MECDM Welcomes New Minister Hon. Wayne Ghemu, Receives Comprehensive Strategic Briefing

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 13 February 2026

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM) formally welcomed its newly appointed Minister, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, during a high‑level strategic briefing convened by Permanent Secretary David Hiriasia on Friday. The session brought together Heads of Divisions (HoDs) to provide the Minister with a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s mandates, strategic priorities, and major national programmes.

MECDM plays a critical role in safeguarding the environment, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring disaster preparedness across the Solomon Islands. During the session, Permanent Secretary Hiriasia emphasized that the Ministry’s essential services must continue uninterrupted despite changes in ministerial portfolios, noting that stability and continuity are vital to protecting communities and sustaining long‑term national initiatives. He further underscored the importance of the Minister being fully aware of the specific statutory powers vested in his office, which can be exercised when required to uphold environmental integrity, support emergency response, and enforce compliance.

In his remarks, Minister Ghemu acknowledged the complexity of the MECDM portfolio and called on all divisions to provide their full support during his transition. He reaffirmed that strong teamwork, open communication, and cross‑divisional collaboration will be essential to delivering effective and consistent services for the people of Solomon Islands.

Divisional Highlights Presented to the Minister Included:

• Environment & Conservation Division (ECD):
  Updates on legislative reforms, including the National Plastic Strategy, enforcement of the single‑use plastic ban, and expanded provincial staffing to strengthen environmental monitoring.
• Climate Change Division (CCD):
  Progress on GNUT climate policy achievements, development of the Carbon Trading Policy, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), National Adaptation Plan, and advancement of the Climate Change Bill.
• National Disaster Management Office (NDMO):
  Overview of the all‑of‑government disaster response system and plans for a National Humanitarian Warehouse in Honiara and Auki under a Solomon Islands–Australia partnership.
• Solomon Islands Meteorology Service (SIMS):
  Installation of a new weather radar scheduled for March to strengthen the Early Warning Systems and upgrades to provincial meteorological stations and upper‑air capabilities in Provinces.
• Project Management Coordination Unit (PMCU):
  Strengthened oversight of environmental and climate change projects funded by the GEF, Adaptation Fund, LDCF, GCF and others.
• Presentation of the 2026 budget ($23.1M recurrent; $5M development), HR initiatives including new permanent appointments and an internship programme, and progress towards the construction of the new MECDM headquarters at Vavaya Ridge.

The briefing sets the foundation for strengthened collaboration between the Minister and the Ministry’s leadership as MECDM continues its mission to protect the environment, build national resilience, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders.

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