For generations, women across the Pacific have stood as the unsung architects of food security. Through traditional gardening, reef gleaning, fishing, and food preservation, their inherited ecological wisdom has sustained households through shifting weather patterns, climate-related issues, and socio-economic pressures.
This philosophy forms the bedrock of Alice Clara Aluta-Rore’s academic mission as a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in Pacific Studies at The University of the South Pacific (USP). Under the prestigious Norway-Pacific Ocean-Climate Scholarship Programme (NPOC), a bi-institutional initiative between USP and the University of Bergen, Norway, Rore is documenting how rural Solomon Islands women utilise local knowledge systems to build climate-resilient futures.
Raised as the eldest of five siblings and originally from Sulagwalu, in the northern region of Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands, she experienced firsthand the financial and social challenges of growing up in a peri-urban community.
“From an early age I realised we were a struggling family. But my parents did not show it; they kept trying their best to provide what was necessary for our livelihood. Their priority was for us to be fed sufficiently, clothed decently, well-mannered, get an education, and remain in church. They were very protective about these values for our family.”
“Despite all the challenges faced, I overcame these by leaning on my parents and siblings’ support, personal faith, and staying determined with education.”
Her educational journey began at Burnscreek Adventist Primary School and Betikama Adventist High School, Solomon Islands, before taking her to USP’s Laucala Campus in Fiji.
Over two decades, Rore balanced high school and tertiary teaching with postgraduate studies, earning her Bachelor of Secondary Education (1999), Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics (2005), and Master of Arts in Linguistics (2017). Adapting to life in a new country brought cultural differences and academic demands, but her family’s vision kept her anchored.
“It is not easy, but drawing from my upbringing gave me the strength and resolve to face these difficulties and remain focused in my studies. I also acknowledge my close friends who have quietly supported and cheered me on throughout this journey. They all contributed to making this journey worthwhile.”
Now in the final writing phase of her doctorate, Rore’s research examines how rural women navigate environmental degradation, unpredictable climate shifts, and socio-economic pressures to ensure food secure households. By centering women’s daily routines, from subsistence farming to food preservation, her work provides empirical evidence that ancestral wisdom yields sustainable, place-based solutions.
Crucially, the study advocates for a seats-at-the-table approach, calling for women’s inclusion in policy discourse, village planning, and the co-design of adaptation initiatives.
“My research assists food resilience in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific by centering women’s Indigenous knowledge as a valuable heritage for adaptation to the socio-economic and environmental pressures they face in their respective contexts,” she stressed.
“By documenting the lived realities of these women in subsistence gardening and fishing, and the traditions of the food production systems in place, the study provides evidence of how local knowledge can yield locally grounded and sustainable responses to the challenges women face.”
“Reframing women’s contributions to local food security means recognising their lived experiences of resilience and elevating the value of local knowledge as a critical resource for food security and adaptation initiatives across Oceania.”
The inspiration to pursue this research topic came from observing the different women in her life whilst growing up, who had the confidence and strength to keep going and always ensured their families had enough to eat every day despite the many difficulties experienced.
“I have always been intrigued by women’s creativity in doing things and interested in listening to stories about culture, indigenous heritage, and life,” she highlighted.
“Most of the women around me had very limited formal education but did not see this as a barrier to fulfilling their responsibilities and livelihoods. They always rose whenever life tested them.” This reality resonates with many other women in the communities, therefore, for this study, Rore is truly grateful to the women who shared their stories and reflections about life, and talked about their future aspirations. The conversations were meaningful and genuine relationships were formed.
As Rore prepares to submit her thesis soon, her advice to future researchers and women across the region is to embrace our indigenous heritage, be the voice for the unheard, and remain steadfast.
“If you have the opportunity to study, pursue it. Age is not a limit to learning. Embrace life with faith and grit. Learn to navigate each turn of your life’s journey with determination. There will be difficulties encountered and sacrifices made, but you are stronger than you realise, and you are more than enough. Continue to build your legacy, it matters,” she stressed.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Government has received a major financial boost to support its response to climate-related impacts, following the activation of its Excess Rainfall (XSR) insurance policy.
According to Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), the Minister of Finance, Rexon Ramofafia was formally presented a cheque after the policy was triggered by heavy rainfall events in early August, which mainly affected Malaita and Makira-Ulawa provinces.
The rainfall events met the policy’s parametric thresholds, allowing the insurance payout to be released and providing the Government with timely access to funds to address urgent needs arising from the extreme weather.
The payout highlights the importance of disaster risk financing to help governments respond quickly to climate-related emergencies without having to divert resources from long-term development priorities.
PCRIC said the insurance mechanism provides governments with rapid liquidity when disasters strike, supporting timely and predictable financing for nationally led emergency responses.
Premium financing for the Solomon Islands’ policy was supported by the Global Shield Solution Platform (GSSP) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Their support has helped the country access critical insurance protection while also strengthening technical capacity for disaster preparedness and operational planning.
Speaking during the formal presentation, PCRIC Chief Executive Officer said the payout was a direct result of the activation of the Excess Rainfall policy triggers.
The CEO said the payout demonstrates the strength of PCRIC’s regional risk-financing framework and the support of international partners, including the Global Shield and WFP, in making the insurance coverage possible.
The Minister of Finance expressed appreciation for the support, saying the funds will provide immediate assistance and strengthen the Government’s capacity to respond to the impacts of extreme rainfall.
He said the support will also contribute to strengthening the country’s resilience to climate-related shocks through the institutionalisation of risk-layering mechanisms.
According to the Minister, such mechanisms will enable the Government to respond to emergencies in a timely and sustainable manner while reducing reliance on humanitarian assistance as the country faces increasingly complex and compounding shocks.
The cheque presentation also highlighted PCRIC’s role as a regional institution providing innovative financial protection solutions to Pacific Island countries facing growing climate and disaster risks.
It further demonstrates the importance of international partnerships in helping Pacific nations strengthen financial preparedness and resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Photo credit: PCRIC
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Pacific meteorological leaders opened the Eighth Pacific Meteorological Council meeting (PCM-8) in Tonga with calls for stronger early-warning systems, greater regional cooperation and investment in weather, climate, water and ocean services as communities face growing climate-related risks.
