AGP Executive Report

Coastal clean-up and waste pressure: Solomon Islands’ MECDM Deputy Secretary Karl Kuper says Honiara’s coastline pollution is driven by poor land-based waste management, urging the public to treat environmental protection as a daily duty and use the “Three Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle) while households separate rubbish and use council collection services. Coastal livelihoods: In the same World Environment Day/Ocean-focused push, Kuper calls beaches and marine ecosystems key national assets for tourism, culture and livelihoods, with stewardship shared across communities and citizens. UNDP governance and climate readiness: UNDP highlights support for stronger provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure, backs youth participation in politics, and is boosting Solomon Islands’ climate early warning by securing weather balloon stations in key provinces. Extractives transparency: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI with partners to improve accountability and ensure community benefits from mining and extractive resources. Cyclone Maila recovery funding: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, including health, education, livelihoods, housing and shelter. Youth climate action for food security: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge is set to raise funds for Solomon Islands child hunger, including support for climate-smart crops, mangrove planting and restoring fish populations. Everyday Pacific security: A Niue minister’s “dogs” comment at a Pacific peace dialogue underlines that security also means everyday community risks alongside climate and illegal fishing.

Coastal clean-up and waste push: MECDM Deputy Secretary Karl Kuper says Honiara’s growing coastal pollution is driven by poor land-based waste management, urging daily action and the “Three Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle) plus better household sorting and use of council collection services. Youth and climate resilience: UNDP highlights climate early warning support, including plans to set up weather balloon stations in key provinces to strengthen monitoring and local forecasting capacity. Governance for resilience: UNDP also backs stronger provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure, while calling for greater youth participation in politics ahead of 2028 elections. Food security with climate-smart farming: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000 vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost household nutrition and small-scale income. Cyclone recovery funding: Government estimates about $150 million needed to recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, including health, education, livelihoods, and shelter. Fossil fuel pressure in the Pacific: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urges more Pacific governments to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, arguing the region must speed up the shift to renewables.

Youth Climate Action & Food Security: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge is mobilising rangatahi in Auckland and Christchurch to plant 1,500+ native trees, with fundraising aimed at helping Solomon Islands families build more resilient food systems amid sea-level rise and changing weather. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with major façade installation done and access road works about 80% finished—supporting safer, more reliable transport links. Governance & Climate Resilience: UNDP says it will keep backing Solomon Islands on governance, electoral strengthening, and climate-resilient rural infrastructure, while pushing for transparency in the extractive sector. Fossil Fuel Pressure in the Coral Triangle: Pacific climate advocates urge more governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, and campaigners warn insurers are still not ruling out LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle. Cyclone Maila Recovery Needs: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million is needed to recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, including health, education, livelihoods, and shelter. Community Water Improvements: Solomon Water reports progress on new reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. Rural Livelihoods Support: SOLKAS in Malaita is expanding youth climate-resilient livelihood training and business incubation, including inclusive participation for women and people with disabilities.

Cyclone Maila Recovery Funding: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million needed to recover after Tropical Cyclone Maila, with plans covering health, education, livelihoods, housing and shelter, after earlier figures were adjusted to include education and accommodation needs. Clean Water Push: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning to boost urban water storage and reliability. EU Climate-Resilience Support: The EU says its investments in renewable energy, water and sanitation are building resilience, even when projects aren’t labelled “climate” work, with climate considerations integrated across programmes. Fossil Fuel Pressure in the Coral Triangle: A coalition says many major insurers still won’t rule out LNG coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—while Pacific climate groups urge stronger fossil fuel treaty action. Rural Livelihoods for Resilience: SOLKAS in Malaita is training youth for climate-resilient livelihoods and business opportunities, including an incubation push for rural entrepreneurs. Governance & Transparency: UNDP reaffirmed support for governance, elections and climate-resilient rural development, highlighting transparency in the extractive sector. Security Deal Transparency: PM Matthew Wale says future security agreements will face stronger parliamentary oversight, but the China pact can’t be released due to a non-disclosure clause. Food Security Seeds: Kastom Gaden Association and Solomon Tobacco distributed tens of thousands of vegetable seedlings in Honiara to improve nutrition and small-scale income.

