A group photo including JICA SI Resident Representative, Mr. Kawasaki, MoFR Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raomae, Deputy Secretary, MoFR, Mr. Wilfred Atomea, Officials from MoFR and JICA SI project team members.
Solomon Islands and JICA Launch New Project to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management Nationwide
Honiara, Solomon Islands, 17th September 2026
The Ministry of Forestry and Research (MOFR) of Solomon Islands and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today signed the Record of Discussions (R/D) for a new technical cooperation project titled “The Project for Enhancing the National Capacity to Extend Sustainable Forest Management.” The signing ceremony was held at the JICA Solomon Islands Office in Honiara. This project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of MOFR to promote community-based sustainable forest resource management throughout Solomon Islands.
The Record of Discussions was signed by Mr. Richard Raomae, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research, and Mr. Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, Resident Representative of the JICA Solomon Islands Office. The project represents a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan in the forestry sector.
Forests are among Solomon Islands’ most important natural assets, supporting livelihoods, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. However, increasing pressures from unsustainable land use and forest degradation present challenges for maintaining these resources for future generations. The new project seeks to address these challenges by expanding and institutionalizing community-based sustainable forest resource management (CB-SFRM) approaches that have been developed and tested through previous cooperation initiatives.
The project’s overall goal is to facilitate the nationwide expansion of community-based sustainable forest resource management combined with livelihood improvement initiatives. Through strengthened institutional systems, improved technical capacity, and enhanced coordination mechanisms, MOFR will be better equipped to support communities in managing forest resources sustainably while generating socio-economic benefits.
Under the project, participating communities will be encouraged to establish community management structures, prepare land-use plans, develop forest resource management plans, and implement livelihood improvement activities tailored to local needs. These activities may include agroforestry development, sustainable timber utilization, and the promotion of non-timber forest products. Special consideration will also be given to strengthening the participation of women and youth in community decision-making and forest management processes.
The project aligns with the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and contributes to national objectives related to inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. It also supports Solomon Islands’ commitments under the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), recognizing the important role of forests in maintaining the country’s significant carbon sink and enhancing resilience to climate change
JICA will provide technical assistance over a period of 36 months from the arrival of the project experts. Assistance will include the dispatch of experts in community forest management and related fields, providing training opportunities in Japan and other countries, as well as the provision of equipment and operational support necessary for effective project implementation.
The first long-term experts are expected to be dispatched to Solomon Islands in the beginning of 2027. Following their arrival, detailed project activities will commence in close collaboration with MOFR, local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders. The project will also work in coordination with development partners active in the forestry and environmental sectors to maximize synergies and ensure effective use of resources.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary Richard Raomae emphasized the importance of strengthening sustainable forest management systems to ensure that forest resources continue to benefit Solomon Islanders while protecting the environment. He noted that the project would contribute to building national capacity and supporting rural communities across the country.
Resident Representative Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. He highlighted that the project builds upon years of cooperation in the forestry sector and reflects the shared commitment of Japan and Solomon Islands to environmental sustainability, climate action, and community empowerment.
Through this new project, MOFR and JICA seek to create a foundation for scaling up sustainable forest management practices across the country and contributing to the long-term well-being of Solomon Islands’ communities, forests, and natural ecosystems.
JICA SI Resident Representative, Mr. Kawasaki and MoFR Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raomae signing the Record of Discussions during the ceremony.
The exchange of signed copies between JICA SI Resident Representative, Mr. Kawasaki and the Permanent Secretary of MoFR, Mr. Raomae.
The Master of Ceremony for the signing event, Deputy Secretary, MoFR, Mr. Wilfred Atomea.
MoFR officials during the signing ceremony.