Pacnews quoted Levu Antfalo, director of Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division as saying that the council had become an important regional platform since its establishment in 2011, allowing Pacific national meteorological and hydrological services to set shared priorities and strengthen partnerships.
“Since then, the PMC has grown into an important Pacific platform, through which our national hydrological services speak collectively, set our regional priorities, and strengthen partnerships to protect our people and communities,” Antfalo said.
He said the council had made progress since he assumed its chairmanship in 2013 but warned that significant work remained.
“Over the course of this meeting, we will hear those reports, reflect on what has been achieved, identify the remaining gaps, and agree on the actions that we must take forward together,” he said.
The meeting comes as Pacific island countries continue to contend with tropical cyclones, flooding, droughts, sea-level rise and the wider effects of climate variability and change.
Antfalo noted that communities in the Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia had faced the impacts of tropical cyclones earlier this year, while the region also continued to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These events remind us that the services we provide are about protecting life, livelihoods, and the future security of our Pacific people,” he said.
Antfalo identified strengthening national services, sustaining observation and warning systems, investing in personnel and adopting innovation as key priorities for the meeting.
He also stressed the need to ensure that warnings and other information reach the most remote communities.
The director of the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) Regional Coordination Office, Ishaam Abader, told delegates that regional cooperation remained central to building resilience in the Pacific.
“The Pacific has consistently demonstrated that regional cooperation is one of the most powerful tools for building resilience in the face of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” Abader said in remarks delivered on behalf of the WMO Secretary-General.
Abader said the Pacific remained on the front line of climate risks, with extreme weather, tropical cyclones, coastal flooding, droughts and sea-level rise continuing to threaten communities, economies and ecosystems.
“The work of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services has never been more important,” he said.
The meeting is considering the Pacific Island Meteorological Strategy 2027-2036, which is intended to support the region’s long-term vision for a resilient, secure and prosperous Blue Pacific.
The strategy promotes people-centered, impact-based and inclusive meteorological, climate and hydrological services.
Abader said success should not be judged only by scientific advances, but by whether those advances improve outcomes for Pacific communities.
“Our success will be measured not simply by the quality of our science, but by our ability to translate that science into services that deliver tangible benefits for people and communities,” he said.
He called for progress on the Early Warnings for All initiative, stronger hydrological services, digital transformation, greater technical capacity and preparation for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
But Abader cautioned that international initiatives would matter only if they were converted into practical measures suited to Pacific realities.
He also urged closer cooperation between Pacific regional mechanisms, WMO regional structures and technical experts, saying stronger Pacific participation in regional and global decision-making would help ensure that local priorities were reflected and limited resources were used efficiently.
The two speakers highlighted the importance of sharing data, knowledge and expertise across the region.
Abader said continued investment in observation networks, forecasting, climate monitoring and hydrological services was essential to effective early warnings and climate-informed development.
The meeting’s theme, “Weather Ready for a Secure and Sustainable Pacific,” reflects the council’s focus on turning scientific capability into services that protect people, livelihoods and national development across the Pacific.
BY TONY IROGA
Colourful handicrafts filled Jennifer Alevia’s stall at the 2026 National Annual Trade Fair at FOPA, East Honiara.
Among the bright displays were handmade products carefully woven, stitched and designed from local materials — including items that many people might otherwise see as rubbish.
For Mrs Alevia, however, discarded materials are not simply waste.
They are an opportunity to create something useful, beautiful and meaningful.
A mother, stitcher and embroidery maker originally from Malaita Province, Mrs Alevia has turned her interest in handicrafts into a way of promoting local materials, recycling waste and encouraging other women to discover and share their talents.
Speaking to the Island Sun on day two of the trade fair, Mrs Alevia said she has been showcasing her handicrafts at trade fairs since around 2021 and 2022.
“This is my second time coming out to the trade fair. Last year, I also went to the trade show during the July Independence celebrations,” she said.
Her work is not only about creating handicrafts for sale.
It is also about giving a second life to materials that could otherwise end up as rubbish.
“We collect plastics and other rubbish, then we weave them into baskets and make them into flowers. Every product I make, I try to recycle something that I have collected,” Mrs Alevia said.
For her, recycling has a purpose that goes beyond the finished product.
She believes handicraft-making can help keep the environment clean while providing families with useful items for their homes.
“You don’t look at it as rubbish. You take it, use it and turn it into something that looks good,” she said.
“It helps clean the environment, and at the same time the product becomes useful in your home.”
But recycling is only one part of Mrs Alevia’s work.
She is also passionate about using local materials, particularly pandanus leaves, and believes there is value in promoting traditional and locally made products.
“Mostly I use pandanus leaves. I like using local materials because there are many women in the villages who have skills and ideas, and I want to promote those local products,” she said.
Walking around her stall, the different colours and designs reflect the time and effort that goes into each piece.
The products are sold at different prices depending on their size and type, with some larger handicrafts selling for up to $100.
For Mrs Alevia, every piece represents more than a product.
It represents creativity, skill and the possibility of turning an idea into something that others can appreciate and use.
She believes many women across Solomon Islands have similar talents but may not always have the confidence or opportunity to bring them into the public eye.
Her message to them is simple: do not hide your talent.
“For any mother or anybody who has a hidden talent, please come out and show it. Don’t hide your talent,” she said.
“When you come out and showcase what you can do, other people can see it and learn from you.”
She said events such as the National Annual Trade Fair provide an important opportunity for women and other local producers to step forward, display their skills and connect with customers.
Mrs Alevia was also thankful to the organisers for providing a platform where local vendors could showcase what they produce.
“We are very happy to be here and we are very excited about the programme,” she said.
“We look forward to having more of these programmes every year so that we can come out and showcase the talent we have.”
Originally from Malaita Province, Mrs Alevia now lives at Tuvaruhu in Central Honiara, where she continues her stitching, embroidery and handicraft work.
Her journey is a reminder that creativity can be found in the simplest of materials — even those that others may throw away.
Through her hands, rubbish can become a basket, a flower or another useful creation.
And through her example, she hopes more women will bring their own hidden talents into the light.
