BY LORETTA B MANELE

Brian Williams, Wildlife Works Carbon (WWC) regional vice president of Asia Pacific said recognising customary land rights in forest conservation is a must.

He said this at the signing of a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR) and WWC at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

Williams said it is a privilege to be in Solomon Islands for the signing of the agreement.

“On behalf of our organisation, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the trust reflected in this agreement.

“We approach this partnership with deep respect for the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands, for its constitutions, and especially for the customary landowners and communities,” he said.

Willams said the forests in Solomon Islands are globally significant but first and foremost, they belong to the people of this country held under customary tenure, stewarded across generations and deeply connected to identity, culture and livelihood.

“Any initiative in forest conservation or carbon development must therefore be grounded in clear recognition of customary land rights, and it must ensure that landowners and communities are meaningful decision makers and beneficiaries, not observers in the process,” he said.

Moreover, Willams said the MOU represents an important first step which is that it creates a framework to explore how high integrity forest carbon initiatives can support national climate leadership while strengthening forest economies and reinforcing community stewardship of forests.

He said at Wildlife Works, their experience has shown that durable climate solutions rest on three foundations.

“First is integrity, both robust science, transparent monitoring, and alignment with national systems.

“Second, genuine community partnership, where customary landowners are central to design, governance, and benefit sharing.

“And third, long-term commitment, because protecting forests is a generational responsibility,” he said.

Willams went on to say that they recognise that carbon markets are evolving and expectations around safeguards, transparency and that equitable benefit sharing are rightly increasing.  

He said they welcome this evolution and are committed to work closely with the government, provincial authorities, and landowners to ensure that any future work reflects the highest standards and respects Solomon Island’s laws and customary systems.

Williams further said that the signing marks the continuation of careful consultation, technical assessments, and collaborative design conducted with transparency and respect.

He concluded that the partnership has potential to demonstrate how conservation, community rights and sustainable development can reinforce one another; positioning Solomon Islands as a leader in high integrity and community-centred climate solutions.

“We are honoured to begin this journey together,” he said.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department completed a two-week Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) training programme at Hell’s Point on February 13.

RSIPF in a statement yesterday said the training programme was conducted by Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) instructors to enhance the capability of the RSIPF EOD Department in dealing with World War II remnants.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for National Operations (NO) Francis Ramoni said the training was delivered with a clear objective to strengthen professional competence, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure that our RSIPF EOD personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to perform their duties safely and effectively.

He said the training is significantly important for the police force as it not only enhances the technical capabilities of their EOD officers but it also reinforces corporate knowledge-sharing, mutual learning, and enduring cooperation between their two institutions.

Supervising ACP Ramoni said over the years, their partnership as continued to strengthen, and through sustained training engagements and professional exchanges such as this, he is confident that their collaboration will grow even stronger in the years ahead.

He also took time to acknowledges the UXO awareness activity that was conducted for members of Mbokonavera 4.

“Grateful that your support has extended beyond institutional training to community engagement, especially reaching out to our youths and children. This is a commendable initiative, and I sincerely thank the JGSDF for your commitment and meaningful contribution at the community level.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, Lieutenant Colonel Shimomura, the project manager from the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the instructors from JGSDF, and all officials and delegates from Japan,” Mr Ramoni said.

He said without their steadfast support and cooperation, this training would not have achieved its success.

He said the knowledge and skills imparted during this program will undoubtedly strengthen their EOD personnel in carrying out their responsibilities in a professional, efficient, and safe manner.

Supervising ACP Ramoni said EOD participants have gained valuable additional knowledge and practical skills throughout the training and will continue building on what they have learned to strengthen their teamwork and leadership and to apply these competencies in their operational duties. 

“I am confident that this training has added significant value to the development of the RSIPF EOD Department,” he said.

Photo: RSIPF

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BY NED GAGAHE

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, has reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to support Solomon Islands’ development priorities during his official visit to Honiara this week.

Mr Kanda met with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to discuss deepening cooperation, particularly in strengthening public financial management and delivering transformative infrastructure projects.

“ADB supports Solomon Islands’ vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, driven by a vibrant private sector.

“We are committed to working with the government on transformative projects in critical sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and human capital development,” Kanda said.

