BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with support of the New Zealand Government through the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project has kicked off a 3-day training for local media organisations at Rock Haven Inn yesterday.
Jessica Rodham, SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer and training facilitator told media participants at the training that climate change induced Loss and Damage (L&D) is an issue that impacts us all.
She said our communities and nations have experienced more adverse impacts of climate change than previous generations and Pacific communities are experiencing the worst of these changes.
Rodham highlighted that coastlines are eroding and displacement has already occurred, pointing out that here in Solomon Islands, people have witnessed and experienced such devastating impacts.
She said SPREP is mandated by Pacific Governments to promote regional cooperation, provide assistance to protect and improve the Pacific environment, and ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
“Since 2018, SPREP has worked with partners to build the capacity for Pacific Islands media to report on the issue of climate change, and other environmental issues,” she said.
Rodham said the media is a key part of global efforts to address climate change-induced loss and damage.
She said with Pacific countries at the forefront of the impacts of the climate crisis; radio, television, newspapers and the internet provide the fastest channels to amplify and communicate information to reach, influence and engage the masses.
“You are the eyes and ears of our communities, and you play such a critical role in telling, sharing and amplifying the stories of our people’s struggles, fight and successes when it comes to climate change,” said Rodham.
She told media representatives that the training was made possible with support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project funded by the Government of New Zealand.
Rodham said the training is ongoing work which SPREP is rolling out across Pacific countries and that the first phase as a regional media training on loss and damage was held in Samoa in 2025.
She said the training was held to empower Pacific Media in terms of understanding climate change with focus on building their understanding of Loss and Damage and the best ways to report on the issue in their countries.
Rodham said they were delighted to have Ednal Palmer from In-Depth Solomons, join them for the training.
“The second phase saw a selection of reporters from the initial training return to Samoa to provide media coverage of the inaugural Youth Loss and Damage Dialogue, the second Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue as well as the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR).
“Again, Solomon Islands was represented by Mr Ednal Palmer, who overcame some very tough competition from regional media colleagues, who had also vied for this opportunity,” she said.
Rodham also acknowledged the Media Association of Solomon Island (MASI), the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and media participants for attending the training.
“I want to again thank the Government of New Zealand for making this possible,” she said.
Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
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