As Solomon Islands prepares to mark International Democracy Day (IDD) , Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) calls on leaders, institutions, and citizens to recognize that democracy cannot exist without human rights .
The national theme, “Promoting Democracy Through Collective Actions and Responsibilities,” highlights that democracy is strengthened when rights are respected, power is exercised responsibly, and institutions remain transparent and accountable for their actions and people of Solomon Islands.
The national theme, “Promoting Democracy Through Collective Actions and Responsibilities,” reminds us that protecting and promoting democracy through good governance is critical to respecting human rights that can only be achieved through shared responsibility. The Machinery of Government, through its three Arms the Executive Government, the Legislature and the Judiciary have the most important role in the promotion of Democracy and human rights. These three arms of the government are not complete neither effective without the impartial and professional involvement and participation of public institutions, civil society, the media, communities and ordinary citizens. Together, we can help build a society where people can enjoy their rights, participate freely in public life and have their voices heard and respected.
Human rights should not be treated as an issue separate from democracy. They are fundamental to how democracy functions and how citizens participate in public life.
The right to express an opinion, participate in public affairs, associate with others, access information and be treated equally under the law are all important elements of a functioning democracy. When these rights are protected, citizens are better able to participate in decisions that affect their lives. When these rights are weakened, democracy itself becomes weaker.
As Solomon Islands marks the International Democracy Day, Transparency Solomon Islands reminds leaders, institutions, citizens that the key messages for the day are:
Key Message
Democracy and human rights are inseparable. Freedom of expression, equal treatment under the law, and participation in public life are the foundation of a strong democracy.
Good governance requires accountability from the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, supported by impartial public institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens.
Public trust grows when rights are protected, voices are heard, and decisions serve the public interest.
IDD day should serve as a reminder to the political leaders of this country and citizens (who entrusted them with their political power) that human rights must be the centre of our democratic conversation. Have we accorded each other the genuine opportunity to participate in public life, regardless of our background, affiliation, religion and circumstances or position in society.
Democracy is not only about elections or majority rule. It is about how people are treated, how power is exercised, and whether institutions remain transparent and accountable. Protecting rights is a collective responsibility —from Parliament and Government to communities and ordinary citizens.
It also means creating an environment where people can raise concerns, question decisions and express varying opinions/views without intimidation, discrimination or fear.
Transparency Solomon Islands urges all leaders and institutions to:
Place human rights at the center of laws, policies, and governance.
Ensure citizens can participate freely without intimidation or discrimination.
Balance majority rule with respect for equality, dignity, and minority rights.
When rights are respected, democracy is strengthened. When power is exercised responsibly, public trust grows. And when citizens are empowered to participate freely, Solomon Islands can build a democracy rooted in dignity, equality, and justice for all.
As Solomon Islands marks International Democracy Day , Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) reminds leaders and citizens that democracy cannot exist without human rights .
The national theme, “Promoting Democracy Through Collective Actions and Responsibilities,” highlights that democracy is strengthened when rights are respected, power is exercised responsibly, and institutions remain accountable.
TSI calls on the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary , together with Civil Society, the Media, and Communities, to ensure that every citizen can participate freely, speak without fear, and be treated equally under the law. Democracy is not only about elections—it is about how people are treated and whether institutions serve the public interest.
End//
– Transparency Solomon Islands
The post Human Rights Must Be at the Heart of Democracy first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WEAK public financial management and governance continue to constrain the Solomon Islands Government’s ability to effectively implement policies, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The warning was highlighted in the IMF’s fourth report on Solomon Islands, which calls for a comprehensive reform agenda to strengthen macroeconomic stability and support sustainable economic growth.
The report also projects that economic growth in Solomon Islands will slow to 2.6 percent in 2026, partly due to the economic effects of the war in the Middle East.
At the same time, inflation is expected to increase, averaging 5.4 percent during the year.
The IMF said the external shocks highlight the need for stronger economic management and greater fiscal discipline as the country faces rising pressures on its economy.
On fiscal policy, the IMF recommended that the Government prioritise reducing fiscal deficits and rebuilding liquidity buffers.
It also called for the adoption of realistic and fully financed national budgets within a transparent medium-term fiscal framework.
According to the report, temporary measures introduced to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict should remain targeted, time-bound and well-coordinated with development partners.
The IMF also warned that further delays in implementing a value-added tax (VAT) should be avoided, indicating that tax reform remains an important component of strengthening the country’s fiscal position.
On monetary policy, the IMF said authorities should remain responsive to inflationary risks.
It recommended gradual modernisation of monetary policy operations and careful absorption of excess liquidity within the banking system.
The Fund cautioned against relying on ad hoc adjustments to the exchange rate as a means of managing economic pressures.
While the country’s financial sector remains broadly resilient, the IMF said further efforts are needed to strengthen financial stability, financial integrity and inclusion.
The report stressed that a stable and inclusive financial system is important for supporting investment, businesses and sustainable economic activity.
Beyond immediate fiscal and monetary challenges, the IMF said Solomon Islands needs to accelerate structural reforms aimed at improving productivity and the overall business environment.
The reforms should also focus on infrastructure development, governance, climate resilience and strengthening the availability and quality of economic data.
The IMF said closing critical data gaps would improve the Government’s ability to formulate effective policies and respond to economic shocks.
The report’s recommendations come as Solomon Islands continues to face a combination of domestic structural challenges and external economic pressures.
The IMF emphasised that stronger institutions, improved public financial management and sustained structural reforms will be critical to placing the economy on a more stable and sustainable growth path.
For Solomon Islands, the report underscores the importance of ensuring that government spending is realistic, properly financed and transparently managed while reforms are implemented to strengthen the economy’s resilience to future shocks.
BY LORETTA B MANELE
Vaovao community is one of 10 communities in the Fox Bay area of West Guadalcanal.
The seashore is beautiful, complimented by its green scenery and the picturesque bay that connects these communities.
However, this beauty of a shoreline is at risk, because the sea side is often used as the local space for defaecation as the community lacks sanitation facilities.
Speaking with Chief Ignausius Pukini at Vaovao community, he said this has been a challenge along with the impacts of climate change which is affecting people in the community.
