SI faces urgent deadline to meet tough EU anti-deforestation rules

BY NED GAGAHE

SOLOMON ISLANDS is racing against time as the European Union’s new anti-deforestation law moves toward full enforcement in December 2025—putting the country’s premium cocoa and palm oil exports at serious risk unless strict new conditions are met.

James Kana, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Consultant and Chair of the Cocoa Working Group, shared this on Wednesday November 27, 2025 during the country’s first-ever forum on the EUDR regulation at the Art Gallery.

Kana told stakeholders that the regulation will fundamentally change how Solomon Islands trades with Europe, stressing that exporters must now prove that cocoa and other commodities do not come from land deforested after 31 December 2020.

“The European Union is one of the biggest markets in the world. Once they enforce this regulation, any country that does not comply will simply lose access,” he said.

Moses Pelomo, SICCI Cocoa Working Group Advisor, said the regulation affects all EUDR-listed commodities, and for Solomon Islands the most relevant are palm oil and cocoa.

He said the cocoa industry, in particular, will face extensive new requirements related to traceability, geolocation data, legal documentation, and supply-chain transparency.

“This includes all cocoa derivatives such as beans, cocoa paste, cocoa powder, cocoa butter/fat, and even leaves and shells,” Pelomo added.

Cocoa—one of the country’s most important rural income sources—is among the commodities directly covered by the EUDR.

Kana explained that farmers, exporters, traders, and even shipping companies will now be required to meet strict traceability standards, including:

• GPS or satellite mapping of all cocoa farms

• Full supply-chain traceability from producer to EU importer

• Digital submission of geolocation data to the EU information system

• Legal proof of land ownership and production legitimacy

“All cocoa products—beans, paste, powder, fat, even leaves and shells—must meet these requirements,” Kana said.

He warned that the Solomon Islands could lose its long-standing access to the premium European cocoa market if systems are not set up soon.

Historically, Solomon Islands cocoa has earned premium prices in Europe because of its high quality.

Kana stressed that compliance cannot be carried by farmers alone, saying government involvement is essential in establishing legal frameworks and supporting data collection.

“This is not only about farmers and exporters. It involves regulators, data collectors, importers, and everyone in the logistics chain,” he said.

The EU had initially expected proof-of-concept readiness by 2024 but extended the timeline. However, Kana reminded the forum that extensions will not continue indefinitely, and full enforcement begins this December.

The historic forum was jointly organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

Although the EUDR officially came into force in June 2023, full implementation was postponed to 31 December 2025.

Cocoa remains a lifeline for thousands of rural households who rely on small but consistent earnings for school fees and daily needs. Any disruption to EU access, Kana warned, would have direct consequences on family livelihoods and the national economy.

“We must not see this only as a threat,” he said. “If we adapt, we can continue to access one of the world’s most valuable markets.”

Diana Yates, owner of Cathliro Commodities—a local exporter of cocoa to the EU—reinforced the importance of maintaining access to the European market, which remains a major buyer of profitable cocoa products.

She said exporters urgently need government support to secure funding and work with the right partners to develop EUDR-compliant mapping and traceability systems.

Yates called on government representatives at the forum to understand the challenges exporters face and to help secure the essential resources required for compliance.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Road maintenance works along the Busurata Road in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, are progressing well, with contractor Exodus Trade Development advancing regravelling and drainage improvements on the vital highlands route.

In a statement Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said as of last week, the company had completed five kilometres of regravelling heading towards Ngadefiu Village.

Works are expected to reach the halfway point of the 15-kilometre stretch by next week.

The statement said for drainage improvements, steel components are currently being fabricated at the contractor’s Kunu site, while excavation of 500 metres of drainage channels is already underway.

Concrete pouring is scheduled to begin in the coming days to help improve water runoff in this high-rainfall region.

Managing Director of Exodus Trade Development, Jeremiah Fo’onota, acknowledged the cooperation of local landowners, which has enabled easier access to gravel sites. He confirmed that the crew remains on schedule and plans to continue progressing towards the Okwala area.

Busurata Road runs through one of Malaita’s key agricultural zones in the highlands of Kwara’ae, serving farmers, market vendors and surrounding communities.

The project is funded by the Australian Government through the National Transport Fund (NTF) as part of ongoing efforts to improve market access, service delivery and safer travel for rural road users.

The Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) within the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) continues to supervise the works to ensure compliance with quality standards at all stages.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Plans for a major investment in a tuna processing operation and international port at Bina Harbour, Malaita, were presented at the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum held in Brisbane last week.

A statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) said the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project Team from the ministry updated contractors and development partners on the successful completion of the 30 percent Concept Design for the port and landside facilities that will support the processing plant.

The team also outlined progress on the cost plan and the broader business case.

During the Forum, the delegation highlighted significant opportunities for both Solomon Islands and Australian companies to partner in construction, engineering, services, and other areas linked to the project.

Once operational, the Bina Harbour project is expected to generate up to 1,600 direct jobs and unlock new commercial activity through the construction and servicing of the plant, port, and surrounding community infrastructure.

The MFMR delegation was led by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon Bradley Tovosia.

He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dr Christain Ramofafia, Deputy Secretary (Projects) Lisa Sugumanu, and Tuna Industry Adviser Peter Cusack from the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO).

The BHPO is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which continues to support MFMR in planning, coordination, and preparation for what is expected to be one of the country’s largest fisheries sector investments.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed the commitment of Solomon Islands government to the One-China Principle.

Speaking at the launching of the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program yesterday in Honiara, Manele expressed the steadfast commitment of GNUT to continue collaborate with PRC on the basis of the principle. 

“I wish to assure of our commitment to that important principle and we look forward to the basis of the principle, as well as other UN Chartered Principles, to continue the collaboration that we have developed over the last six or seven years.

“Going forward, I assure you that recognition in terms of that important principle underpins our bilateral and diplomatic relations,” he said.

Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie emphasized that the one-China principle is the political China’s bilateral relations with 183 countries in the world, including Solomon lslands.

He explained the connotation of the one-China principle as;

• There is only one China in the world
• Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory
• And the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

Jie added the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm in international relations enshrined in UNGA Resolution 2758.

“To uphold the one-China principle means resolute opposition to any form of so-called “Taiwan independence”, and support for China’s efforts to achieve national reunification.

“Looking ahead, on the basis of the one-China principle, China stands ready to enhance alignment between the B&R Initiative with SIG’s development strategy.

“Prioritize the welfare of the people of the SI and expand practical cooperation in a wide range of areas to create more benefits for the people, thus jointly build a community with a shared future for our two countries,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has praised the fruitful partnership the country has with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

Speaking at the launching of the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program in Honiara, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described China as a vital development partner of the country.

“China today stands as a significant development partner for the people and government of the Solomon Islands.

“The collaboration between our two countries has not only benefited the individuals and communities directly involved in the RSDP program.

“But it also strengthens and deepens the bond between your (China) government and the Solomon Islands.

“With this cordial friendship and relationship, we can achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need,” he said.

Manele added, as the second phase of the RSDP has launched, he hopes the program will contribute to transform by creating sustainable change that benefit both current and future generations.

The prime Minister told the PRC Embassy in Honiara that their investment in the RSDP program is an investment in the future of the country. The GNUT is grateful for generosity and trust in shared vision the countries have for a brighter future.

Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie said since he arrived in the country 3 months ago, he felt the momentum and pulse of substantial progress achieved over the past 6 years since China and SI established diplomatic relations.

Adding that practical cooperation keeps flourishing under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He emphasized that China is the largest trading partner to country and has implemented zero tariffs on all Solomon Islands products exported to China.

“In the first 9 months of 2025, bilateral trade witnessed 77 million USD surplus in favor of SI. While China and SI are good partners under the Belt and Road Initiative.

“And during the past 6 years, many cooperation projects such as the National Stadium, SINU dormitories, NRH Comprehensive Medical Center, communication towers, Auki Road, power station, roads, bridges, seaports have been implemented,” Jie mentioned.

He further added China and Solomon Islands are good partners in terms of health service, agricultural cooperation and other sectors.

“People to people exchanges between China and SI are growing. Since the beginning of this year, more than 1000 Solomon Islanders have undertaken training programs in China, which ranks first in Pacific Island countries,” Jie said.

In addition, he emphasized that China is glad to support a wide range of “small yet smart” livelihood projects like RSDP across the country.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Island government and People’s Republic of China Embassy office in Honiara have launched the SBD $80 million for the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in Honiara yesterday.

This milestone launching marks the continuation of the RSDP, which will be implemented through the Ministry of Rural Development in the 50 constituencies – with an allocation of SBD $1.5 million per constituency.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed gratitude to the PRC for support and partnership on the program.

He said since the program started in late 2023, it has contributed and invested more than SBD $80 million in grants for communities across the country.

“This program has been instrumental in improving the lives of many people, both in rural and urban communities in our country.

“It provides access to important rural community infrastructures, increasing opportunities for local level socio-economic development and improving community livelihoods in all sectors,” Manele said.

