal and marine resources.
The CaB-Smart MSP Project is made possible through funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), reflecting New Zealand's ongoing partnership with the Solomon Islands in promoting sustainable ocean governance, resilient coastal communities, and healthy marine ecosystems.
- Ministry of Environment
//END//
Wildlife Photography Exhibition
Opens at National Art Gallery
A world-renowned Wildlife Photography Exhibition from London is now on display at the National Art Gallery in Honiara, showcasing stunning images of wildlife and the natural world.
Local schools and youth groups are expected to visit the exhibition in the coming days to experience photographs that reveal hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the rich diversity of nature.
Organisers said each photograph tells a unique story, highlighting the close connection between wildlife, habitats, and people.
British High Commissioner Paul Turner said the exhibition conveys both the beauty and fragility of nature, while encouraging greater efforts to protect the planet's biodiversity through the power of photography.
The public is encouraged to visit the gallery to see some of the world's natural beauties.
Solar powered medical waste
system a C3SI success story
One of the success stories of the Climate Smart Social Services and Infrastructure (C3SI) Programme is the installation of a solar-powered microwave medical waste treatment system at Good Samaritan Hospital (GSH) in North Guadalcanal.
Hamish Young, UNICEF Representative in the Pacific, confirmed this during a media briefing in Honiara on Monday.
The media briefing provided an update on the implementation progress of the C3SI Programme, highlighted results for children and communities to date, and previewed the upcoming Social Protection Consultation and Dialogue in Honiara.
Mr Young said the facility uses advanced technology that goes beyond traditional incineration.
He said it is a large facility weighing more than 100 kilograms and is powered entirely by renewable energy.
“It takes all sorts of medical waste which incineration does not completely destroy.
“Incineration still leaves sharp needles that can be dangerous when they get back into the environment,” he said.
Mr Young said the new facility reduces medical waste to powder, which can then be used to make bricks for building facilities.
The facility also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Good Samaritan Hospital provides services to more than 62,000 people from surrounding communities, including patients from Honiara who seek medical assistance there.
The C3SI programme is funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands.
It supports climate-resilient planning, institutional strengthening and infrastructure investment across health, education, WASH, nutrition, child protection, social protection, renewable energy, and climate information and early warning systems.
The project costs about SBD$58.3 million (US$7 million), focusing on strengthening national systems for social services.
It focuses mainly on Guadalcanal Province and will be implemented over a three-year period, from November 2024 to December 2027.
Apart from the medical waste treatment system, the climate project has registered more than 800 people and enabled them to receive birth certificates through the decentralisation of birth registration services.
It has also trained 19 people from local communities in basic solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation and maintenance.
PM Wale Declares End to "Elite Capture" in Logging Sector
Prime Minister [PM] Matthew Wale has declared that his government is determined to end what he described as decades of "elite capture" in the country's logging sector, pledging major reforms in the management of the nation's forests.
Speaking during the debate on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament, Wednesday 5th August Prime Minister Wale said the way Solomon Islands' forests have been managed over the years is a clear example of elite capture.
"The management of our forests has been proof of elite capture. Our islands have been stripped, a few have been enriched, and that era ends," Prime Minister Wale said.
The Prime Minister's remarks signal the government's commitment to reforming the forestry sector, with a focus on ensuring that the country's natural resources are managed sustainably and that the benefits are shared more fairly among Solomon Islanders.
His statement comes as the government continues to outline its priorities during the Fourth Meeting of the 12th Parliament, including strengthening governance, promoting sustainable development, and increasing value-added industries across key sectors.
Prime Minister Mathew Wale acknowledged the strategic weight of modern alliances and reflecting on the complex global climate, said, the...
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Communities in North Malaita are planting more than 2,000 mangrove seedlings to protect the coastline around the new Malu’u Market,...
The post 2,000 Mangroves Planted to Protect Malu’u Coastline appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Climate Change Division is pleased
with KOICA funding
The Climate Change Division within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management is pleased with KOICA in funding the three years climate change programe.
The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has funded the Climate Smart Social Services and Infrastructure (C3SI) Programme in Solomon Islands.
UNICEF is implementing it in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands.