Chief Ignausius Pukini of Vaovao community in Fox Bay, Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
Mr Pukini said they only have one toilet located further inland and the majority of people rely on the seaside.
The seaside that is often used as a sanitation spot, Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
He said people usually go to the seaside during the night because of privacy matters and during the day, others go inland.
“That’s why in terms of our health, this is very bad because when you need to go, you have to travel further from your community,” he said.
Pukini said the impact of climate change is also contributing to the existing issue because the sea side that has been used is slowly fading as waves continuously wash ashore.
“Since the sea has been coming in closer, it is harder to use the seaside comfortably,” he said.
He said this is why they need sanitation because what is happening is not only unhealthy for them, but is also making the community look bad.
There is only one toilet in the whole community.
The only toilet in Vaovao community- Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
His wife, Camila Pukini also shared her views on the community’s situation saying in today’s world they need sanitation so they can be prevented from having all kinds of sicknesses.
Camila Pukini of Vaovao community in Fox Bay, Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
Camila said when Tropical Cyclone Maila hit earlier this year, it ruined the seaside so it’s not safe anymore for them to use that spot.
Speaking on behalf of women of Vaovao community, she said they would really love to have proper sanitation facilities to use in each of their homes.
She said this would lessen health risks, ensure women and girls have privacy and they would be able to use sanitation facilities that are clean and safer for them.
Pukini said this will also be a boost to healthy living for their community.
While this issue has been raised with their Member of Parliament who had assured them that they would receive support, Pukini said they are yet to see that assurance bear fruit.
“We really need sanitation and this is something that we must have in our community.
“We would be grateful to receive any support for sanitation in our community or to be a part of any program to assist us to improve our sanitation,” she said.
Cathy Galasa, the community’s vice chairlady for a women’s association called Kusumana Women’s Association, also spoke about the need for sanitation.
Cathy Galasa of Vaovao community in Fox Bay, Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
She said it is very sad that the community lacks proper toilets and that they have to use the seaside to relieve themselves.
Ms Galasa said what’s even worse is that they also have to travel far when they feel the need to go to the toilet.
“This is very bad for us and for our community because we are polluting our community and contributing to health risks,” she said.
Galasa said it also gives them a bad look using the sea side because it is the first place visitors or people who come over see when they arrive at the community.
She said having proper toilets will not only improve their standard of living and health in their community but also make their community cleaner for them and for people who come to their community.
“The lack of proper sanitation causes us to use wherever we want and this is very unhygienic for our community.
“We are not only polluting our surroundings but are creating unhygienic conditions that affect our health,” said Galasa.
She said it would be great if their community would be provided with support of sanitation facilities to help them address this issue.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).
Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
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More than 180 participants from seven disability organisations take part in inclusive sporting activities at SINIS
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
More than 180 people from seven disability organisations came together at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) on Saturday for an inclusive day of sport and recreation.
The event, organised by the National Sports Council (NSC) in partnership with the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI), used sport to bring people with different abilities together in an environment focused on participation, interaction and enjoyment.
Moments from today’s Play for Equity Open Day at SINIS, where persons with disabilities came together to participate, connect and enjoy sport and recreation in an inclusive environment. Photo credit: NSC
Participants took part in a series of adapted activities, including seated basketball shooting, the Loop Game, Spoon and Tennis Ball Game, Over and Under Ball Game and Rob the Nest.
However, seated volleyball provided the main sporting activity, giving participants an opportunity to experience competitive-style sport in a format suited to their abilities.
NSC Director of Sports and Recreation Development Cameron Ngatulu said the event was an important step towards creating more opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in sport and recreation.
Sitting volleyball in action during the Play for Equity Open Day at SINIS on Saturday. Photo credit: NSC
“People with disabilities are also members of our communities and our families, and they also need the space to participate in sports and recreation,” Ngatulu said.
He said the activities were adapted to accommodate participants from the seven disability organisations and it was encouraging to see them enjoying themselves, meeting new people and engaging in sport.
The event also placed particular emphasis on increasing the participation of women with disabilities, with elite para-athlete Rose Lydia of the Disability Women Empowerment Association among those taking part.
Lydia welcomed the turnout and said she was encouraged to see more people with disabilities coming forward to participate.
She particularly enjoyed the seated volleyball activity and supported calls for the programme to continue annually.
NDFSI Chief Executive Officer Casper Joseph Fa’asala described the gathering as an important opportunity for people with disabilities to come together through sport, saying the event demonstrated that sport can provide more than competition.
“This is a moment of grace for us, people with disabilities, having the opportunity provided by the National Sports Council and the Institute itself,” Fa’asala said.
The event brought together participants representing a range of disability groups, including people with hearing, visual, physical and psychosocial disabilities, amputees and para-athletes. Sign-language interpreters were also present to support communication and participation.
The Play for Equity Open Day was supported through the Play for Equity grant, funded by the Australian Government’s Team Up Program in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympism365 strategy.
The initiative is aimed at reducing barriers to participation and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to engage in sport, recreation and community activities.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Land Use Forum establishment workshop held yesterday at the Baha’i Centre in Auki, Malaita Province, aims to help provinces strengthen their planning and decision-making for the future.
This was highlighted by Deputy Director of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Meteorology (MECDM), under the Environment Conservation Division and the Enhancing Resilient Ecosystems and Representative Protected Areas in Solomon Islands (EREPA) programme, Trevor Maeda, during the closing of the workshop yesterday.
Mr Maeda said the establishment of the Land Use Forum will provide provincial-level oversight, governance and strategic direction for planning, risk management and wider engagement in sectors related to natural resources.
He commended participants for their active participation and contributions during the workshop, saying their involvement is a positive sign of a willingness to work together moving forward.
“Your views and opinions raised during the workshop are very important and have been noted and taken into consideration as the ministry moves forward with you,” he said.
“This workshop is not to benefit anyone else, but it will help us all in moving forward and making good decisions for our future generations,” Mr Maeda said.
During the workshop, participants were divided into two groups and given the opportunity to develop draft frameworks for provincial land forums.