The Prime Minister was delighted to see positive impact the RSDP program has on the people in this country, and look forward for similar impact in the second phase.

“I am highly positive that this second phase will have more positive impacts in our communities and constituencies.

“So, I am looking forward to celebrating together with the PRC the successes that will come out of this not-so-distant future,” he said.

The second phase of the RSDP also represents continue commitment by PRC towards sustainable development and empowerment of rural communities, to build a better future for the people of Solomon Islands.

Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie also said at the ceremony that since they started supporting the program in 2023, it brought immense benefit on communities in the country.

“Under the program, fish centers, community clinics, school classrooms, roads and other infrastructure have been built.

“Many equipment, facilities and materials such as fishing boats, OBMs, building materials, water tanks have been delivered to local people,” he said.

Jie added the RSDP has lifted the living standards of many communities. It promoted economic and social development in rural Solomon.

He further said with the launch of new phase of RSDP, it will enhance the infrastructure level and improve the quality of life for the local people from all 50 constituencies.

“We believe that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the efforts of all MPs, MRD officials and stakeholders, the implementation of RSDP will bring more tangible and accessible outcomes for the social and economic development of Solomon Islands,” Jie said.

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• Assistant Minister Nita Green in Honiara for PACER Plus talks and high-level bilateral engagements.

AUSTRALIA’S Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Senator the Hon Nita Green, is in Honiara this week for her first official visit to Solomon Islands, where she will represent Australia at the PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting (PPMM) and hold discussions on key priorities in the bilateral partnership.

The PPMM marks five years since the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus came into force.

PACER Plus is recognised as the region’s most modern rules-based trade framework, designed to drive regional economic integration and expand opportunities for free trade and investment across the Pacific.

Assistant Minister Green said she looked forward to engaging closely with Solomon Islands’ leadership during the visit.

“During my visit, I will meet with Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other senior members of Cabinet, to discuss priorities in the bilateral partnership,” she said in a statement.

“Australia is Solomon Islands’ economic, trade, and development partner of choice. I look forward to engaging on skills and job growth, and in the context of the 16 Days of Activism highlighting our partnership to combat gender-based violence.” She said.

She added that Australia remains committed to long-term cooperation that reflects Solomon Islands’ own priorities.

“Australia is making commitments for the long term, listening and responding to Solomon Islands’ priorities. Australia is a partner that Solomon Islands can count on. We work hand in hand because we are a family who share an ocean and a future.”

Yesterday, Assistant Minister Green met with Minister Shanel, where discussions focused on enhancing regional economic integration, including through Australia’s ongoing support for PACER Plus.

Ministers also discussed priorities for the partnership, including climate change and labour mobility programs such as the PALM Scheme and Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa.

The PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting will provide a platform for member countries to reinforce their commitment to rules-based trade and their shared vision for a more interconnected regional economy.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee is currently taking place in Honiara, bringing together Pacific Island representatives to chart the next phase of regional collaboration.

The gathering is expected to produce decisions that will guide regional cooperation well beyond 2023.

BY MORRIS NAFU

The SAFE Project, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is underway at the Paraningiju resort in Central Guadalcanal with a critical workshop aimed at fortifying national biosecurity measures against the growing threat of invasive alien species in the Solomon Islands.

MECDM in a statement confirmed that the event focuses on enhancing the capacity of national and provincial stakeholders to address the country’s heightened vulnerability to these environmental invaders.

Supported by the UNDP, the workshop aligns with the SAFE Project’s Output 1.3, emphasizing capacity-building to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Jean Manepora, Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), highlights the vital role of biosecurity.

“Biosecurity is essential for protecting our nation’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.

“Invasive alien species pose serious threats to our agriculture, environment, and economy. As trade and movement intensify, we must mitigate risks at ports of entry to ensure readiness, coordination, and operational efficiency at both international and domestic borders,” she stated.

The workshop brings together frontline officers from key agencies, including Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Customs, and Port Authorities, for hands-on training.

Participants are reviewing the national biosecurity framework and international obligations, identifying risks, pathways, and threats at entry points, and applying risk assessment and profiling tools for cargo vessels and passengers.

They are also practicing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inspection, surveillance, and interception documentation.

Expected outcomes include improved professional capabilities, such as enhanced officer skills in inspection and reporting, completion of sample profiling templates, and recommendations for refining SOPs and inter-agency coordination.

These efforts are poised to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ defenses against invasive species, which could otherwise disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods.

The workshop represents a proactive step in national preparedness, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to tackle one of the Pacific region’s pressing environmental challenges.

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