BY SAMIE WAIKORI
A team from the University of Queensland, Australia, is conducting a research project focused on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and contaminated zones across Central Islands Province (CIP).
Led by Dr Stacey Pizzino, the study is being conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) UXO Technical Advisor, Mr Chris Teasdale. The research is set to run until January 9, 2026.
The team recently paid a courtesy visit to Premier Kennedy Sagupari of CIP, where he was briefed about the research. The research aims to identify potential contamination sites and assess environmental impact of World War II relics, as well as the influence of domestic waste linked to historical maritime repair and maintenance activities.
This initiative marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between national government, provincial authorities, and international partners, all with the goal to enhance safety, protect the environment, and support sustainable development in one of the Pacific’s most historically affected regions.
Given that Central Islands was a strategic hotspot during World War II, the research is particularly critical. The province continues to face risks from submerged war relics, which pose threats to both human safety and the marine ecosystem.
Premier Sagupari emphasized the urgency of addressing the UXO issue, warning that failure to properly deal with these remnants could lead to environmental and safety threats in the coming years.
He specifically noted the risk to marine ecosystems and food security, as many of the relics lie underwater.
The Premier calls on citizens and stakeholders from the Russell Islands, Savo, and Ngella to assist the team by sharing information or community experiences regarding war remnants and UXOs.
He also acknowledges the efforts of the national government, particularly the Ministry of Police UXO Unit, for responding to what he described as a long-standing concern for the province, reaffirming the province’s commitment to working closely with all relevant authorities.
Dr Pizzino expressed her appreciation for the support from the Central Islands provincial government, commending Premier Sagupari for prioritizing this issue.
She underscored the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to share their experiences regarding the environmental and food chain impacts of war remnants.
Mr Teasdale highlighted the regional significance of the research, noting that its findings would be presented at both the Pacific Forum and United Nations meetings.
He explained that the project is part of a broader initiative to address UXO contamination across the Pacific, with the Solomon Islands identified as a key area of concern. Central Islands province, he added, plays a critical role in this regional effort.
Teasdale also confirmed that the team will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, and that a final report of the research would be provided to the Central Islands provincial government.
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