The group discussions focused on how the forums could be established, how they will operate and be governed, the roles of different sectors, and who will be responsible for overseeing and supporting the forums.
The workshop concluded with participants having contributed to the development of ideas and recommendations that aim to establish effective Land Use Forums at the provincial level.
Mr Maeda said the contributions made during the workshop will provide an important foundation for continued discussions and future planning.
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Leaders reaffirm 1.5°C goal, climate finance and disaster preparedness
BY NED GAGAHE
PACIFIC Islands Forum Leaders have reaffirmed that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the security, livelihoods and well-being of Pacific peoples.
In their latest Leaders’ decisions, they called for urgent and ambitious global action based on the best available science, while reaffirming the region’s commitment to keep the 1.5°C Paris Agreement temperature goal within reach.
Leaders endorsed the BELAU Declaration for Urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C within Reach, which calls for stronger international action on climate change, greater recognition of the ocean-climate connection and an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
They also stressed the need to improve access to climate finance for Pacific Island countries and recognised the importance of the region’s oceans and forests as essential global carbon sinks.
The Leaders endorsed the continued implementation of the COP31 Pacific Partnership and the work of Pacific COP31 Envoys to advance regional priorities, including keeping 1.5°C within reach, increasing access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate nexus and amplifying Pacific voices in global climate discussions.
They also welcomed the opportunity provided by Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia hosting the Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings to highlight the special circumstances and vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
On climate finance, Leaders recognised the Green Climate Fund as a key partner and called for an adequate and timely third replenishment, as well as improved access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States.
They also called for stronger engagement with regional financing mechanisms, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, to help meet the region’s growing climate needs.
Pacific Leaders further backed efforts to accelerate the region’s transition to renewable energy through greater regional coordination and practical investment partnerships.
They approved the Terms of Reference for a Renewable Energy Commissioner and supported placing the position within the Pacific Community, with reporting arrangements to both the SPC and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Leaders also highlighted the growing risks posed by extreme weather and the increased likelihood of a strong El Niño event.
They called for stronger regional preparedness and resilience, particularly in relation to water security, drought and other extreme weather impacts.
The Leaders also recognised the risks posed by earthquakes, volcanic activity and tsunamis across the Blue Pacific and called for these hazards to be better integrated into regional early warning systems, preparedness frameworks and resilience financing.
They welcomed Pacific-owned initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility and Weather Ready Pacific, which support forecasting, early warning systems and anticipatory action.
Leaders also reaffirmed their support for Pacific women’s leadership in climate action and endorsed the Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action as the region’s political commitment to advancing gender-responsive climate action, financing and implementation.
The Leaders commended Vanuatu for its role in securing a historic United Nations General Assembly resolution welcoming the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on states’ obligations in respect of climate change.
They reaffirmed the importance of collective Pacific advocacy to protect the rights, interests, sovereignty and future of Pacific peoples in the face of climate change and rising sea levels.
Meanwhile, Leaders noted the deployment of the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative, which will assist Pacific countries in implementing the Pacific Regional Framework for Climate Mobility through improved knowledge, data, national planning and readiness to access international climate finance.
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by Georgina Maka’a Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders said climate change remains the biggest threat to the safety and lives...
The post Pacific leaders reaffirm climate change as greatest threat at Palau summit appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Solomon Islands children deliver climate solutions to Government, calling for action on resilience, funding and climate justice. After two intensive days of visual storytelling and grassroots policy dialogue, child representatives from across the Solomon Islands made their voices impossible to ignore. Convening for Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini (1–2 September 2026), 23 child delegates from [...]
The post Solomon Islands Children Deliver Climate Solutions at COP31 appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
所罗门群岛的儿童向政府提出气候解决方案,呼吁在韧性、资金和气候正义方面采取行动。在经过两天紧张的视觉叙事和基层政策对话后,来自所罗门群岛各地的儿童代表们使他们的声音无法被忽视。23名儿童代表于2026年9月1日至2日召开了“儿童气候对话”(Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini)......
这篇文章最初发布在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A marine inquiry into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life has commenced, with a three-member Board appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the casualty.
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) said the inquiry commenced on September 1, 2026 and will examine the fire that occurred onboard MV Anjeanette at Wate 2 domestic jetty, Point Cruz, Honiara, on July 4, 2026, and the subsequent sinking and total loss of the vessel off Ngella on July 5.
The inquiry will also investigate the circumstances surrounding a man who was reported missing and is presumed to have died.
The Board of Marine Inquiry comprises of Leonard B Chite as Chairman, with Simon I Wame and George Tatireta as members.
SIMA said their appointments run from September 1 to October 31, 2026.
The Board has been tasked with determining the circumstances, sequence of events and causes or contributing factors relating to the fire, explosions, sinking and total loss of MV Anjeanette.
It will also examine issues surrounding cargo acceptance, documentation, loading and stowage, including dangerous and fire-risk cargo and the use of accommodation spaces for cargo.
The inquiry will further look into the control and recording of people onboard, including crew, contractors, workers, visitors and other non-crew persons, as well as the vessel’s manning, certification, watchkeeping, fire patrols and crew preparedness.
The Board will also scrutinise the emergency response, including initial firefighting, abandonment of the vessel, emergency communications, port response, towing decisions, salvage options, search and rescue coordination and pollution response.
It will determine whether any failure of duty, misconduct, breach of law or non-compliance with maritime obligations may have contributed to the casualty or the response.
The inquiry will also identify safety issues requiring corrective action and make recommendations that aim to prevent similar incidents and strengthen domestic maritime safety and regulatory oversight.
The Board will conduct the inquiry in accordance with the Shipping Act 1998 and the Shipping (Marine Inquiries and Investigations) Regulations 2011.
It is required to submit its written report to the Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority by October 31, 2026.
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Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Garanga National Cattle Project in Isabel province continues to make steady progress despite operational challenges, including limited funding and shortage of fuel for field activities.
The project, which is being implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), is currently focusing on pasture development, infrastructure improvements and preparations for future livestock production.
According to a recent MALD update covering activities from August 15 to 31, significant progress has been made in establishing and maintaining pasture across the project’s paddocks.
