BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment carried out a massive cleanup campaign along the coast of Gizo yesterday, collecting large volumes of rubbish from the shoreline and seabed.

In an interview with the media, Dive Instructor of Dive Gizo, Raul Fernandes said his team uncovered and collected an enormous amount of rubbish, particularly tins, directly in front of the Gizo Market.

He said cans made up the majority of the trash, followed by plastic bottles and biscuit packets.

“Sad thing is that the marine life is still very active, some of which see the trash as their safe haven.

“It is important for people to understand that when they throw rubbish into the sea, it will not simply disappear. It will sink to the bottom of the sea where it will contaminate the surrounding marine life.

“Remember Solomon Islanders are connected to the sea and it is important to keep the sea clean,” Fernandes said.

He said his team has conducted three cleanup operations so far, but their efforts continue to fall short as people persist in throwing rubbish into the sea.

Programme Manager of Positive Change for Marine Life Gizo, Heyer Vavoso said the objective of the campaign is to collect tins and plastics along the shoreline and dispose of the rubbish at a proper dumping site.

He said divers removed tins and plastics from the Gizo Market area to the western end of Gizo town.

Vavoso said WPNSE has been trying its best to keep the Gizo shoreline clean, but tins continue to wash back onto the shore daily.

“Our challenge is people who come from the islands. We have come to realise that people from nearby islands are the ones throwing rubbish into the sea.

“Our sea is our important resource and we must protect what lives below the water,” he said.

Vavoso is calling on community leaders to advise people not to throw rubbish into the sea when visiting Gizo.

Chairlady of WPNSE, Mrs. Renee Regha Rario said the cleanup is part of the network’s ongoing plan to safeguard marine environments.

She said similar cleanups have been conducted previously to ensure marine life along the Gizo shoreline remain healthy.

Rario said marine resources are the lifeline for most Gizo residents and keeping the sea clean is vital.

“Fishermen catch fish within Gizo harbour; we also see seaweed sold at the market. These are important resources and our vision is to ensure Gizo harbour is clean and healthy,” she said.

The Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment includes Positive Change for Marine Life, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands, Plasticwise Gizo and the Western Provincial Government.

Photos: Raul Fernandes

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR) has entered an endeavour vital for the country in terms of protecting the natural environment, conservation and more.

This comes as the ministry and Wildlife Works Carbon (WWC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Mendana Hotel yesterday.

MoFR Permanent Secretary, Richard Raomae speaking at the occasion said the signing is a moment that not only marks the beginning of a partnership but is a shared commitment to safeguard the environment, empower communities and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

PS Raomae said the country’s small islands are blessed with rich biodiversity and vast natural resources but are facing the pressing challenges of climate change, deforestation and the need for sustainable livelihoods.

“By working hand in hand with Wildlife Works, we are embracing innovative solutions that place conservation at the heart of development.

“This partnership will help us protect our forests, reduce carbon emissions and create opportunities for our people, especially in rural communities, through sustainable economic initiatives,” he said.

PS Raomae said this is a demonstration of how environmental stewardship and human development can go together.

“On behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, I extend my deepest gratitude to Wildlife Works for their commitment and collaboration,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary pointed out that together they are charting a path that honours our responsibility to the planet while ensuring that people benefit from the resources.

He also said that their role in informing and engaging the public is vital, as well as in ensuring transparency and building trust moving forward.

PS Raomae said the signing of the MOU should be a symbol of hope, unity and determination and an inspiration to all to continue to work towards a future where Solomon Island stands as a leader in conservation and sustainable development.

It is understood that the ministry has finally reached this stage today after four years of working with past governments on such an initiative.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

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

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

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

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]