AUSTRALIA will begin a climate resilience partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute in 2025 to assist Solomon Islands Government with climate change national adaptation planning and vulnerability assessments.
This was announced by the Australian High Commissioner to Solomin Islands, Rod Hilton in his latest fortnightly update on the progress of programs that Australia is either delivering in Solomon Islands.
High Commissioner Hilton said this is a snapshot of Australia’s work to support Solomon Islands in building resilience to climate change and disasters and it is something that he looks forward to continuing work on in 2025.
He said a more secure and reliable energy access is a key part of the partnership to help Solomon Islands transition to renewable energy, improving access to, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions.
High Commissioner Hilton said in November 2024, he joined Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to celebrate the start of construction at the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, which will provide affordable, reliable electricity to Honiara.
“In 2024, we launched off-grid renewable energy partnerships in rural communities, including a solar hybrid system at Good Samaritan Hospital in Tetere.
“Last year, Australia announced SBD688 million for new initiatives to improve energy security and scale up energy grid transitions in the Pacific. This includes the ‘REnew Pacific’ program, which will deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy,” he added.
Other Australia-funded programs to help Solomon Islands prepare for future challenges natural disasters are as follows:
- The Provincial Emergency Operation Centre in Taro which will ensure quick help reaches those in need. This building is part of a package of humanitarian infrastructure projects Australia has supported over the last two years, with more underway;
- Upgrades to the National Disaster Management Office in Ranadi and a new humanitarian warehouse in Lata which will also be completed early this year. These facilities will enhance disaster response across Honiara and the provinces;
- Establishment of technical partnerships between Solomon Islands and Australian agencies to share lessons and strengthen disaster preparedness. Australia is also training and equipping disaster management agencies in Solomon Islands to better support communities when disaster strikes;
- Helping communities across Solomon Islands to build resilience to climate change and disasters. Through the Disaster READY Program. Six NGOs and 17 local partners are strengthening disaster response in nearly 100 communities across eight provinces;
- Projects under the Climate Resilient by Nature program in Malaita which are protecting forest biodiversity and engaging communities in carbon markets, restoring mangroves in Malaita and Makira-Ulawa Provinces and working with women to manage sea grapes and mangroves in Western Province; and
- A new three-year partnership with James Cook University supports the Baru Conservation Alliance in East Kwaio, Malaita Province to preserve traditional knowledge and culture, while improving health and building climate resilience.
