Relocating those on low lying atolls affected by climate change will be challenging.
That was according to Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Conservation, Climate Change and Meteorology, Dr Melchior Mataki.
“When we talk about relocating, you are relocating structures, cultures and even political attachments,” he said at a recent workshop in Honiara.
“All these issues need to be looked into very carefully because the issue of land as we know is difficult here,” he added.
Mataki said this is due land availability – government owned only minority of the land whilst the majority of it are under customary tenure.
“So the issues of land need to be looked at and address first.
“At the ministry level we are trying to study this and bring about thorough discussion on how best to address relocation.
“Relocation however is an extreme adaptation option if the government is to consider, but the government alone is not in a position to do this, it will require additional assistance.
“And if we look in terms of extremes, then we will have to consider the fact that there is also an international bit to it where that outside assistance is needed,” he said.
“Relocation is not an easy straight forward option although relocation has taken place in the Solomon Islands for other reasons apart from climate change.
“That is one reason as to why we need to have proper groundwork done,” Mataki said.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
