BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CLIMATE change expert Dr. Morgan Wairiu says traditional knowledge remains one of the most effective tools for Solomon Islanders to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
Speaking to Island Sun in Gizo, Dr. Wairiu said scientific research has shown that people living in community settings tend to be more resilient to climate change compared to those residing in towns and cities.
He said Solomon Islands is one of the examples to the scientific findings.
Morgan said the Solomon Islands still holds a strong advantage in adapting to climate impacts because of its deep-rooted traditional knowledge and the close relationship between people and their natural environment.
“The best strategy going forward for Solomon Islands is to protect its resources while identifying the best approaches to ensure these resources continue to sustain our people and our country,” he said.
Morgan added that many communities across the islands continue to rely on traditional knowledge to guide farming, fishing, and food production practices.
“We are still holding on to most of our traditional knowledge, which is a good thing. People in our communities still use traditional knowledge to plant root crops, fish, and live their lives.
“It is also important to note that while the scientific world is spending time to find lasting solutions for climate change, our people back home study the changing weather patterns to plan crops, fish, and harvest traditional foods.
“These knowledges demonstrate the resilience of our communities,” he said.
Morgan warns that the country’s natural resources must be protected to minimize the impacts of climate change.
He explained that climate change will continue to influence the earth’s systems — with rising sea levels from melting icebergs and thermal expansion, increased flooding from heavy rainfall, more severe cyclones, droughts due to reduced rainfall, and depletion of natural resources from increasing temperatures.
“Our task is to use what is available to adapt to these changes.
“For us in the Solomon Islands, we have our traditional knowledge to complement scientific knowledge and help us adapt to the changing climate,” Morgan said.
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