$4m boost for ocean protection in Solomon Islands
BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Solomon Islands has secured USD 4 million in funding to strengthen its ocean protection efforts, thanks to support from the Bezos Earth Fund, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The project aims to enhance enforcement of conservation frameworks and build national capacity for effective ocean governance, with Temotu, Makira, and Western provinces identified as pilot sites.
Deputy Secretary Technical of MECDM, Agnetha Vave-Karamui, hails the partnership as a significant milestone for the country’s marine conservation agenda.
“This Earth Fund support will help us strengthen the capacity and tools needed to secure our marine and coastal resources, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure present and future generations of Solomon Islanders continue to benefit from the rich waters of Temotu, Makira, and the Kavachi Seascape,” she said.
Karamui added that the initiative aligns with the government’s forthcoming National Marine Spatial Plan and supports the regional ‘Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity’ strategy, endorsed by Pacific leaders to sustainably manage all ocean areas and protect sites of ecological and cultural importance.
WCS Solomon Islands Country Director, Alec Hughes, welcomed the Earth Fund’s investment, saying it will be instrumental in advancing practical marine protection measures.
“With this support, we will work hand in hand with the Solomon Islands Government, provincial leaders, and communities to strengthen marine planning, governance, and sustainable management.
“Our goal is to protect biodiversity while improving community resilience and livelihoods,” he said.
Island Sun understands that the funding will support activities such as marine spatial planning, establishing new marine protected areas, developing enforcement and monitoring systems, and piloting a national conservation trust fund to ensure long-term sustainability.
The initiative is part of a wider USD 37.5 million program announced by the Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate marine protection efforts across 12 Pacific Island countries and territories.
The Solomon Islands’ involvement underscores its commitment to protect ocean resources for future generations while ensuring that local communities remain central to marine conservation efforts.
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