BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GROWING pollution and the impacts of climate change are threatening the future of Simbo, one of the inhabited islands in Western Province.
In an interview with Island Sun, the Provincial Member for Nusa Simbo Ward, Gideon Tuke, said the island is facing mounting pressure as its population continues to grow while the land area steadily shrinks.
He said the birth rate on the island has increased significantly and is now on track to overwhelm the limited resources available to residents.
“Simbo is now dominated by young couples who start families at a very early age.
“Because they marry young, there are many children, even exceeding the amount of land available for gardening and the building of houses,” Tuke said.
He said overcrowding is becoming a serious concern, predicting that within the next 10 years, up to four families may be forced to live under one roof due to the lack of space for new housing.
“In short, Simbo is now overpopulated,” Tuke said.
Adding to the challenge is the growing threat of climate change, particularly rising sea levels.
Tuke said some parts of the island have already experienced seawater encroachment of up to one metre inland.
“Sea level rise is a huge threat to our communities, adding that plans are now being considered to relocate some coastal settlements to safer areas,” he said.
Simbo consists of two islands located close to each other and is home to a dormant volcano.
The island is well known for producing sweet oranges, yams and other root crops, which have long supported the livelihoods of local communities.
In 2017, Simbo Island gained national and international recognition when it was officially certified as an organic island — the first of its kind in Solomon Islands.
The certification was issued by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) as a third-party certification body.
Despite its achievements, leaders say urgent action is needed to address population pressure, environmental pollution and climate change impacts to secure a sustainable future for Simbo and its people.
