Coral Triangle Initiative Lauded for Sustaining Solomon Islands’ Marine and Coastal Resources

On June 11, 2013, Solomon Islands’ representatives from government, non-government organizations, local communities including school children gathered at the National Gallery in Honiara to view an exhibition marking Coral Triangle Day and the fifth year anniversary of the Coral Triangle Initiative’s (CTI) implementation in the country. During the event, government officials lauded CTI programs for developing local scientific expertise that has informed the country’s development planning.

 “CTI programs are a good base to bring in and develop scientific expertise and approaches to fine tuning development and adaptation strategies. Our hope is that, the data and information that CTI programs put together about our seas, islands, communities and people will contribute to baseline development planning and strategies for the survival and adaptation of our people and communities, Western Province Minister for the Environment Ralph Bulechite said during the event.Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Dary Lilo was on hand and lauded the CTI National Coordination Commiteee for its leadership in driving the CTI's goals activities in the country.

Since 2008, the Solomon Islands CTI National Coordination Committee, local governments, communities and partners have been implementing the CTI’s programs by developing science-based solutions to protect and sustain the country’s marine and coastal resources. This has resulted in significant achievements including the passage of the first legal framework covering the establishment of protected areas in the country and the designation of five marine protected areas that has led to sustained fish catch and attracted income-generating tourism activities for local communities. Another landmark project, developed through USAID assistance, is the development of a mobile application platform for fisheries data collection that will help the country manage its fisheries industry and helped build capacity in climate change adaptation.

Captions: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo (standing third from left) pose with the members of the Solomon Islands CTI National Coordinating Committee members and partner representatives during the CT Day celebrations.
Credit: MECDM