Integrating Nature-Based Solutions into Public Policy in the Solomon Islands: The Launch of the Kiwa EMPOWER Project
The Solomon Islands have officially launched the Kiwa EMPOWER Regional Project, a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience in remote communities through the use of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Implemented by Live & Learn Environmental Education, the project targets the island communities of Sikaiana (Malaita Province) and Nifiloli (Temotu Province), which are among the most vulnerable to climate change in the country.
Addressing Climate Challenges in Remote Islands
The EMPOWER Project was created to respond to critical threats facing Pacific island communities, including: rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies, coastal erosion, the loss of livelihoods and increasing isolation
These impacts are felt acutely in the Solomon Islands’ most remote provinces, where access to infrastructure and government services remains limited. EMPOWER aims to turn vulnerability into resilience by empowering communities to implement NbS that protect ecosystems, preserve traditional knowledge, and create sustainable local responses.
A Framework for Policy Integration
This project ensures that community-led NbS initiatives are integrated into existing national and provincial policies, rather than being carried out in isolation. By bridging the gap between local realities and institutional frameworks, it promotes long-term sustainability and policy coherence.
During the national launch of the project, Hon. Trevor Mahaga, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, emphasised this alignment:
“This is not just another development project. It is a moment of alignment where our shared aspirations, our commitment to community resilience, and our respect for traditional knowledge systems come together for a single purpose—to empower our people to thrive in the face of a changing environment. We are here to celebrate a journey—a journey of empowerment, inclusion, and broad local action.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the EMPOWER Project in addressing the concerns raised by outer island communities and affirmed its alignment with the Solomon Islands’ inclusive development priorities, rural empowerment, economic transformation, and climate resilience goals. He noted that the project supports the country’s National Climate Change Framework, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and the National Development Strategy 2016–2025.
Community Leadership and Local Ownership
The Kiwa EMPOWER project places community ownership at its core. As one of three Pacific countries selected to implement the regional project (alongside Fiji and Tuvalu), the Solomon Islands will focus efforts in two particularly vulnerable communities.
Elmah Panisi, Solomon Islands Country Manager for Live & Learn, underlined the importance of collective engagement:
“For the Solomon Islands, this is an important project, as we are implementing it in the Malaita and Temotu Provinces in two communities that are remote and at most risk in terms of the impacts of climate change. In our engagements with stakeholders, the message has been clear: climate change is affecting us all, and we must unite to ensure that the people we serve are not left behind.”
Doris Susau, Director of Programs at Live & Learn Pacific, echoed the call for community-driven implementation and encouraged local institutions to take full ownership:
“We look forward to the continued support from the national, provincial, district, and community levels. We welcome your engagement as our team begins implementation at the project sites. This is your project; the investment in funding and commitment is yours to take ownership of.”
From the community perspective, Dr. Simon Salopuka, a representative from Nifiloli, welcomed the focus on traditional knowledge systems and NbS as a way to unite the community and build a stronger sense of project ownership.