ADB’s current project portfolio in Solomon Islands stands at approximately USD$360 million, making it one of the bank’s largest engagements in the Pacific region.

Key investments include the landmark Tina River Hydropower Project, a 15-megawatt facility under construction that is expected to supply around 70 percent of Honiara’s electricity needs once completed.

During his visit, Kanda toured the project site to observe progress. ADB’s support to the multi-donor financed project includes a $18 million concessional loan from its ordinary capital resources and a $12 million grant from the Asian Development Fund.

The project is regarded as crucial for economic growth and the delivery of affordable, clean energy, while also reducing the country’s reliance on imported diesel fuel.

In a major milestone for the partnership, Kanda officially opened ADB’s new full resident mission in Solomon Islands, upgrading the country office first established in 2008.

The move increases ADB’s in-country presence and brings the institution closer to the government and people of Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed the strengthened partnership, noting the importance of continued collaboration in advancing national development goals.

Kanda also visited the newly completed Honiara campus of the University of the South Pacific, financed by ADB to expand and modernise facilities.

The upgraded campus features improved learning spaces, new equipment, and clean energy installations. Kanda met with students and staff, emphasising the importance of investing in youth and human capital development.

ADB, founded in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank continues to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across its developing member countries through financing, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships.

The visit underscores the growing partnership between Solomon Islands and ADB as the country pursues sustainable development and economic transformation.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Government welcomes the establishment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Solomon Islands, describing it as a major boost to climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony yesterday, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia said the new in-country presence will strengthen efforts to build resilience against climate change and external shocks while accelerating key infrastructure projects.

“The establishment of this Resident Mission represents more than a physical presence.

“It is a strong affirmation of ADB’s long-term commitment to working closely with our institutions, our communities, and our people,” the Minister said.

He highlighted climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable energy as top priorities for the Government.

Solomon Islands, like many Pacific nations, faces increasing risks from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and climate-related disasters. Strengthening infrastructure to withstand these challenges remains central to the Government’s development agenda.

The Minister said closer collaboration with ADB will support investments in renewable energy, climate adaptation, and transport connectivity—particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“With ADB closer to the ground, development assistance will be better aligned with our national priorities and local realities,” he said.

Over the past five decades, ADB has supported major investments in transport, energy, water and sanitation, public sector reform, and climate resilience.

The Minister acknowledges that concessional financing, grants, and technical assistance from ADB have contributed to strengthening core infrastructure and enhancing human capital across the country.

He said the Resident Mission will enhance coordination and responsiveness, ensuring projects are implemented efficiently and deliver long-term benefits.

The Government is also looking to improve service delivery in rural areas, where many communities remain vulnerable to climate impacts.

Improved transport networks, renewable energy expansion, and resilient infrastructure are expected to support inclusive economic growth and reduce inequality.

“As we look to the future, our country faces both opportunities and challenges.

“The presence of the ADB Resident Mission will be instrumental in deepening policy dialogue, accelerating project implementation, and mobilising innovative financing and technical expertise,” Minister Ramofafia said.

Solomon Islands has been a member of ADB since 1973. Mr Ramofafia described the opening of the Resident Mission as a symbol of trust, partnership, and shared vision for a more resilient and prosperous nation.

He officially declared the ADB Resident Mission open, expressing confidence that it will serve as a hub for collaboration and impactful development outcomes for many years to come.

The strengthened partnership is expected to play a critical role in advancing Solomon Islands’ climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hell’s Point, in the Alligator Creek area east of Honiara today.

A statement from the RSIPF yesterday said the Hell’s Point Demolition Range in Central Guadalcanal will be active from 8am to 1pm.

Deputy Director of the EOD Department, Staff Sergeant Peter Ririvere, kindly cautions farmers, hunters, and the general public in and around the Henderson area, Alligator Creek, and Tenaru School to keep out of Hell’s Point when the operation is in progress.

Safe evacuations of people and roadblocks will be enforced within these areas from East Henderson to the Tenaru school bus stop, the statement said.

Ririvere reassures the public of their safety and that this will be their normal weekly EOD task which aims to reduce the number of unexploded ordnances stored at the site to a minimum level.

The statement said the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Honiara International Airport will coordinate the firing of each serial and EOD operators will be posted at the control tower during this operation from the actual times of the demolition.

Photo: RSIPF

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