Solomon Islands and Fiji advance climate and economic resilience

In Honiara, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Mathew Wale has unveiled the GREAT Coalition Government’s climate action plan, designating climate change as a national security and economic priority. The plan aims to build a climate-resilient nation by 2050 through legislative reforms, including a Climate Change Bill and a National Disaster Council Bill. The government intends to focus on renewable energy transitions, ecosystem protection, and proactive relocation planning for vulnerable communities.

In Fiji, the government is utilizing approximately US$99.7 million in Green Climate Fund (GCF) financing to protect water supplies, forests, and fisheries. Minister Lynda Tabuya emphasized that climate finance must reach local communities to improve livelihoods and resilience against rising seas and droughts. The establishment of a GCF Pacific Sub-Regional Office in Suva is expected to bring support closer to the region.

Addressing economic growth in the Solomon Islands, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has called for reforms to unlock private sector potential. CEO James Dolarii highlighted high electricity costs as a major barrier and urged for amendments to the Electricity Act to encourage renewable energy competition and lower costs for businesses.