JICA introduces new projects to local journalists

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

JAPAN International Cooperation Agency (JICA) introduced its new five-year project to leading media organisations in the Solomon Islands during a site visit to the Ministry of Forest and Research (MOFR) yesterday.

They are Solomon Star, Island Sun and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) including the Sunday Isles’ women’s paper.

Local journalists were given an overview of the project named Capacity Development for Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) in Solomon Islands

The project already started last year in September and will end in August 2022.

It aims to enhance the capacity of MOFR to implement sustainable forest resource management in Solomon Islands.

JICA and MOFR are the leading implementers.

JICA has employed two officers; Mr Mr Tatsuji Nishikawa who sit as chief advisor and project coordinator and community-based forest management Mr Takaaki Kato.

For short term JICA will also dispatch volunteers who are experts in GIS Development, Socio-economic analysis and value-chain development.

JICA also supports the project with equipment such as vehicles and outboard motors.

Mr Nishikawa said the implementation agency is head quarter and provincial offices of the Ministry of Forest and Research.

JICA’s Assistant Representative, Mr Shitau Miura said the project is one of JICA’s assistance to sustain forests of Solomon Islands.

He also adds for an effective sustainability of forest, right information needs to reach communities, and media plays that important role.

Miura said they believe in the power of media that is why JICA hosted a press seminar purposely to give them information for citizens about its programmes and activities targeting rural communities in SI.

JICA’s Resident Representative Mr Kyoji Mizutani appreciated the presence of media organisations yesterday saying there dedication through newspaper, radio, magazines and internet have supported the exposure of JICA.

He said its wide coverage made Solomon Island people and even outside are able to have good opportunities to know about the presence of JICA Solomon Islands and its activities here.

Meanwhile, the project has three pillars comprises of Development of MOFR’s capacity to formulate policy to promote SFRM, Enhancement of coordination and collaboration among MOFR and other stakeholders.

The pillars also look at implementation of Community-Based SFRM activities on pilot site.

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