Pacific peace push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for global peace under the Ocean of Peace Declaration, stressing UN Charter principles as fuel-price shocks hit the region. Fossil fuel pressure: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, pointing to Solomon Islands among signatories. Coral Triangle LNG fight: Insure Our Future says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG cover in the Coral Triangle, with SCOR the only one to add new restrictions—raising alarms for Solomon Islands’ marine biodiversity. Cyclone Maila recovery funding: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, including health, education, livelihoods, and housing. Water security upgrades: Solomon Water is progressing on new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. EU climate resilience support: EU says its renewable energy and water/sanitation investments help build climate resilience in Solomon Islands, even when projects aren’t labelled “climate.” Rural youth livelihoods (SOLKAS): SOLKAS in Malaita is training youth for climate-resilient agriculture and business, with an inclusive youth livelihoods incubation pilot underway. Governance and transparency: UNDP reaffirmed support for governance, electoral strengthening, and climate-resilient rural infrastructure, with transparency in the extractive sector highlighted. Food security seeds: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. Aviation infrastructure: Work on Honiara’s Aviation Complex Building nears completion, including stormwater drainage and access road progress.

Youth Climate Action: Youth groups in Auckland and Christchurch are set to plant 1,500+ native trees for World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge, raising funds for Pacific children facing climate-driven food insecurity. Fossil Fuel Pushback: 350.org’s Pacific Climate Warriors are urging more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, pointing to Solomon Islands and others signing the Port Vila call for a fossil-free transition. Cyclone Recovery Funding: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million is needed to recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, with priorities including health, education, livelihoods and shelter. Renewables vs Fuel Shocks: A regional fuel crisis after global oil price spikes shows how Pacific economies—including Solomon Islands—remain exposed, strengthening calls to speed up renewable energy delivery. Food Security Support: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. Water & Sanitation: Solomon Water is progressing on new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina) to improve storage and supply. Climate Resilience Training: SOLKAS in Malaita is rolling out youth climate-resilient livelihoods support, including training and an incubation programme. Coral Triangle LNG Concern: Insure Our Future says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks.

Fossil Fuel Treaty Push: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged Pacific governments—including Solomon Islands—to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, pointing to a “just transition” away from coal, oil and gas. Renewables vs Fuel Shocks: A Pacific fuel-price spike after the US-Iran conflict exposed how quickly imported oil can destabilise island economies, with Solomon Islands facing very low fuel reserves—renewables scaling is flagged as the fix. Youth Climate Livelihoods (Malaita): SOLKAS is rolling out a Youth Climate-Resilient Livelihoods programme in Malaita, training rural youth (including women and people with disabilities) to build climate-resilient, income-generating agriculture and business pathways. Clean Water Progress (Honiara): Solomon Water says construction is advancing on three new concrete reservoirs in Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving into testing and commissioning to boost urban water security. Food Security Seeds (Honiara): KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings to communities around Honiara to improve nutrition and support small-scale income from surplus produce. Coral Triangle LNG Pressure: WWF and campaigners say major insurers still won’t fully rule out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—Solomon Islands sits at the heart of that marine hotspot.

Water & Sanitation: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 schools (Central Islands) and 39 schools (Guadalcanal), reaching 12,000+ students, but notes big gaps remain—only 36% of schools have basic water and 17% basic hygiene. Urban Water Security: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning to boost storage and reduce supply stress. Community Resilience: Save the Children’s SOLKAS project helped school staff in East Fataleka identify local natural hazards and push practical resilience steps, including water support. Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to improve nutrition and create small-scale income. Coral Triangle & Fossil Fuels: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—highlighting pressure on marine ecosystems Solomon Islands depends on. Governance & Climate-Linked Development: EU officials reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands, pointing to renewable energy and water projects as resilience-building, while also discussing investment and climate-smart cooperation. Regional Security Transparency: PM Matthew Wale says future security deals will face stronger parliamentary oversight, though the China pact stays secret due to a non-disclosure clause.

