BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The MELANOB Project will give Solomon Islands a stronger voice in regional and global discussions on the sustainable management of forestry resources.

Director of the Solomon Islands National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens, Ministry of Forestry and Research, Mr Myknee Sirikolo, said the project would be based on verified scientific data and utilise modern technologies and methodologies.

He said the initiative would involve the use of advanced equipment to measure trees, identify species, and collect critical data for documentation and research purposes.

“This information will enable Melanesian governments to make informed decisions in crafting regulations, legislation, and policies for the sustainable management of forestry resources,” Mr Sirikolo said.

He pointed out that the forestry sector is under increasing threat due to the impacts of climate change.

“This project will comprehensively address current challenges through the collection of accurate, up-to-date data. The findings will directly benefit the country, government, and people in managing our forestry sector,” he said.

Mr Sirikolo said the project is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Forestry, Solomon Islands National University (SINU), and regional partners.

He added that the initiative would also provide educational opportunities for students and young researchers to study biodiversity, ecosystems, and the impacts of both human activity and natural climate processes.

“They will have access to first-hand data, which will help develop innovative, science-based ideas. The project will integrate both modern science and traditional ecological knowledge to ensure sustainable management of our natural resources,” Mr Sirikolo said.

He acknowledged that while previous research efforts had been made, many had faltered due to changing government policies.

“Research in the Ministry of Forestry has been weak in recent times. This project is the first of its kind to establish strong partnerships among the five Melanesian countries, promoting regional collaboration in the forestry sector,” he said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

AS families across the nation gathered to celebrate and honor the unwavering love, resilience, and sacrifices of mothers on Mother’s Day yesterday, several families in Honiara took the day off to relax at the beach, marking the occasion with joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

At Turtle Beach on Northwest Guadalcanal, Island Sun caught up with several mothers and their families as they gathered by the sea, sharing food, laughter, and love on this special day.

Margareth Maegonia, who was celebrating with her daughter, shared what the day meant to her.

“Fathers who truly love their wives will talk with their children, help plan the shopping, do the cooking, and make sure there’s a gift to make Mum feel special,” she said.

“Mother’s Day is the one day in the year dedicated to honoring mums. Most of the time, it’s the mothers usually do everything at home, so when dads take over for a day, they see it’s not as easy as it looks.”

Lilian Qurusu, a mother of two, was also enjoying the day alongside other women from her community.

“Mother’s Day is a day for us mothers, a time to reflect on the hard work and responsibilities we carry in our homes,” she said.

“It’s a big responsibility that requires effort and time, and mothers do it all out of love. We are the homemakers.”

She added that while the day was filled with joy, it could also be bittersweet for those who had lost their mothers.

“Some of us have lost our mothers, and some are still with us. For those of us who are grieving, today can also be a sad time because we miss them,” Qurusu shared.

Qurusu also encouraged fathers and children to show love and appreciation on this special day by acknowledging the sacrifices mothers make every day.

“Take the time to show your appreciation—hug your mothers, thank them, and let them know how much they mean to you,” she added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

COMMUNITIES on Ugi Island in Makira-Ulawa Province recently took part in the Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (SIIVA), a key initiative to address climate change impacts in rural areas.

The assessment was conducted on May 7 by the Climate Change Division (CCD) under the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with UNDP’s Gov4Res Project and the Climate Finance Capacity Support Program (CFCSP).

The CCD said the exercise gathered important data on agriculture, environmental risks, and local coping strategies—crucial for long-term planning and support.

“Information collected will help the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) better target vulnerable communities through tailored development projects like model farms,” A statement from CCD said.

The activity also raised awareness on climate change and involved community discussions that aligned local priorities with national policies.

CCD said the collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive climate action and ensuring remote communities aren’t left behind.

“As climate threats grow across the Pacific, assessments like SIIVA are vital for building resilience and crafting evidence-based solutions,” it said.

The visit marked another milestone in supporting sustainable rural development through integrated and community-focused approaches.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Dick Douglas, has officially welcomed the newly appointed Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manuari.

