Rennell and Bellona Strengthen Commitment to Biosecurity Through Provincial Coordination Workshop
Honiara, 3 June 2026 – Government agencies, provincial authorities, key partners and stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Rennell and Bellona Province from invasive species and biosecurity threats following the successful Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan Implementation and Coordination Workshop held on 2 June.
The workshop brought together representatives from national and provincial government agencies, maritime authorities, communities and partner organisations to discuss the implementation of the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan and strengthen coordination among agencies responsible for its delivery.
Opening the workshop, Deputy Provincial Secretary Mr Aubrey Saueha highlighted the importance of the Biosecurity Plan in protecting the province’s unique biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. He noted that Rennell and Bellona is the first province in Solomon Islands to develop a provincial biosecurity plan and expressed hope that it would serve as a model for other provinces. Mr Saueha emphasised that protecting the province from invasive species is particularly important given its remoteness, limited transport links and dependence on local food production.
Representing Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), Director Ms. Jean Eroa Manepora’a stressed that effective biosecurity is essential for safeguarding agriculture, biodiversity, human health and local economies. She noted that the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan provides a practical roadmap for managing invasive species threats and is fully aligned with Solomon Islands' legislative and policy framework. "The law provides the authority; the Plan provides the roadmap. Together they enable us to take practical action to protect the province from invasive species and other biosecurity threats," said Ms. Manepora’a. She also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between government agencies, communities, transport operators, businesses and development partners in ensuring successful implementation of the Plan.
In her welcome remarks on behalf of BirdLife International, Ms Miliana Ravuso acknowledged the significant effort invested over the past several years to develop the Biosecurity Plan through consultation and collaboration among stakeholders. She encouraged participating agencies to embed biosecurity responsibilities into their routine operations and emphasised the importance of shared ownership, commitment and accountability in implementing the Plan.
The workshop concluded with several important outcomes. Participants agreed that Biosecurity Solomon Islands will take the lead role in coordinating implementation of the Biosecurity Plan, with support from the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government and other partner agencies. Participants also recognised the need for a Provincial Biosecurity Ordinance to provide a stronger legal framework for implementing the Plan, with BSI and the Provincial Government committing to work together to advance its development. In addition, agencies agreed on a coordination mechanism that will support ongoing communication, collaboration and follow-through on agreed actions.
The workshop reaffirmed the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in protecting Rennell and Bellona’s globally significant biodiversity, agricultural resources and communities from the impacts of invasive species. Participants expressed confidence that through strong partnerships and coordinated action, the province can successfully implement its Biosecurity Plan and strengthen biosecurity management for future generations.
The workshop was supported through funding from the Kiwa Initiative and implemented through BirdLife International as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen invasive species management and biodiversity conservation in Rennell and Bellona Province.