It supports climate-resilient planning, institutional strengthening and infrastructure investment across health, education, WASH, nutrition, child protection, social protection, renewable energy, and climate information and early warning systems.
The project costs about SBD58.3 million (US$7 million), focusing on strengthening national systems for social services.
It mainly focuses on Guadalcanal Province from November 2024 to December 2027.
Director of the Climate Change Division, Thaddeus Siota, thanked KOICA for the funding and said UNICEF is supporting the Ministry in putting children and young people at the centre of climate policy and decision-making.
He said UNICEF supported the Division in developing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0).
Mr Siota said NDC3.0 is an important document that outlines what the country determines to do to reduce the causes of climate change and address its impacts.
Furthermore, he said UNICEF supported the Division in hosting the National Loss and Damage Dialogue for children and young people, including children and youth with disabilities, last year.
He said this will help the Division develop a Loss and Damage Policy.
Moreover, UNICEF will support the Division to host the Solomon Islands Youth Climate Dialogue ahead of the Pre-COP Australia-Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue in Fiji in October.
//End//
Independent Group suggests Government consider maritime cooperation arrangements similar to Shiprider with other bilateral partners
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The Independent Group has suggested the GREAT government consider maritime cooperation arrangements with China similar to the Shiprider agreement.
In its statement yesterday, the Independents said given Government’s stand that the Shiprider agreement is beneficial for the country, it should likewise consider other bilateral partners who can help toward this end.
“If Solomon Islands considers Ship Rider Agreements to be an effective mechanism for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, human trafficking and drug trafficking across our vast maritime domain, then the Government should be prepared to consider similar arrangements with other trusted partners where such agreements advance our national interest.
“The Independent Group believes the Government should also consider whether a similar maritime cooperation arrangement with the People’s Republic of China would complement our existing partnerships and further strengthen Solomon Islands’ capacity to police one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the Pacific,” the statement said.
The Independents yesterday issued a statement explaining its stance on the contentious issue of the recently signed Shiprider Agreement between Solomon Islands and the United States, saying its main concern is the oversight role of Parliament in bilateral agreements.
“Our earlier statement was not directed at the legal validity or operational value of the Ship Rider Agreement itself. Our principal concern is the broader constitutional and governance principle of parliamentary oversight of international treaties and agreements,” the Independents said.
“Prime Minister Matthew Wale has publicly stated that international treaties and agreements should be tabled in Parliament. This commitment, made following his official visits to Australia and New Zealand, represents an important departure from the practice of previous governments, which generally regarded the negotiation and signing of treaties as matters for the Executive alone, without parliamentary scrutiny.
“The Independent Group welcomes and fully supports this commitment by Prime Minister Wale. It reflects the GREAT Coalition’s promise of greater transparency, accountability and democratic governance. If ‘change is coming’ is to be more than a slogan, then Parliament must be given its rightful constitutional role in scrutinising international agreements that have legal, financial or strategic implications for Solomon Islands,” the statement said.
On July 28, Solomon Islands signed the Shiprider agreement with the US in Honiara.
The agreement basically allows for Solomon Islander officials to board and follow US Coast Guard ships around Solomon Islands waters to look for and arrest IUU fishing activities (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated), transnational crime, human trafficking and drug trafficking.
Following the signing, the Opposition accused the Government of selling Solomon Islands’ sovereignty and the Independents criticised government over the lack of transparency and parliamentary oversight.
Government has defended itself refuting the claims and reiterating that the agreement in contrast upholds Solomon Islands’ sovereignty. Government is yet to confirm whether it will bring the matter to parliament, post-signing.
Two of Solomon Islands’ leading academics, Dr Transform Aqorau and Dr Joe Foukona have come out writing in support of the shiprider agreement upholding Solomon Islands’ sovereignty. The Independents acknowledged these two academics’ contributions in its statement yesterday.
Aqorau, the vice-chancellor of Solomons National University (SINU) and internationally recognised expert in maritime law and the Law of the Sea, said the agreement reinforces Solomons’ sovereignty by ensuring local officers retain full authority and control over enforcement actions.
He said the agreement acts as a proven regional model, with 12 other Pacific nations successfully employing the US framework without compromising their independence.
Foukona, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in Pacific law and history, said Government did not err when it signed the agreement without consulting parliament.
