BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Around 300 plus people of Sikaiana on Malaita outer Islands and 200 people of the Nifiloli community in Temotu province will be direct beneficiaries of the KIWA Empower Project.
Jaydol Jacobs, senior project officer (SPO) for Kiwa Empower Solomon Islands, said the three-year project, 2025-2027 aims to develop a nature-based solution to improve community resilience.
He said the project will be implemented by Live & Learn Environmental Education Solomon Islands, together with the recipient communities and partners.
“This project aims to empower vulnerable communities in Sikaiana and Nifiloli to thrive in a changing climate by restoring ecosystems, utilising indigenous knowledge and innovative practices and ensuring inclusive decision-making for a sustainable future,” he said.
He said the project has three main objectives, which include a list of activities under each objective to be implemented.
“To achieve these three objectives. The first one is a nature-based solutions activity. First, we are looking at adopting a participatory and inclusive approach, meaning that we will be working closely with communities to co-design and implement a variety of nature-based solutions, but they will be tailored in a very specific way to suit the needs and vulnerabilities of these two communities.
“Secondly, comprehensive consultation and surveys to identify the most suitable and sustainable nature-based solution strategy for each community, meaning that we will be focusing on integrating traditional knowledge practices. This strategy will help us include strategies to restore degraded forests, work to improve water security by protecting and manage freshwater systems. Thirdly, to empower communities to manage these watersheds, help them rehabilitate”, said Jacobs.
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