Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Polycarp Paea (second from left) at the Side Event ‘From Grants to Growth: Leveraging private finance for local climate and ocean action’, held in the margins of COP30
Minister Paea Asserts Solomon Islands Climate and Ocean leadership with the Landmark ‘SI Coral Reef Resilience Initiative’
14 November 2025, Brazil.
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Polycarp Paea announced the landmark ‘Solomon Islands Coral Reef Resilience Initiative’ under the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR)*, reaffirming Solomon Islands commitment to protect and sustainably manage coral reefs towards building ecosystem and community resilience.
The Minister made the announcement at a side event on ‘From Grants to Growth: Leveraging private finance for local climate and ocean action,’ held at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion in the margins of UNFCC COP30.
Minister Paea highlighted Solomon Islands recognition of coral reefs as central to the country’s food security, coastal protection and cultural identity.
He noted that Solomon Islands is situated within the Coral Triangle and is home to some of the world’s most resilient yet vulnerable coral reef systems and emphasised Solomon Islands key national priority to endeavour on the protection and sustenance of coral reefs.
The ‘Solomon Islands Coral Reef Resilience Initiative’ will create avenues to strengthen the resilience of coastal ecosystems, local communities, and contribute to the country’s national economy.
Minister Paea stated the ‘Coral Reef Resilience Initiative’ will be led by the Solomon Islands Government in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and implemented by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) – Pacific.
Four Provinces have been identified which include Malaita, Isabel, Western and Central Province, to which efforts will be made to mobilize local finance through credit guarantees and blended finance tools that will boost sustainable fisheries, promote eco-tourism, regenerative agriculture as well as help reduce pollution.
The Minister confirmed the Initiative aligns with Solomon Islands broader policy objectives on climate change adaptation including the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Plan, and extending to other frameworks for coral reef management, fisheries management including biodiversity.
Hon. Paea gave assurance of his Ministry’s priority to turn Solomon Islands commitment into action, by strengthening the resilience of coastal ecosystems and empowering local communities, whilst also contributing to the country’s national economy.
The Side event was hosted by United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and partners. The Minister was joined by other speakers from the Fiji Government, New Zealand Government and the Pacific Community.
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*The GFCR is a coalition founded and co-led by UNCDF, UNDP and UNEP, which focuses on strengthening the resilience of coastal reef ecosystems, local communities and economies, by mobilising new public and private resources that advance sustainable businesses and innovative financial solutions.
Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Polycarp Paea (fourth from left) at the Side Event ‘From Grants to Growth: Leveraging private finance for local climate and ocean action’, held in the margins of COP30