BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Conservation and carbon trading are putting Lauru (Choiseul Province) at the threshold of a new opportunity.
Dr Jones Gabu highlighted this during the Lauru ‘Hard Talk’ Forum at the National Museum in Honiara on Tuesday, February 24 ahead of this year’s Lauru 35th Second Appointed Day celebration.
He told participants that their province’s forest is still intact with rich biodiversity and that strong traditional stewardship positions the province to benefit from global initiatives.
“With proper support from both the provincial and national government, carbon trade can generate sustainable income, protect the environment, empower communities, strengthen resilience for both the province and the nation,” Gabu said.
He said that Lauru must approach this opportunity with unity, clarity and strategic leadership.
Mr Gabu further adds that short-term gain must not cost the Lauru people long-term wellbeing and they must manage their resources with wisdom, discipline, and responsibility.
“Mining and logging have brought revenue to our province. But they have also brought environmental damage like river pollution, forests been cleared and ecosystem disruption,” he said.
He pointed out that Lauru must strengthen its governance in order to shape their future.
“We need a clear provincial strategic plan, a plan that defines our priorities, our services, our development pathways and our long term-vision,” he said.
He said that the province’s system must align with community needs and develop ward committee map priorities.
“If we preach unity, then our systems must reflect unity,” he said.
He said that in truth, constituency committees should serve as technical chairs, ensuring that community needs, ward priorities, provincial planning and national strategies speak the same language.
“When systems align, development accelerates. When systems compete, development collapses,” Dr Gabu said.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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