Approximately 14 hectares of pasture have now been established in Paddock 2, with pasture species including Batiki, Koronivia and Guinea grass among the varieties planted.
The newly established pasture plots are about one month old and are showing encouraging signs of growth.
However, the project has also experienced setbacks due to dry-season conditions, which have affected some of the newly planted pasture and resulted in the loss of some plants.
Weed growth has also emerged as a challenge, with weeds competing with the young pasture for space and nutrients.
In response, the Garanga supervising team has engaged contract labour groups to carry out weeding and clearing activities across more than 48 plots.
The work aims to protect the newly established pasture and ensure the areas develop into productive grazing land for the cattle project.
Meanwhile, Paddock 1 is also showing strong pasture development, with growth estimated at around 80 percent.
Para grass has performed particularly well, with some sections reportedly growing to more than one metre in height.
The supervising team says continued maintenance and final weeding will be necessary to sustain the progress achieved in the paddock.
Infrastructure work is also progressing at the Garanga project site.
Construction of the residential building is nearing completion, while work continues on the storage area and a small kitchen located at the rear of the residence.
Work on window frames and a ladder have been completed, although some finishing work, including the installation of rails, remain outstanding.
Another significant development was the arrival of farm tools and equipment aboard MV Onogou on August 28.
The equipment was received at the Garanga/Kokota project site and subsequently stock taken by the supervising team with assistance from farm workers.
The new tools are expected to support upcoming activities, particularly fencing, paddock maintenance and other general farm operations.
Despite these developments, the project continues to face operational constraints.
MALD identified limited operational funding and a shortage of OBM fuel as two of the key challenges affecting the project’s activities.
The supervising team, nevertheless, continues to explore practical options to keep essential field operations moving, including efforts to obtain fuel on credit.
The next phase of work will include further pasture maintenance and replacement planting, clearing of pathways, fencing of paddocks and the stockyard, refuelling, and completion of the residential and storage facilities.
MALD has acknowledged the efforts of the Garanga supervising team, casual workers and contractors involved in the project.
The Ministry said their continued commitment, together with support from the MAL Executive and the Director of Livestock, remains important to advancing the project.
The ongoing development of the Garanga National Cattle Project reflects MALD’s focus on strengthening livestock production, improving pasture resources and developing the infrastructure required to support sustainable cattle production in Solomon Islands.
The project’s continued progress, despite the current operational challenges, is expected to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to develop its livestock sector and improve domestic agricultural production.
Photo credit: MALD
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UK Announces £10 Million Support for Pacific Climate Resilience
The United Kingdom has announced an additional £10 million in funding over the next three years to support the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), strengthening efforts to help Pacific communities respond to the impacts of climate change.
The announcement was made by UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Rosie Winterton during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
The funding will support locally led climate resilience initiatives across the Pacific, helping communities strengthen preparedness, adaptation and recovery from climate-related impacts.
The Pacific Resilience Facility is a Pacific-led initiative designed to provide practical, community-driven financing and solutions to climate challenges. It has been identified as a key priority by Pacific leaders and communities.
The latest UK commitment reinforces Britain's partnership with Pacific Island countries and its support for sustainable and climate-resilient development across the region.
[ENDS]///
By Ben McKay of AAP in Koror, Palau Of all the testimonies about the impact of global warming heard at...
The post Australia’s Climate Vandalism Called Out in Palau appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Children urged to play greater role in Solomon Islands’ climate response
Children and young people must be given greater opportunities to understand and respond to the growing impacts of climate change and climate-related loss and damage, officials and development partners have stressed.
The call was made during the two-day “Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini in Solomon Islands”, held at Heritage Park from September 1 to 2 and organised by World Vision Solomon Islands.
READ MORE: ⤵️⤵️
https://theislandsun.com.sb/children-urged-to-play-greater.../
children urged to play greater role in solomon islands’ climate response
官员和发展伙伴强调,儿童和年轻人必须获得更多机会,以理解和应对气候变化及气候相关损失和损害的日益影响。
这一呼吁是在“所罗门群岛儿童气候对话”(Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini in Solomon Islands)为期两天的活动中提出的,该活动于9月1日至2日在遗产公园举行,由世界宣明会所罗门群岛分会组织。
阅读更多:⤵️⤵️
https://theislandsun.com.sb/children-urged-to-play-greater.../
Island SunEnvironment & Climate环境气候·2026-09-03Original ↗原文 ↗
BY JOSES SAREN
Solomon Islands will host a major regional climate science conference this month, bringing scientists, researchers and universities from across the Pacific to Honiara to showcase research and explore practical responses to climate change.
The 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) will be held from September 14 to 18 at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), marking the first time the university has hosted the regional gathering, according to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The conference will be held under the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive”, highlighting the urgency of climate action and the growing role of Pacific-led research.
SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said hosting the conference would bring important discussions about the Pacific’s ocean, climate and future directly to the university.
“This is much more than hosting a regional conference,” Aqorau said, describing the event as an opportunity for SINU to contribute knowledge, develop solutions and prepare the next generation of Pacific leaders.
SPREP said the conference is jointly organised by SINU, SPREP’s Pacific Climate Change Centre, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and the National University of Samoa.
SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra said universities and research institutions have a critical role in driving climate action across the Pacific.
He said the conference would showcase research already being undertaken across the region and demonstrate how Pacific-led science is producing practical and locally relevant solutions.
According to SPREP, the conference will also provide a platform for emerging researchers to engage with leading international scientists and contribute to discussions on climate solutions.
Aqorau said it was important for students to participate in those discussions and recognise that Pacific-led research must help shape solutions to the region’s climate challenges.
Dr Emma Dunlop Bennett, Assistant Vice Chancellor Pasifika at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, said the region was on the frontline of climate change but was also at the forefront of climate leadership.
She said the most effective solutions were those developed with communities and informed by both Pacific knowledge systems and scientific evidence.
SPREP said Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington has been involved in the conference since its beginning, bringing climate scientists together with Pacific researchers and traditional knowledge holders.
National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tuifuisa‘a Patila Malua Amosa also welcomed the expansion of the conference into a broader regional space, following Samoa’s hosting of the 2024 event.
