SOLOMON ISLANDS ADVANCES NATIONAL CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANNING
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 20 October 2026 The Solomon Islands Government through the Climate Change Division in the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is taking an important step towards strengthening national resilience to climate change through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Formulation Workshop held at the Honiara Hotel on 20 October 2026.
The workshop brings together government ministries, provincial representatives, development partners and other stakeholders to advance the development of the country’s National Adaptation Plan, guided by scientific evidence, national data and the lived experiences of communities across the nine provinces.
The process builds on Solomon Islands’ National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), launched in November 2008, and reflects the country’s progress towards a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing climate risks.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Mr David Hiriasia highlighted the importance of protecting the country’s land, sea, livelihoods and cultural heritage for future generations.
He recalled his recent visit alongside two Prime Ministers to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul Provinces. The experience reinforced the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience and preparedness, particularly for communities increasingly exposed to severe weather events.
“Our land and sea are not merely resources. They are the foundation of our livelihoods, our culture, and our sense of belonging. Through this National Adaptation Plan, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to safeguard these treasures and strengthen the resilience of Solomon Islands for generations to come,” the Permanent Secretary said.
A key foundation for the NAP is the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, which brings together evidence across 12 sectors and draws on consultations conducted across all nine provinces. The assessment provides an overview of the country’s climate risks and helps identify areas where adaptation action is most urgently needed.
The Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments (SIIVA), undertaken in Isabel and Makira, further strengthen this evidence base by examining how climate risks affect people’s daily lives and livelihoods. The assessments help ensure that community knowledge, local priorities and experiences inform national adaptation planning.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the NAP must respond to the practical needs of communities, including reliable water supplies, safer infrastructure, healthier mangroves and support for farmers. Adaptation measures must be locally appropriate, respect customary land arrangements and be sustainable over time.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that women, young people, older people and persons with disabilities have their voices heard throughout the planning process.
MECDM will guide the NAP formulation process, working closely with government ministries, provincial administrations, communities and development partners to identify priorities, clarify responsibilities and strengthen implementation.
Stakeholders participating in the workshop are encouraged to share their experiences openly, identify barriers to progress and highlight the support needed to strengthen adaptation efforts across Solomon Islands.
The Ministry acknowledged the contributions of its Climate Change Division and all stakeholders who have supported the process. It also recognised the partnership of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Strengthening Inclusive Adaptation Capacity in Solomon Islands project.
The Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report represents an important evidence base for the next phase of national adaptation planning. The ultimate success of the NAP will depend on translating this evidence into practical actions that protect people, strengthen livelihoods and help communities face future climate challenges with greater confidence.
ENDS