BY NED GAGAHE
The European Union (EU) says its investments in renewable energy, water supply and sanitation are helping Solomon Islands build resilience against climate change, even when projects are not directly classified as climate initiatives.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with the Island Sun following a three-day visit to Solomon Islands, EU’s Pacific Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation, Maurizio Cian, said climate change considerations are integrated across many EU-funded programmes in the Pacific.
“On climate change, we normally have a regional approach.
“We have a number of projects working on this area, including agriculture and nature-based solutions. But even projects that are not directly focused on climate change do take climate change into consideration,” Mr Cian said.
He referred to renewable energy projects as a key example of investments that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting sustainable development.
“Renewable energy is definitely something which contributes to reducing emissions when done in a proper way,” he said.
Mr Cian also highlighted the EU-supported water project in Honiara, saying it is designed to improve water security while delivering environmental benefits.
“The project tries to supply water to the whole city, which is no longer dependent on rainfall.
“It also seeks to improve wastewater treatment so that the environment benefits from the project as well,” he said.
He revealed that the EU has committed an additional contribution of approximately SBD300 million towards the water project and is awaiting formal approval from the Solomon Islands Government.
“We expect the government to sign very soon. It has been pending for quite a long time with the previous government.
“We hope this government will speed up the signing process and the implementation of the project,” Mr Cian said.
Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Peteris Ustubs, said the EU’s energy investments are also contributing significantly to climate adaptation and resilience efforts in Solomon Islands.
“Energy projects are a contribution to ensuring that climate change is taken into account.
“At the end, it is not only about energy supply, but also about how energy is generated,” Mr Ustubs said.
He said reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources will strengthen the country’s resilience while boosting economic independence.
“Making sure that the consumption of traditional fossil fuels in Solomon Islands can decrease and more renewable energy can increase makes the country more resilient to climate change.
“It also makes the country more sovereign, more independent and more prosperous because these are your own resources that you use for producing energy in the country,” he said.
The comments come as the European Union continues to expand its partnership with Solomon Islands through investments in renewable energy, water infrastructure, sanitation, and sustainable development initiatives that aim to support long-term climate resilience across the country.
Photo credit: EU
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