According to SPREP, Tonga National University has been designated to host the next conference as the event continues to rotate among Pacific institutions.
作者:约瑟斯·萨伦
所罗门群岛将于本月主办一场重大区域气候科学会议,汇聚来自太平洋各地的科学家、研究人员和大学,展示研究成果并探索应对气候变化的实际方案。
第五届太平洋海洋气候变化会议(POPCCC)将于9月14日至18日在所罗门国立大学(SINU)举行,这标志着该大学首次主办这一区域性会议,太平洋区域环境计划秘书处(SPREP)表示。
会议的主题为“为1.5°C行动发声,保持生存”,强调气候行动的紧迫性和太平洋主导研究的日益重要性。
SINU 副校长 Transform Aqorau 教授表示,主办此次会议将为太平洋的海洋、气候和未来带来重要讨论,直接进入大学。
“Aqorau 说,这不仅仅是主办一场区域会议,”他描述此次活动为 SINU 贡献知识、开发解决方案并为下一代太平洋领导人做好准备的机会。
SPREP 表示,会议由 SINU、SPREP 的太平洋气候变化中心、惠灵顿维多利亚大学(Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington)和萨摩亚国立大学共同组织。
SPREP 总干事 Sefanaia Nawadra 表示,大学和研究机构在推动太平洋气候行动方面发挥着关键作用。
他说,会议将展示已经在该地区进行的研究,并展示太平洋主导的科学如何产生切实可行且与当地相关的解决方案。
根据 SPREP 的说法,会议还将为新兴研究人员提供一个平台,与领先的国际科学家互动,并参与气候解决方案的讨论。
Aqorau 表示,学生参与这些讨论并认识到太平洋主导的研究必须帮助塑造该地区气候挑战的解决方案是非常重要的。
惠灵顿维多利亚大学(Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington)助理副校长 Pasifika Dr Emma Dunlop Bennett 表示,该地区处于气候变化的前沿,但也处于气候领导的前沿。
她表示,最有效的解决方案是与社区共同开发,并受到太平洋知识体系和科学证据的启发。
SPREP 表示,惠灵顿维多利亚大学自会议开始以来一直参与其中,将气候科学家与太平洋研究人员和传统知识持有者汇聚在一起。
萨摩亚国立大学副校长兼校长 Tuifuisa‘a Patila Malua Amosa 也欢迎会议扩展到更广泛的区域空间,此前萨摩亚主办了2024年的活动。
根据 SPREP 的说法,汤加国立大学已被指定为下届会议的主办方,会议将继续在太平洋各机构之间轮流举行。
Island SunEnvironment & Climate环境气候·2026-09-02Original ↗原文 ↗
Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response
Young people must be given greater opportunities to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change and loss and damage, according to officials and development partners.
The call was made during the two-day “Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini in Solomon Islands”, held at Heritage Park from September 1 to 2 and organised by World Vision Solomon Islands.
Story link: https://environment.islesmedia.net/children-urged-to.../...
呼吁儿童参与所罗门群岛气候变化应对
根据官员和发展伙伴的说法,年轻人必须获得更多机会,以理解和应对气候变化及其造成的损失和损害。
这一呼吁是在为期两天的“所罗门群岛儿童气候对话”(Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini in Solomon Islands)期间提出的,该活动于9月1日至2日在遗产公园(Heritage Park)举行,由所罗门群岛世界宣明会(World Vision Solomon Islands)组织。
故事链接:https://environment.islesmedia.net/children-urged-to.../...
BY JOSES SAREN
A new immersive documentary about climate relocation in Solomon Islands premieres today at the Venice International Film Festival, bringing the experiences of Walande, Ngongosila and Kwai communities to an international audience.
“Solwata,” a 25-minute extended reality documentary narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor and human rights advocate Mark Ruffalo, tells the story of communities confronting difficult questions over whether and how to relocate their homes and lives to the mainland because of devastating tides and rising sea levels, according to a Human Rights Watch press release.
The documentary was co-created with the three communities and co-produced by Human Rights Watch, Agog: The Immersive Media Institute and NowHere Media. It is one of the selections at the Venice Immersive section of the festival.
Regina Lepping, who is in Venice for the premiere, said that, to the best of the project team’s knowledge, this is the first time Solomon Islands has featured on the global stage in this way.
“Solwata” means “saltwater” in Solomon Islands Pidgin and draws on Human Rights Watch research and firsthand testimony from people whose homes and communities are already being reshaped by the climate emergency.
Ruffalo said the immersive format gave him a sense of spending time with the community rather than simply learning about it.
“The first time I put on the headset, I felt like I was spending time with this community, not just learning about it,” said Ruffalo. “These families are deeply connected to their land, and seeing them forced to leave it because of climate change is heartbreaking. This is a global issue, and many of us don’t know how it’s impacting the communities living on the front lines. They are usually remote and usually outside our media and storytelling. Solwata brings audiences closer to people whose lives have already been transformed by climate change.”
The experience uses a virtual reality headset and combines physical and virtual environments, spatial audio, documentary storytelling and culturally significant objects to take audiences into the stories of Solomon Islanders.
Ngongosila Island. Photo HRW Media.
The project builds on Human Rights Watch’s 2025 report, “There’s Just No More Land: Community-Led Planned Relocation as Last Resort Adaptation in Solomon Islands,” which documented how rising seas, coastal erosion, flooding and increasingly severe storms forced the Walande community to relocate from its ancestral island after decades of adapting in place.
Community members largely planned, financed and carried out the relocation themselves, with little meaningful government support. The new settlement remains vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding, raising concerns that relocation may one day be necessary again.
Erica Bower, a climate displacement researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the relocation of an entire community presents serious human rights concerns.
“For years, Human Rights Watch has documented how climate change is forcing communities to make impossible choices about their homes, livelihoods, and futures,” said Bower. “The planned relocation of an entire community as featured in ‘Solwata’ is a complex adaptation measure with serious human rights implications that the world urgently needs to understand and prepare for. Immersive storytelling gives us a new way to engage audiences with these realities and strengthen support for communities already facing the human rights consequences of climate relocation.”
