Stakeholders Convene in Choiseul Province for NBSAP Consultation Workshop

Environment and Conservation Division Officers paying a courtesy visit to the Hon. Premier and the Provincial Secretary.

Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands — A provincial consultation workshop on the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) was successfully convened on 21^st May 2026 in Choiseul Province, bringing together provincial government officials, civil society, and community representatives to contribute to strengthening the country’s biodiversity framework.

The workshop forms a critical part of the NBSAP review process and promotes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Participants were introduced to the NBSAP thematic areas, national targets, and strategic actions, while providing valuable feedback from stakeholders across all sectors.

Prior to the workshop, officers from the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) conducted a courtesy visit to the Premier of Choiseul Province, who warmly welcomed the Ministry team and expressed appreciation for the timely visit. The Premier emphasized the importance of having a stronger ECD presence in the province, noting the growing environmental challenges faced at the provincial level. He also conveyed his commitment to strengthening collaboration and looked forward to working closely with the Ministry in addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development in Choiseul.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Director Environment highlighted the critical importance of biodiversity as the foundation of livelihoods in the Solomon Islands. She emphasized that biodiversity supports food security, cultural identity, and economic development, underscoring its significance for the well-being of communities.

She further pointed out the pressing environmental challenges affecting biodiversity, including logging, mining, unsustainable harvesting of resources, climate change, waste and pollution, and increasing development pressures. These issues, she noted, require coordinated action across all levels of society.

“This consultation provides an important platform for provinces like Choiseul to contribute meaningfully to national strategies,” she said. “By working together, we can ensure our biodiversity continues to sustain our people and future generations.”

The Provincial Secretary of Choiseul Province, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for including the province in the consultation process. He acknowledged the importance of engaging provincial stakeholders in shaping national policies and highlighted key challenges faced by the province.

He noted that capacity limitations in monitoring developments such as mining and logging remain a significant concern and stressed the need for national government support to strengthen provincial capabilities.

“This workshop is timely and provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences,” he stated. “We encourage participants to contribute openly so that their insights are reflected in the NBSAP.”

The Provincial Secretary also expressed confidence in the current government’s commitment to advocating for and supporting the country’s environmental agenda.

The workshop was facilitated by officers from the Environment and Conservation Division and attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including provincial departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), church and community leaders, as well as youth and women representatives.

The input gathered during the consultation will contribute to refining the NBSAP document, ensuring it remains inclusive, practical, and responsive to the priorities, challenges and needs of our biodiversity and communities across the Solomon Islands.