In a statement on behalf of the 16 principal landowning tribes of Gold Ridge, Douglas said GRCLC looks forward to working closely with the Minister and his Ministry to advance key landowner priorities.

“We welcome you, Minister Manuari, and look forward to building a strong relationship with you, your Permanent Secretary, Directors, and technical staff. We trust you will continue the work of your predecessor, particularly on matters affecting landowners and the Gold Ridge project,” Douglas said.

He highlighted two urgent issues for the Minister’s attention: the ongoing review of the GRCLC Agreement between the Government, GRCLC, and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML); and continued support for the Joint Taskforce, co-chaired by former Minister Bradley Tovosia and the Minister of Police, which focused on curbing illegal mining and strengthening site security.

Douglas also thanked former Minister Tovosia for his cooperation during his term.

“Tovosia worked closely with our Council. His support helped progress important discussions on land ownership, site security, and benefit-sharing,” he said.

Douglas went on to congratulate Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Government for National Unity and Transformation for defeating the recent Motion of No Confidence in Parliament.

“We commend the Prime Minister for maintaining political stability. His visit to Gold Ridge earlier this year demonstrated his commitment to the project and its role in the national economy,” he added.

Douglas said Gold Ridge Mine is not just a private enterprise, but a national and community asset delivering tangible benefits to landowners and surrounding communities. These include:

• Royalties paid directly to landowning tribes
• Land rentals to Prospecting License holders
• First dividend payment to landowners via the GRCLC
• Community development projects—such as the Tinahulu Bridge, road upgrades, housing improvements, and school and church support

“These outcomes show that when landowners are part-owners in a resource project, communities can experience real and lasting development,” he said.

Douglas emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, mutual respect, and transparency among all stakeholders.

“Our people are proud part-owners under the new company structure and remain committed to working with the mining company, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and National Government to ensure Gold Ridge continues contributing to national development.”

“We must build on this foundation through strong leadership, genuine partnerships, and fair policies. Together, we can make Gold Ridge a model for responsible mining and landowner empowerment,” Douglas said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) deployed 500 officers across Honiara last week to ensure peace and order during the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) in Parliament.

Following the event, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau acknowledged the good behaviour of the public, which contributed to a peaceful outcome.

Despite the successful operation, Commissioner Mangau raised serious concerns about the shortage of manpower within the RSIPF.

He revealed that the force currently operates with a ratio of 1 officer to every 463 people.

Mangau said that figure is far below what is ideal for the Solomon Islands.

With just over 1,500 officers currently serving nationwide, the RSIPF would need to double its numbers to achieve a ratio of 1 officer to 250 people, which is considered a more suitable benchmark for effective policing in the country.

He said in some countries they maintain a much lower ratio of 1 officer to 32 persons.

Mangau highlighted the urgent need for recruitment and capacity-building within the RSIPF.

The Commissioner stated that while current officers are performing their duties under pressure, increasing personnel numbers is essential to improving community safety, response times, and public service.

A heavy police presence was observed throughout Honiara during the MoNC, including the Police Response Team.

Honiara remained calm and orderly. Schools were closed, but the public continued about their daily activities without any incident.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PACIFIC Islands News Association (PINA) President Kalafi Moala has warned that though Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed media, it poses significant threats to press freedom.

Speaking at the recent commemoration of Press Freedom Day to Solomon Islands journalists, Moala said that AI both empowers and undermines quality journalism.

“Artificial intelligence or AI, while offering remarkable tools for media innovation, also presents new threats, disinformation, algorithm biases, deep fakes, and the undermining of journalistic credibility,” President Moala said

“In this brave new world, press freedom is not just about physical threats or censorship, it is also about digital manipulation, data control, and the erosion of public trust in factual reporting,” he said.

He acknowledged that AI has greatly benefited many news rooms in the Pacific.

“AI tools can help newsrooms in the Pacific do more with less, automate translation, analyze data, or reach broader audiences.” Moala said.

However, he warned that without proper regulations in place, AI can have drastic consequences

“But without regulation, digital literacy, and editorial safeguards, these tools can just as easily be used to silence, mislead, or marginalize,” President Moala added.  

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