EU–Solomon Islands Partnership: The EU wrapped up a three-day visit focused on investment-driven cooperation, climate resilience, green growth, and governance, including talks with Solomon Islands ministers and a Malaita stop at the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing site. Water Security in Honiara: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into disinfection, testing and commissioning to boost urban water storage. Coral Triangle LNG Insurance Pushback: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—only SCOR reportedly introduced new restrictions. Minimum Wage Data Call: SICCI urged a data-driven minimum wage review, warning that any changes must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to comply. Food Security Seeds in Honiara: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings to communities around Honiara to improve nutrition and support small-scale income. Clean Water for North Guadalcanal: UNICEF’s WASH work is improving safe water and sanitation in communities and schools, aiming to cut disease risks and strengthen healthier learning environments. Nuclear-Free Pacific: Pacific states reaffirmed the Rarotonga Treaty’s nuclear-free stance as it marks 40 years, with Solomon Islands’ high commissioner chairing regional consultative talks. Security Transparency: PM Matthew Wale says future security agreements will face stronger parliamentary oversight, while the China pact remains undisclosed due to a non-disclosure clause.

Minimum Wage Review: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) says the upcoming minimum wage setting must be grounded in up-to-date economic data, noting wages haven’t changed since 2019 and urging better, routine household and business cost collection to improve compliance and affordability. Water Security in Honiara: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing and commissioning to boost reliable supply and reduce dependence on rainfall. Clean Water for North Guadalcanal: UNICEF’s WASH work is improving safe water and sanitation in communities and schools in North Guadalcanal, with residents and students describing safer, healthier daily routines. School Resilience After Cyclone Maila: The government says education recovery in Choiseul and Western will prioritize damaged schools after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed funding and safety assessments to get students back into learning. Coral Triangle LNG Insurance Pushback: A global coalition reports most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—highlighting pressure on finance and insurance decisions affecting Solomon Islands waters. EU Backs Solomon Islands Development: The EU reaffirmed its commitment during a visit focused on climate resilience, green growth, water and infrastructure, including interest in the Bina Harbour tuna processing project. WWF Community Marine Planning: WWF held its quarterly meeting for community facilitators across seascape regions to review progress, share lessons, and plan next steps for local marine conservation.

Pacific diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is in New Zealand for talks with Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters, with climate resilience and development cooperation on the agenda. Peters also stressed accountability and the value of face-to-face Pacific engagement. Marine conservation & community support: WWF held its quarterly Community Facilitators meeting for Western and Central Solomons seascapes, helping local groups share progress and plan next steps for biodiversity work. Clean water in North Guadalcanal: UNICEF’s WASH push is improving safe water and sanitation in schools and communities, reducing the daily struggle for clean water and lowering health risks. Honiara water infrastructure: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning to strengthen urban water security. Coral Triangle LNG pressure: A global coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity and climate risks—only SCOR introduced new limits. Coastal pollution clean-up: A week-long World Environment Day and World Ocean Day campaign launched in Honiara to tackle shoreline litter linked to poor inland waste management. EU-backed fisheries investment: EU officials met Solomon Islands fisheries leaders on the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant, weighing partnership support for Malaita’s jobs and domestic processing capacity.

Pacific diplomacy: New Zealand is moving quickly to strengthen ties with Solomon Islands’ new government after Matthew Wale’s election, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying talks in Auckland will focus on development, climate resilience and shared Pacific priorities. Marine conservation & community stewardship: WWF held its quarterly meeting for Community Facilitators across seascape regions, helping local groups share lessons and plan next steps for conservation work in the Western Seascape and Central Solomons. Clean water for health: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal, reaching over 12,000 children, while noting big gaps remain in sanitation and hygiene services. Urban water infrastructure: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara is progressing, with testing and commissioning underway to improve water security and reduce reliance on rainfall. Coral Triangle LNG pressure: A global insurance watchdog says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG cover in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—only one firm, SCOR, introduced new restrictions. Coastline pollution push: Solomon Islands’ environment ministry launched a week-long clean-up in Honiara, linking coastal litter to poor inland waste management and urging community action.

