BY NED GAGAHE

Keiichi Higuchi, the Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, delivered a compelling speech at the signing ceremony of a new grant agreement aimed at improving school nutrition in Isabel and Western Provinces.

The ceremony, held at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara, marked the official launch of the SBD 28.7 million (US$3.4 million) project, which focuses on addressing malnutrition and supporting sustainable agriculture in the Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Higuchi opened his speech by extending a warm welcome to all attendees, including distinguished guests, media representatives, and those who have contributed to the initiative.

He expressed his honor in representing the Japanese government at the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Project for Nutrition Improvement through School Meals in Isabel and Western Provinces.

“This project will provide sustainable food production support to communities surrounding four boarding schools in Isabel and Western Provinces and establish an agricultural distribution system for these schools,” Ambassador Higuchi explained.

He highlighted that in addition to improving nutrition and hygiene in the schools, the project will also provide nutrition education to create long-term health benefits for the communities.

The Ambassador addressed the pressing issue of malnutrition in the Solomon Islands, noting that the country suffers from the “triple burden” of malnutrition—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.

He identified unhealthy dietary habits, such as the insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables and excessive intake of processed foods and sugary soft drinks, as key contributing factors to the nation’s nutrition crisis.

Furthermore, Ambassador Higuchi emphasized the added challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, which have impacted biodiversity and caused the loss of essential habitats for root crops and vegetables.

This, he said, has led to rising food prices in domestic markets, exacerbating the nutrition problems.

The Japanese Ambassador also reflected on the Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting (PALM-10) held in July 2024, where the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh Sogavare, requested assistance with agriculture and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

“I strongly believe that this project will not only contribute to improving agriculture and nutrition for the people of the Solomon Islands but also respond to Prime Minister Sogavare’s aspirations for his people to be fit, healthy, and vibrant,” Ambassador Higuchi said.

The project is expected to increase the productivity of local farmers, thereby contributing to economic stability in Isabel and Western Provinces, while addressing the complex issue of NCDs in the region.

Ambassador Higuchi expressed hope that the initiative would make a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of boarding school students in the provinces.

The Ambassador concluded his speech by referencing the Japan-Pacific Island Forum Leaders Declaration and the PALM-10 Joint Action Plan, which identified climate change as the greatest existential threat to Pacific nations.

He reiterated Japan’s commitment to combating climate change, not just for the Solomon Islands but for all countries in the Pacific region.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this project,” Ambassador Higuchi concluded.

“I strongly hope that this project will progress successfully and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous future for the Solomon Islands.” He said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch has called for urgent intervention to tackle the growing malnutrition crisis in the Solomon Islands, describing the country as facing the “triple burden” of malnutrition.

Speaking at the launch of a new SBD 28.7 million (US$3.4 million) nutrition program at the Japanese Embassy yesterday, Mr. Veitch highlighted the alarming statistics: 32% of children under five are stunted, 8% are wasted (low weight for height), and 39% are anaemic.

He revealed that overweight and obesity affect 23% of children aged 13-17, largely due to unhealthy dietary habits including low consumption of fruits and vegetables and high daily intakes of sugary soft drinks.

“These are the issues we are facing with the triple burden of malnutrition,” Mr. Veitch said.

“But these are also the challenges we will overcome with this program.” He said.

The newly launched partnership, which involves UNICEF and the Government of Japan, aims to address these critical issues by focusing on school nutrition and local food production. The initiative will start in Isabel and Western Provinces, targeting nearly 3,000 children in the pilot schools, with a long-term goal of reaching over 30,000 children across the country.

The project will provide healthier, locally grown food options in schools, replacing unhealthy processed foods, and will also focus on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. In addition, the program will help schools implement meal guidelines, raise awareness about safe food handling and healthy local foods, and encourage local communities to grow nutritious crops like sweet potatoes, cassava, yam, and pumpkins.

“We will support local communities to produce more nutritious foods and link these communities with nearby schools, ensuring a fresh and steady supply of healthy food for school meals,” said Mr. Veitch.

“This will reduce the reliance on imported and processed foods, boost the local economy, and promote healthier lifestyles for children and adults.”

Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi of Japan also praised the partnership, noting that it would significantly improve nutrition and hygiene in four boarding schools in Isabel and Western Provinces, benefiting the surrounding communities.

The initiative, he said, would provide sustainable food production support and contribute to better health outcomes for the Solomon Islands’ youngest generation.

Mr. Veitch expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for its generous financial support and also acknowledged the collaboration of the Solomon Islands Government, particularly the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock, Education and Human Resources Development, and Health and Medical Services.

“Let’s act to ensure that this program transforms the eating culture and environment at the community level, for our children and their families,” Mr. Veitch said.

“UNICEF remains committed to ensuring that our youngest generation has the healthy future they deserve.”

The program is a vital step toward addressing the country’s nutrition challenges, ensuring that future generations of Solomon Islanders can thrive and fulfill their potential.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The status of tuna stocks and the successful management of the four key species in the Pacific highlight the commitment and vision of regional leaders.

Reflecting on reports from the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Noan Pakop emphasized the importance of managing skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore tuna.

He attributed this positive outcome to the establishment of regional and sub-regional agencies that play complementary roles in supporting fisheries management across the Pacific.

“Fisheries are crucial to the food security and economies of Pacific Island countries, providing between 50% and 90% of the dietary protein for coastal communities. Tuna consumption in the region is also two to five times the global average,” Pakop stated.

He added that the Pacific is making progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4, which aims to regulate harvesting and end overfishing.

However, he noted that while the Pacific’s vast ocean territory—spanning over 30 million square kilometers—offers significant economic benefits, it also presents challenges in monitoring and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

“Through the FFA, we consolidate our positions on key management measures and work collectively within the WCPFC. As a bloc, we have helped design and implement several conservation measures that have contributed to the sustainability of our tuna stocks,” he said.

Pakop also acknowledged the crucial role of the Pacific Community (SPC) in providing scientific advice to both the WCPFC and FFA. He noted that through ministerial and official forums, regional stakeholders continue to discuss and implement effective fisheries management strategies.

“The SPC’s contributions, the role of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) in managing tuna stocks through the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS), and the Pacific Islands Forum’s strategic vision have all played an essential role in ensuring sustainable fisheries.
At the FFA, our leaders’ key values and principles, as highlighted at the NICE Leaders’ Meeting, have been incorporated into our strategic and business plans to guide our work in serving member states,” he concluded.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]