PS: SFRM, way forward

Achievements of the Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) project has been highlighted, a success story and the way forward for rural people’s livelihood.

This was uttered by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Forestry and Research, Dr Vaeno Vigulu at its final Joint Coordinating meeting and workshop to share achievements and lessons learned.

“It was just like yesterday that we began the project, established the two (2) pilot sites (Komuniboli and Falake), time flies and achievements made, lessons learnt, and practical implementation of SFRM model has built confidence and perspective that built from the experience and pilot sites established by the partnered SFRM model.”

“I have no doubt, as we listen, discuss, learn and chat the final updates of this project, I believe that we will have better perspective for future policy development and implementations,” says the Permanent Secretary.

He adds, you all would clearly see the significance of this project taking shape from the start until it’s scaling down.

“As progressively highlighted during various workshops and meetings hosted by the FSWG during the 5 years period, coordinated by the JICA-MOFR partnered SFRM Project Office.”

“It is obviously the Solomon Islands Government’s intention for this project to assist in implementing its policy in sustaining and maximizing the use and benefits from the forest resources.”

“Thus, I, for one, would like to commend this project for its huge contributions in terms of SFRM model and perspective, forest monitoring and assessment, GIS and mapping and the use of the latest equipment and software to realize and build practical knowledge, skills and experience in realizing this intention,” he says.

PS Dr Vigulu further adds let us continue to build on work done by this project especially in the SFRM model implementation that will contribute to execute the REDD+ Roadmap and other policy area intentions pertaining to the wise use of our forest resources and landscapes in our country.

Addressing the relevant environmental issues requires all of our contributions both in terms of technical and financial resources, he strongly urges.

“I believe with the pooling of our resources; we can do more things together better and generate more communal positive and favourable impacts.”

“A good example implemented and left by this project is the joint stakeholders’ meeting for information sharing, connectivity, and awareness workshops for all friends of forest and users of forest resources conducted quarterly in Honiara.”

“Having said that, my ministry is looking forward to further collaboration with you all in the near future, in upcoming projects.”

“And despite the current collaboration with JICA ending this month, August 2022 and considering the stretch of government funds, we will continue to liaise with the JICA Solomon Islands office to strike another deal to progressively address SIG Policy needs in the Forestry Sector.”

“As there are so much to do, let’s grasp the most from our bilateral relationship with the Japanese Government through the JICA Partnership with Ministry of Forestry and Research. This also applies to various potential opportunities with other Development Partners to invest in various areas in the forestry sector,” he adds.

The Permanent Secretary concluded, taking the opportunity on behalf of the Minister and the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement, thank the JICA SFRM Office Staff and the Consultant attached to this

Project, JICA Office, Honiara and Headquarter in Japan.

“We appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts, expertise and ideas towards a stronger and more relevant model and capacity building to address the unsustainable and provide an alternative to conventional logging.”

– MoFR PRESS