SPREP Director hands upgraded nursery facility to NHBG
The National Herbarium and Botanical Garden Division (NHBG), has received a timely boost with its upgraded set of nursery facility handed-over personally by the SPREP Regional Director, Biodiversity and Conservation Program Mr Amena Yauvoli, Friday last week at the Botanical Grounds.
The support was made possible in partnership with the Secretariate of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) as the implementing agency of PEBACC+ Project here in Solomon Islands.
Acknowledging SPREP’s generous assistance, Ministry of Forestry and Research’s Deputy Secretary Administration, Mr Wilfred Atomea sincerely thank SPREP and PEBACC+ project for the leadership and dedication in delivering these much-needed improvements.
Stressing on the continued support rendered by SPREP in strengthening ecosystem-based adaptation and forest resilience in Solomon Islands, is being appreciated.
“The improvements completed under the PEBACC+ project will greatly enhance our capacity. Especially on the key areas of the botanicals functions, for a safer and more efficient operations, improved seedling beds, shading, and irrigation systems, better storage and working facilities for staff and also landscaping that may improve access and usability.”
Mr Atomea added acknowledging also other donor partners including the Kiwa Initiative, the European Union, France, Canada, New Zealand and Australia for their continous support and investment in nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience that is making a real and positive impact to communities and the environment.
From the SPREP Office in Suva, Fiji, Director Amena Yauvoli says, “today marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to restore important forest ecosystems, strengthen urban greening and build climate resilience for communities in the Solomon Islands.”
“It is a result of the many collaborations, planning, and hard work under the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC+) project delivered through partnership.”
He highlighted the importance of the upgrade that is geared towards strengthening the Solomon Islands capacity to produce high-quality native seedlings in support of national restoration priorities, including watershed rehabilitation, mangrove restoration, and landscape reforestation as a very important move.
Director Yauvoli adds in handing over the upgraded nursery, says, “On behalf of SPREP, as the implementing agency of the PEBACC+ project, and with support of our donor partners under the Kiwa Initiative and the French Facility for Global Environment, I am honoured to formally hand over the upgraded Botanical Garden Nursery to the Ministry of Forestry and Research.
“We are confident that this facility will continue to support national programmes on reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience for many years to come.
SPREP looks forward to continue strengthen collaboration with the Solomon Islands Government and all partners involved in advancing sustainable environmental management and climate adaptation across the country.”
Honiara City Council’s Deputy Director Waste Management and Control Division, Mr Abednigo Maeohu also acknowledges both SPREP and the Ministry of Forestry and Research, noting the significance of the upgraded nursery towards addressing numerous environmental issues as indeed, a way forward.
Such a collaboration and partnership are very important; and that the Honiara City Council will be of help wherever it is needed on these undertakings, says Mr Maeohu – MoFR Press
