Minister MECDM with CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat officials and some SWG Focal Points and representative
Solomon Islands Hosts Key CTI-CFF Regional Meetings to Advance Marine Conservation and Sustainable Ocean Governance
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – 7 August 2026 – The Government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), has successfully hosted two major regional meetings under the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), reaffirming the country’s leadership and commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean governance.
The meetings fulfilled a formal commitment made by Solomon Islands during the 20th CTI-CFF Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-20) held in Bali, Indonesia. As the current Regional Chair of the Financial Resources Working Group (FRWG) and the Seascapes Technical Working Group (STWG), Solomon Islands brought together representatives from the six Coral Triangle member countries (CT6), development partners, technical experts, and regional and national stakeholders to address shared priorities for marine and coastal resource management.
The programme commenced with the Financial Resources Technical Working Group (FRTWG) Meeting, held in Honiara from 21–23 July 2026, where participants explored sustainable financing mechanisms to strengthen long-term investment in regional marine conservation programmes and support implementation of CTI-CFF initiatives.
This was followed by the Seascapes Regional Exchange and Technical Working Group Meeting in Noro, Western Province, from 27–30 July 2026. The Regional Exchange provided a platform for knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, and collaboration on transboundary marine ecosystem management.
Speaking during the Opening Reception of the Seascapes Regional Exchange and Seascapes Technical Working Group Meeting, held on Sunday, 26th July in Munda, Western Province, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to the unique, multilateral partnership.
“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the Solomon Islands National Coordinating Committee, and the people of Solomon Islands, I warmly welcome all delegates to our country, and especially to the beautiful Western Province.”
“We are honoured that the Solomon Islands has been entrusted to host the Seascapes Technical Regional Exchange and the Seascapes Technical Working Group Meeting. Your presence here reflects our shared commitment to protecting the Coral Triangle—the global centre of marine biodiversity and the foundation of food security, livelihoods, cultural identity, and economic prosperity for more than 120 million people across our six member countries.”
The Minister noted that the Coral Triangle contains 76% of the world’s coral species, extensive mangrove forests, and some of the world’s most productive fisheries, making regional cooperation essential for protecting shared marine resources.
“The challenges we face—whether biodiversity loss, marine pollution, climate change, or the sustainable management of our marine resources—cannot be addressed by any one country acting alone. They require coordinated regional action, shared knowledge and strong partnerships.”
“As Chair of the Seascapes Technical Working Group, the Solomon Islands is proud to facilitate these important regional discussions. We look forward to the productive deliberations that will strengthen regional cooperation, advance sustainable financing, improve marine spatial planning, and reinforce our collective commitment to conserving the Coral Triangle for the benefit of all our people and communities.”
Hosting these regional meetings underscores Solomon Islands’ leadership within the CTI-CFF and its continued commitment to promoting the sustainable management of the Coral Triangle’s globally significant coastal and marine ecosystems. The meetings have strengthened partnerships among member countries, enhanced technical cooperation, and reinforced collective efforts to conserve marine biodiversity while improving food security and sustainable livelihoods across the Coral Triangle region.
Minister MECDM, Hon, Wayne Ghemu welcomes CTI-CFF delegates and stakeholders during the Opening Reception at Munda, Western Province.