BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PUSIJU Community in South Vella, Western Province marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its Mini-Solar Fishery Centre, a project funded by the United Kingdom and implemented by WWF Solomon Islands.
The launch brought together community members, leaders, and development partners, with Paul Turner, British Commissioner to Solomon Islands attending on behalf of the United Kingdom.
The Mini-Solar Fishery Centre is part of a Flexible Fund initiative delivered under the Pacific Resilience Communities Nature Based Solution project, implemented by the World Wildlife Fund to strengthen climate resilience at the community level.
Speaking at the event, Turner reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting locally driven climate action across the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands.
He said communities in the country are increasingly facing the impacts of climate change, which are placing pressure on fisheries, food security, infrastructure, and traditional ways of life.
“Our partnership through Climate Action for a Resilience Asia (CARA) and the flexible fund is grounded in a simple belief—that resilience is strongest when it is led by communities, supported by trusted local organisations, and built on solutions that reflect both tradition and innovation,” Turner said.
He said the Mini-Solar Fishery Centre is a strong example of a successful community-led initiative.
Turner said the solar-powered system will reduce reliance on fuel, lower operational costs for families, and promote cleaner, climate-resilient development.
“By pairing renewable energy with sustainable fisheries practices, it provides practical benefits—reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage, and strengthening household livelihoods.
“This is the kind of community-driven innovation that the United Kingdom is proud to support,” he said.
Turner commended the leadership within Pusiju, highlighting the collective effort of chiefs, elders, women, and youth in making the project a reality.
“Your unity is the foundation on which resilience is built,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of WWF Pacific and WWF Solomon Islands for their technical expertise and longstanding engagement with communities in Western Province, ensuring the project is grounded in science, good governance, and community participation.
Turner also recognised the support of the Western Provincial Government, noting its importance in sustaining the project over the long term.
Community chiefs and women leaders expressed their gratitude to the people and government of the United Kingdom for funding the initiative.
They said the Mini-Solar Fishery Centre will play a key role in income-generating activities, helping to improve the livelihoods of families and the wider community.
Photos: Ben Bilua
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