Senior staff from MCT with members of the Policy and Legislative Sub-committee under the AG Chamber and OPMC, during the legislative reform discussion held on 12 October, 2026.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) advances key cultural and heritage reforms to unlock economic opportunities
Honiara – October 16, 2026: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) is advancing key legislative reforms to strengthen the protection of Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, address gaps in existing laws and unlock greater economic opportunities for communities and the country.
Following discussions with the Policy and Legislation Sub-committee from the Attorney General Chamber (AG) and the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), on 12th October 2026, MCT identified several priority reforms, including:
- Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture (TKEC) draft model law and its supporting TKEC policy.
- Draft Heritage Bill to strengthen the protection and preservation of Solomon Islands’ heritage.
- Review of the National Archives Act 1984 to strengthen the legal framework for managing and preserving national records.
These reforms aim to address current challenges, strengthen legal protections and create opportunities for communities to benefit from their cultural knowledge, heritage and resources.
They also support the wider potential of culture and heritage to contribute to sustainable tourism, local enterprise and national economic development.
MCT is proud to work alongside the GREAT government and the Office of the Attorney-General to progress these important reforms and ensure that Solomon Islands’ legislative frameworks respond to current needs and future opportunities.
Through this work, MCT remains committed to protecting the nation’s cultural identity while ensuring that its cultural and heritage assets are valued, preserved and contribute to lasting benefits for present and future generations.
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