He labelled the opposition’s sovereignty warnings as ‘legally unsound’, arguing that critics are conflating political anxieties with legal realities.
Meanwhile, the Independents said it remains committed to an independent foreign policy that is guided by Solomon Islands’ national interest, respects international law, promotes regional cooperation, and ensures that Parliament plays its proper oversight role in matters of national significance.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
A Solomon Islands Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Speaker of the National Parliament, Patteson John Oti, participated in the Fourth Seminar for Parliamentarians from Pacific Island Countries, held in Beijing and Kunming, in China from July 21-27.
The seminar brought together parliamentary leaders and officials from ten Pacific Island countries, namely Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
A statement from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands media said the programme provided an important platform for dialogue on parliamentary cooperation, sustainable development and the exchange of legislative experiences between Pacific legislatures and the People’s Republic of China.
It said the Beijing component of the programme, hosted by the National People’s Congress of China, focused on the role of legislatures in supporting green and low-carbon development, addressing climate change, promoting people-centered law-making, and strengthening evidence-based national development planning.
The Kunming programme, hosted by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Congress, enabled delegates to observe community-based development initiatives and rural revitalization programmes.
The statement said site visits were made to model villages which demonstrated the relationship between public consultation, legislative processes and the implementation of development policies at the community level.
Speaker Oti noted that discussions in Beijing highlighted China’s approach to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and long-term development planning.
“We gained a greater appreciation of the importance of integrating scientific research, evidence-based policy-making and long-term planning into national development. These are valuable experiences that contribute to informed dialogue as Solomon Islands continues to strengthen its own governance and development institutions.”
Oti also acknowledged the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites during the programme.
“Our visits to China’s museums and heritage sites provided valuable historical perspectives on the country’s development journey and its transformation over several decades. It was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of China’s history and development.”
A member of the delegation, David Gina, MP stressed that the seminar was an opportunity to better understand China’s development experience.
“The visit provided valuable perspectives on national development and offers useful lessons for countries such as Solomon Islands as we continue to pursue our own development priorities,” Gina said.
Summarising the delegation’s observations, Speaker Oti highlighted four key lessons from the seminar:
-Development policies should remain focused on improving the wellbeing of citizens.
-Sustainable development is strengthened through scientific research, evidence and long-term planning.
-Effective governance depends on coordinated implementation from the national to the community level.
-Strong institutions and clear national development priorities are fundamental to achieving sustainable progress.
The Solomon Islands delegation comprised Patteson John Oti, Speaker of the National Parliament; Mary Daniella Garu, Chairperson of the Environment and Conservation Committee; David Gina, Member of Parliamentary Committees; Wilson Orisi, Director of Parliamentary Committees; Greg Kinimete, Secretary to the Environment and Conservation Committee; and Madam Oti.
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Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
August 2026 Climate Outlook
The latest Climate Outlook according to Solomon Islands Meteorological Services indicates that most parts of the Solomon Islands are more likely to experience below-normal rainfall during August 2026.
This outlook is consistent with the ongoing El Niño, which continues to influence weather patterns across the Pacific by increasing the likelihood of drier-than-normal conditions.
Communities are encouraged to:
☄️Use water wisely and conserve available supplies.
🍆Plan farming activities carefully and consider moisture conservation practices.
🔥Stay alert to the increased risk of bushfires and prolonged dry conditions.
🌦️Keep updated with the latest weather, marine forecasts, and climate advisories issued by SIMS.
While this outlook reflects the most likely rainfall pattern for August, weather conditions can still vary from place to place.
Continue to monitor official updates from the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services for the latest forecasts and warnings.
Diagram supplied by Met Service
Protection from unwanted logging: Lukulobere Tribe
celebrate official protected area status for their forest
The Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project has yet another protected area under its fold as the Lukulobere Tribe celebrates the official declaration of 563 hectares of forest this week.
The declaration event was held in Honiara on 29 July, with a community event in Choiseul to follow.
Chief Jeffrey Damusoe Sipuda said this moment “means a lot when reflecting back on our challenges but, finally, we succeeded.
“This milestone has made us secure and protects our land and resources from outside threats for our future generations”.
Lukulobere’s story towards conservation has been rocked by very real logging threats along the way.
