Environment Media Solomon Islands

29/05/2026

NEW MINISTER FOCUSES PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS | The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has officially welcomed its new Minister, Hon. Polycarp Paea, during a ceremony held on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at the ministry headquarters in Honiara. Speaking during the event, Minister Paea thanked the Permanent Secretary and staff for the warm welcome. He said he was pleased to join the ministry and recognised the important role fisheries plays in the lives of Solomon Islanders. “I am happy to be part of the Ministry. As we all know the Ministry of Fisheries is an important ministry as the work we do affect directly the livelihood of our people in the communities,” he said. Minister Paea called on all staff to work together to achieve the ministry’s plans over the next two years. “We have work to do and work we must so we can achieve all that we can achieve in the next two years,” he said. He also encouraged staff to stay strong when facing challenges and to always work for the benefit of the people. “Let us work to benefit our people,” Minister Paea said. “Work as a team and be honest in carrying out your duties.”

Source: Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources/Photo credit Parliament of Solomon Islands

26/05/2026

JAPAN LAUNCHES SWEET POTATO PROJECT | The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has officially launched the SATREPS project in Honiara, working with Japanese researchers to improve sweet potato production and strengthen food security in the Solomon Islands. The project, titled “Implementation of a Comprehensive Sweet Potato Seedling Management System for National Food Security,” is a five-year research program supported by Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency and partner institutions, running from 2025 to 2030. Officials from the ministry met researchers from the University of Tokyo, Tokai University, and the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization to confirm implementation plans and research cooperation. The project is also being implemented with the Solomon Islands National University. A Collaborative Research Agreement was signed earlier this year, formally confirming the partnership between the Ministry and the University of Tokyo. The project officially began on 17 May 2026 when Japanese researchers arrived in Honiara. MALD officials said the partnership is important for improving food security and boosting agricultural productivity in the country, where sweet potato is a key staple food, especially in rural areas. Through the project, researchers will focus on improving seedling systems, pest control, farming methods, genetic research, and developing virus-free planting materials. The Japanese team also visited research sites including Tenaru Field Station, MAL Henderson laboratories, KG Farm, and Kastom Garden to discuss future fieldwork. A project coordinator and researcher are expected to arrive later this year to support implementation in Honiara. MALD said the project will also bring new equipment, including tractors, laboratory facilities, and net houses, as well as training opportunities for local researchers in Japan and Solomon Islands. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen long-term food security and build local research capacity.

Source/Photo credit @ MALD Press Release

26/05/2026

SDA LEADERS LEARN EMERGENCY RESPONSE | Adventist Development and Relief Agency has completed a one-day disaster preparedness training for church and school leaders in Western Province under its Disaster Ready Church Project. The training was held on 13 May at the Western Sub Regional Office headquarters in Kukudu and was led by ADRA Emergency Support Staff, Raynick Jack. A total of 13 participants attended, including church leaders, school staff from Kukudu Adventist College, and SDA ministers from nearby villages on South Kolombangara Island. The program focused on helping participants prepare emergency plans and improve disaster response skills following the recent impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces. Mr. Jack said the training included both theory and practical lessons. “After the training, we conducted a practical session on the use of fire extinguishers so participants could learn how to properly use them during times of disaster,” he said. He also confirmed that a disaster committee was created for the Western Sub Regional Office to strengthen emergency coordination, while Kukudu Adventist College’s existing committee will be reviewed and improved. ADRA also provided emergency support items such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and assistance for the office generator house. “The training was completed successfully, and the participants were very happy and excited. Since TC Maila had just ended, the training came at the right time for them,” Mr. Jack said. He thanked church leaders, school staff, and village ministers for taking part in the important training. Meanwhile, ADRA Solomon Islands said accessibility ramps for several church offices are progressing well under the project, with construction already completed for offices in the Northern Sub Office, SIM Office, and Western Sub Office.

Source/Photo credit @ Press Release ADRA

21/05/2026

YOUTH TARO FARMERS TRANSFORM NORTH MALAITA | Besi Youth Association Co-founder and Chairperson Abel Wanesuia said taro is an important crop in the region because it supports families through food, culture, and income. “Our aim is to improve household incomes, strengthen food security, empower youths, and promote sustainable agriculture,” Mr Wanesuia said. “Treatim farm osem office waka na, go lo 8am to 5pm,” Mr Wanesuia said, encouraging farmers to treat agriculture like a professional job.

Read More Here: https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/taro-farming-changes-lives/

20/05/2026

SOLOMON ISLANDS MARKS WORLD BEE DAY | Solomon Islands is joining countries around the world to celebrate World Bee Day today, May 20, 2026, and recognise the important role bees and other pollinators play in food production, livelihoods and the environment.

