BY TONY IROGA
The growing pollution problem along Honiara’s coastline is a direct consequence of poor waste management practices on land.
Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of environment (MECDM) Karl Kuper said this at the launch of a major week-long environmental clean-up campaign at Rove Children’s Park on Wednesday this week.
The campaign, which coincides with the observance of World Environment Day 2026, Coral Triangle Day, and World Ocean Day, brought together civil society organisations, community members, and scores of students from Mbokona, Tamlan, and White River School in a united effort to restore the capital’s coastal environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kuper said the rubbish washing onto Honiara’s shores serves as a visible reminder of how waste is being handled inland.
“What we have washed up on the shores here reflects how we manage waste inside the land,” Kuper told volunteers gathered at the launch site.
“Every piece of rubbish removed today helps protect wildlife and keeps our coastal environment clean and beautiful.”
The clean-up operation, supported by the Honiara City Council (HCC) and sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will target heavily littered beaches and public recreational areas throughout the capital in the coming week.
Kuper said environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but requires the active participation of communities, businesses, and individuals.
“I would like to remind us to sustain what sustains us, to protect what protects us.
“Environmental stewardship is not just the business of government. It is the responsibility of communities, individuals, businesses, and every citizen,” he said.
He noted that the country’s beaches and marine ecosystems are valuable national assets that support livelihoods, tourism, recreation, cultural practices, and traditional activities across the Solomon Islands.
“Our coastal environments are natural assets that support livelihoods throughout the country.
“They contribute to tourism, recreation, culture, tradition, and many other aspects of our daily lives,” he said.
Organisers encouraged residents to adopt the “Three Rs” approach – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – by separating household waste, composting organic materials, and making proper use of HCC waste collection services.
As part of the campaign, volunteers conducted a general clean-up of the coastal area surrounding Rove Children’s Park, while a separate technical team carried out a waste audit to identify and analyse the types of pollution commonly found along the shoreline.
The findings are expected to assist future environmental planning and policy development.
The campaign will continue throughout the week with daily clean-up activities, community outreach programs, and environmental awareness sessions that aim to promote responsible waste management practices.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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