As recently as July 2024, a logging company entered Lukulobere’s forests and started logging operations against the wishes of the landowners who disputed the validity of the logging concession.
Young rangers from Lukulobere camped along the boundary for weeks to try and stop them. But ultimately the logging machines crossed.
However, opposition by the landowning tribe led to a high court case and logging operations eventually withdrew from Lukulobere’s land, though not before clearing about 30 hectares of rainforest.
Local Lukulobere advocate Emily Qoloni was key in working with her local government to stop the logging.
“We keep on fighting to save our land—we don’t want logging. It means a lot to me and my tribe that our forest is now legally protected and conserved from unwanted development,” she says.
“Our forest continues to remain intact as it is the source of our livelihood. Our forest is the store where we get our traditional medicine and food.”
To have the forest legally protected under Solomon Islands Protected Area Act is a big moment for Lukulobere and the forest.
They’ve been supported in their journey by the Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Communities, an Indigenous organisation owned by people of Choiseul and which looks after the affairs of Choiseul people advocating for sustainable environmental practices, forest management and culture.
General Secretary of the land council, McClean Biliki, says: “We celebrate the Lukulobere Tribe’s protected area declaration—a vital commitment to preserving the forests, the water and the cultural identity that sustains their community and tribe.”
Lukulobere are also supported by the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF), Nakau, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. And they received critical development support from Bread for the World and GIZ from 2023–2025
NRDF Project Coordinator Fred Tabepuda says that” although NRDF and partners are part of this journey in achieving this milestone, it’s the tribal resilience and commitment which is extraordinary. Lukulobere deserves this moment.”
- NRDF/NAKAU
保护免受不必要的伐木:卢库洛贝尔部落
庆祝其森林的官方保护区地位
巴巴塔纳雨林保护项目又新增了一个保护区,卢库洛贝尔部落本周庆祝563公顷森林的官方宣告。
宣告活动于7月29日在霍尼亚拉举行,随后在乔伊索举行了社区活动。
首领杰弗里·达穆索·西普达表示,这一时刻“在回顾我们的挑战时意义重大,但最终我们成功了。
“这一里程碑使我们感到安全,保护我们的土地和资源免受外部威胁,为我们的后代着想。”
卢库洛贝尔在保护方面的故事一路上受到真实的伐木威胁的冲击。
就在2024年7月,一家伐木公司进入卢库洛贝尔的森林,开始了伐木作业,违背了土地所有者的意愿,后者对伐木特许权的有效性提出了质疑。
卢库洛贝尔的年轻护林员在边界露营了数周,试图阻止他们。但最终,伐木机器还是越过了边界。
然而,土地所有部落的反对导致了一场高等法院案件,伐木作业最终从卢库洛贝尔的土地撤回,尽管在此之前已经清理了约30公顷的雨林。
当地卢库洛贝尔倡导者艾米莉·科洛尼在与当地政府合作以阻止伐木方面发挥了关键作用。
“我们继续为保护我们的土地而奋斗——我们不想要伐木。这对我和我的部落来说意义重大,因为我们的森林现在得到了法律保护,免受不必要的开发,”她说。
“我们的森林依然完好无损,因为它是我们生计的来源。我们的森林是我们获取传统药材和食物的宝库。”
根据所罗门群岛保护区法案,森林获得法律保护对卢库洛贝尔和森林来说是一个重要时刻。
在他们的旅程中,他们得到了劳鲁土地会议(Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Communities)的支持,这是一个由乔伊索人民拥有的土著组织,负责照顾乔伊索人民的事务,倡导可持续的环境实践、森林管理和文化。
土地委员会秘书长麦克林·比利基表示:“我们庆祝卢库洛贝尔部落的保护区宣告——这是对保护森林、水源和维持其社区和部落文化身份的重要承诺。”
卢库洛贝尔还得到了自然资源发展基金会(NRDF)、Nakau和新西兰外交和贸易部的支持。他们在2023年至2025年期间还获得了来自世界面包(Bread for the World)和德国国际合作机构(GIZ)的关键发展支持。
NRDF项目协调员弗雷德·塔贝普达表示:“尽管NRDF和合作伙伴在实现这一里程碑的旅程中扮演了角色,但部落的韧性和承诺是非凡的。卢库洛贝尔值得拥有这一时刻。”
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