Read More Here: https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/world-bee-day-2026-solomon-islands-champions-beekeeping-for-people-and-planet/

15/05/2026

EDNAL PALMER PRAISES WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS | Speaking for the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), Ednal Palmer of Indepth-Solomons thanked partners and participants after a three-day workshop on climate change reporting. “We are very grateful to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for bringing this training to the Solomon Islands, and to the Ministry of Environment for arranging expert speakers,” Mr Palmer said. He also acknowledged facilitators Kenny and Jess for their time and efforts. MASI praised journalists for their commitment and active participation, saying the workshop helped improve skills in reporting climate change, particularly on Loss and Damage issues. “Better reporting will inform communities, promote dialogue, and amplify the voices of vulnerable people across the Solomon Islands,” Mr Palmer said.

Visual credit @ Shoreyann Ragoso – Isles Media Desk Team

15/05/2026

JESSICA SHARE CLIMATE EXPERIENCES SOLOMON | Journalists from the local mainstream media at a recent three-day climate change loss and damage workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands, were fully engaged, organizers said. “The questions and discussions never stopped,” said Jessicca Rodham, one of the workshop coordinators and SPREP’s Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer. “It showed how committed everyone is to learn and advocating for Pacific interests on climate change.” Jessica thanked local and international partners for their support, including the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Permanent Secretary, David Hiba. She also praised guest contributors like Melissa Horokou, who shared their firsthand experiences working in the climate field and representing Solomon Islands perspectives. Highlighting ongoing work on loss and damage, Jessica called for continued collaboration at the national level. She gave special thanks to Ednal Palmer, Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), and media specialist Sosikeni Lesa for their contributions. Jessica encouraged participants to apply what they learned in their communities and national media. “Use your voice to raise awareness about loss and damage, and help amplify the Pacific voice internationally,” she said.

Visual credit @ Shoreyann Ragoso – Isles Media Desk Team

15/05/2026

MALD BRINGS VETERINARY SERVICES LOCALLY | The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has successfully completed a two-day Animal Health Outreach Program across the three communities of Leitongo Village (Leitongo 1, Leitongo 2, and Leitongo 3). The program delivered vital veterinary services, livestock management training, and animal welfare awareness to households that have long relied on poultry and piggery farming alongside fisheries. Led by Dr. Rodney Starr, Donald Narakana (CIP PLO) and Robert Palmer (PLO), the outreach included practical demonstrations such as pig castration, treatment of mange infections, and the administration of veterinary medicines. Community members, including youths and students, actively participated in the sessions, underscoring the strong interest in livestock development. Despite challenges such as muddy terrain, limited sanitation facilities, and delays in attendance, the program was completed ahead of schedule. The success highlighted both the resilience of MALD’s technical officers and the enthusiasm of the communities. “We are grateful that the MALD livestock team came to our village after so many years,” said Mary Talo, a community representative from Leitongo 2. “Most of us depend on pigs and chickens for food and income, but we have not had regular veterinary services. This program gave us new knowledge and hope to improve our farming,” she said. Dr. Rodney Starr, Livestock Veterinary Consultant said the outreach is part of MALD’s broader mission to strengthen food security and diversify rural livelihoods across the Solomon Islands. “By bringing veterinary services and training directly to remote island communities, we are helping households expand beyond fisheries and unlock new opportunities in livestock production,” he said. According to the touring MALD Livestock team the outreach program was a success as it brings about improved community knowledge of animal health and husbandry practices, delivery of essential veterinary services to poultry and piggery farmers, renewed interest in diversifying livelihoods beyond fisheries. The program reinforces MALD’s role in advancing national food security and rural development. Regular outreach initiatives across island communities will ensure equitable access to veterinary services, strengthen household resilience, and contribute to the Solomon Islands’ broader agricultural diversification strategy. The Animal Health Outreach Program was well received by Leitongo Village communities and demonstrated the critical role livestock farming plays in supporting household livelihoods. MALD remains committed to expanding similar programs nationwide, ensuring that even the most remote communities benefit from technical assistance and livestock development initiatives.

Source/Photo credit @ MALD Press Release

14/05/2026

MALAITA BACKS AGRIFOOD TRANSFORMATION PROJECT | Malaita Provincial Secretary Eric George said agriculture is the top priority for Malaita under the province’s development plans. He said the project will help make better use of local resources to support people and grow the economy.

🔗Read the story, linked below.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through the European Union-funded Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sustainable Transformati

13/05/2026

Free Skin Clinics Coming Soon to the Solomon Islands with International Experts

The International League of Dermatological Societies, in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Government Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is hosting upcoming free skin clinics.

These clinics aim to provide essential dermatological check-ups and support to the community.

The initiative will feature international dermatology experts who will be offering their knowledge and services.

The clinics are scheduled to take place in two locations: Honiara, on Thursday, June 11th at the Kukum NCD Clinic, and Auki, on Saturday, June 13th at the Kilu'ufi Hospital OPD.

Patients in Honiara can register for free by contacting the NRH Skin Clinic while those in Auki can register by calling the Kilu'ufi Hospital

This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to receive expert skin care.