Community Call to Action: Help Clean Mataniko River

Honiara, Solomon Islands – December 5, 2024 – The Environment and Conservation Division within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), in collaboration with the Honiara City Council (HCC) Waste Management and Control Division and volunteer youth groups, will joined hand again to conduct the second clean-up campaign of the Matanikau River, also known as the Mataniko River, today, December 6, 2024.

The Mataniko River holds significant historical value within Honiara township. Over the years, numerous clean-up campaigns have been conducted in that area of the river. This year’s event marks a major effort following the South Pacific Games held in Honiara from November 19 to December 2, 2023, focusing primarily on the lower stretches of the river.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, through the Environment and Conservation Division, calls upon all Ministries, the public, private partners, businesses, and other stakeholders, including youth groups, to voluntarily participate in this crucial clean-up initiative.

The aim of this campaign is to remove the accumulated waste that has marred the river’s appearance in recent weeks. During the event, MECDM and HCC will also oversee data collection at a specified location on the river, while volunteer groups will engage in awareness activities.

This campaign is part of the Ministry’s commitment, particularly through the Environment and Conservation Division, to ensure a safe and pollution-free environment, which is vital for preventing diseases, especially among children.

The Ministry encourages everyone from government ministries, private sectors, stakeholders, churches, and communities who are passionate about protecting the environment to join the clean-up campaign today, Friday, December 6, 2024. Our environment is our lifeline—caring for it ensures better health and living conditions for all.

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