The organisation said the issues explored in “Solwata” extend beyond Solomon Islands, with rising seas and extreme weather threatening coastal communities around the world.
It said governments and funders need to treat planned relocation as a last resort, ensure communities have a meaningful voice in decisions about their futures, and provide support to protect their rights, livelihoods, culture and dignity.
Francis Siaumari, a community leader from Solomon Islands featured in the documentary, said climate change had displaced his community from its island home.
“The impacts of climate change have displaced us from our home, where we used to enjoy life, where we lived, a place that kept us together as a community,” said Siaumari. “What made the island special was the closeness. Wherever you go, there was always somebody around. Wherever you look, you are surrounded by the sea. Only we could have built an island like that.”
The documentary was developed through 360-degree filming and 3D scanning in Solomon Islands, with NowHere Media working closely with community members.
Gayatri Parameswaran, co-founder of NowHere Media, said the communities were involved in shaping how their stories were told.
“At NowHere, we don’t make projects about communities, but with them, —and that’s at the heart of ‘Solwata.’ Deep collaboration with community members and the team from Solomon Islands shaped every part of it, from the stories that are told to how they are told. Another big challenge on the field was running a cutting-edge immersive production on an extremely remote island. It required careful planning and a willingness to constantly adapt.”
Agog: The Immersive Media Institute co-produced “Solwata”, providing production support, funding and strategic partnership.
Agog co-founder and executive director Chip Giller said immersive storytelling could help audiences understand climate impacts they may never witness firsthand.
“I’ve spent nearly three decades in climate journalism, and one thing I learned is that information alone doesn’t always move people,” said Giller. “Most people will never travel to Solomon Islands and witness these changes firsthand. ‘Solwata’ uses immersive storytelling to bring audiences closer to the people living through this crisis, and that’s exactly the kind of work we founded Agog to support.”
Following its Venice premiere, “Solwata” will travel to advocacy spaces and public forums, including COP31 in Türkiye, to engage policymakers, funders, journalists and advocates in discussions on climate adaptation, planned relocation, displacement and human rights.
Villagers see Bina Harbour as a Solution
to coastal over-harvesting
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon star, Auki
LANGALANGA villagers believe the proposed Bina Harbour development in Malaita Province could provide employment opportunities that would help reduce over-harvesting of coastal marine resources.
The view was shared with the Solomon Star during an interview at the Forgotten Fisheries Symposium held in Langalanga last week.
The symposium provided an opportunity for villagers from Oibola, Busu and Radesifolaemae to share their daily livelihoods and experiences with international researchers.
Communities in Langalanga depend heavily on marine resources for their survival, including shellfish, fish, mangroves and, more recently, seaweed.
However, limited employment opportunities, population growth and the impacts of climate change have increased the pressure on these resources.
This has contributed to the decline of shellfish and other important marine resources that communities depend on for food and income.
Oibola community leader Patrick Torisala said employment opportunities created by the Bina Harbour project could help communities reduce their dependence on marine resources and allow them to better preserve them.
He said if villagers were employed at the Bina Harbour, they would have alternative sources of income and would not need to rely heavily on harvesting marine resources.
Mr Torisala said the lack of employment opportunities was one of the reasons villagers were heavily dependent on marine resources for their daily livelihoods.
“I believe the implementation of the Bina Harbour project will help our community to preserve and not overharvest our marine resources.
“Most people will have jobs and they will not depend as much on marine resources for their daily income like today,” Mr Torisala said.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised about the possible environmental impacts of the Bina Harbour development.
Madeline Kili Solo, a lecturer in the Seafood Science Department of Fisheries Studies at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), said shellfish are filter feeders and can absorb substances present in the surrounding water.
She warned that if waste from the development was not properly managed, it could affect shellfish and other aquatic food resources in the ocean.
“Development comes with good and bad,” she said.
However, Ms Solo said she believes a major development such as the Bina Harbour project should have proper environmental and waste-management measures in place.
She said the potential impact would depend largely on how effectively waste was managed at the site.
//End//
Photo caption: Women from Radesifolamae hunting for seashells during the symposium.
Villagers see Bina Harbour as a Solution
to coastal over-harvesting
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon star, Auki
LANGALANGA 村民相信,位于马莱塔省的比纳港开发提案可以提供就业机会,从而帮助减少沿海海洋资源的过度捕捞。
这一观点是在上周于 LANGALANGA 举行的被遗忘的渔业研讨会上与所罗门星报的采访中分享的。
该研讨会为来自 Oibola、Busu 和 Radesifolaemae 的村民提供了与国际研究人员分享他们日常生计和经验的机会。
LANGALANGA 的社区在生存上严重依赖海洋资源,包括贝类、鱼类、红树林以及最近的海藻。
然而,有限的就业机会、人口增长和气候变化的影响加大了对这些资源的压力。
这导致了贝类和其他社区依赖的主要海洋资源的减少。
Oibola 社区领导人 Patrick Torisala 表示,比纳港项目创造的就业机会可以帮助社区减少对海洋资源的依赖,从而更好地保护这些资源。
他说,如果村民在比纳港工作,他们将有其他收入来源,而不需要过度依赖捕捞海洋资源。
Torisala 先生表示,就业机会的缺乏是村民在日常生计中严重依赖海洋资源的原因之一。
“我相信比纳港项目的实施将帮助我们的社区保护海洋资源,而不是过度捕捞。
“绝大多数人将有工作,他们将不再像现在这样严重依赖海洋资源作为日常收入,”Torisala 先生说。
与此同时,人们也对比纳港开发可能带来的环境影响表示担忧。
所罗门群岛国立大学(SINU)水产研究系的海鲜科学讲师 Madeline Kili Solo 表示,贝类是滤食性动物,能够吸收周围水中的物质。
她警告说,如果开发过程中产生的废物没有得到妥善管理,可能会影响贝类和其他海洋食物资源。
“发展有好有坏,”她说。
然而,Solo 女士表示,她相信像比纳港项目这样的大型开发应该有适当的环境和废物管理措施。
她表示,潜在影响在很大程度上取决于现场废物管理的有效性。
//End//
照片说明:Radesifolamae 的女性在研讨会上捕捉海贝。
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) .
