BY INDY MAEALASIA
DESPITE the critical role mangroves play in supporting livelihoods, the Solomon Islands still lack a formal policy framework for their conservation and sustainable management.
This gap was highlighted by Dr Mary Tahu, a lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), during a presentation of her research last week at the FALAH research seminar.
“Currently, with the conclusion of my research on mangroves, there are no policies at the community or national level to guide conservation efforts,” Dr Tahu explained.
Her research, titled “Gender, Climate Change, and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in the Solomon Islands Mangroves,” revealed the urgent need to protect mangroves to tackle the threats of climate change.
However, strides are being made to address this issue. Tahu revealed that SINU, in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders last year, have worked on a proposed policy framework. Titled the “Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Mangrove Policy Framework,” this policy’s goal is to protect mangroves and support the social well-being of local communities.
“We are working to push this policy forward for it to be accepted by the cabinet,” Tahu added
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