Climate Resilience in Practice: A new report argues adaptation must be built into everyday systems, not treated as a future add-on, linking resilience to infrastructure, jobs, and private investment. Water Security & Health: Solomon Water is progressing on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing and commissioning. Clean Water for Communities: UNICEF’s WASH work in North Guadalcanal is easing long-standing water and sanitation struggles, with media visits highlighting safer facilities and community ownership. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF also reports upgrades in 26 Central Islands and 39 Guadalcanal schools, but notes many schools still lack basic sanitation, water and hygiene services. Coastal Pollution Cleanup: Solomon Islands launched a week-long clean-up in Honiara tied to World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, blaming inland waste mismanagement for rubbish washing onto beaches and harming wildlife. EU Support for Resilience & Fisheries: The EU reaffirmed commitment to Solomon Islands, pointing to renewable energy and water projects, and discussed potential support for Malaita’s Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: Insure Our Future says many major insurers have not ruled out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns that include the Solomon Islands. Youth & Child Protection: A new phase of a youth and child protection initiative will focus on young people and children, combining livelihoods, leadership and safer reporting systems.

Clean Water & Health: UNICEF’s WASH work in North Guadalcanal is easing daily struggles in Popoloi, Mbebe and Bubulu, improving safe water and sanitation for families and schools. School Resilience: Save the Children’s SOLKAS outreach in Malaita’s East Fataleka is helping school staff identify hazards and push for safer, climate-ready learning spaces, including water support. Urban Water Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing and commissioning. Coast Pollution Watch: A week-long clean-up in Honiara is tackling rubbish washing onto beaches, linking coastal litter to inland waste management gaps and urging community action. EU Support for Growth & Fisheries: The EU reaffirmed its partnership with Solomon Islands and discussed investment priorities, including the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant, while EU food-safety rules training targets compliance for freezer vessels exporting to the EU. Climate-Linked Jobs & Skills: A youth and child protection plus entrepreneurship initiative is set to expand support for young people, while education recovery funding is being prioritized after Cyclone Maila in Choiseul and Western. Coral Triangle LNG Pressure: Insurers largely stopped short of ruling out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns that include the Solomon Islands. Trade & Energy Pathways: A Pacific dialogue is pushing investment-ready solar and storage across island economies, including Solomon Islands.

Climate Resilience via EU Support: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation work is building Solomon Islands’ climate resilience, including Honiara’s water security and wastewater upgrades. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 65 schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal reached 12,000+ students, but 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and water scarcity is linked to absenteeism. Malaita Jobs & Fisheries Value: EU officials met Solomon Islands leaders on the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant, pitching it as a potential economic game-changer if implementation and partners are right. Food Safety for Market Access: EU training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Coastal Pollution Warning: A Honiara clean-up campaign ties worsening shoreline litter to poor inland waste management, aiming to protect wildlife and improve public spaces. Cyclone Recovery for Education: After Tropical Cyclone Maila, MEHRD is prioritizing damaged schools in Western and Choiseul, using repurposed funding to restore learning. Youth & Child Protection: World Vision launches a new phase focusing on youth leadership, entrepreneurship and child protection systems. Community Renewable Power: Rae’ao in Malaita thanks MMERE for cable support to keep its long-running hydro system running. Tuna Sustainability Lesson: A new FFA report highlights how regional cooperation keeps tuna stocks healthy while supporting Pacific economies.

Pacific governance and ocean security: Former Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor warned that growing geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding dependence could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic independence to protect ocean governance as militarisation and external interests rise. Australia–New Zealand backing for Pacific-led climate and security: Leaders reaffirmed support for the Pacific Islands Forum as the “apex” of Pacific-led regional architecture, with climate action central to their security and cooperation agenda ahead of the 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. EU climate resilience support in practice: EU officials say renewable energy, water supply and sanitation projects in Solomon Islands are building resilience by cutting emissions and improving water security and wastewater treatment, even when not labelled “climate” projects. School WASH upgrades, but gaps remain: UNICEF reports WASH infrastructure upgrades in 65 schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal reached 12,000+ students, yet 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and water/hygiene access remains limited. Bina Harbour tuna processing push: EU representatives say the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant could transform Malaita’s economy and jobs, but success will hinge on implementation, management quality and finding the right commercial partners. Fisheries market access under pressure: EU freezer vessel food-safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with regional training in Suva aimed at helping authorities meet new requirements to keep EU access. Honiara pollution linked to inland waste: A week-long World Environment Day clean-up targets coastal litter, with officials stressing that rubbish washing ashore reflects poor waste handling on land. Cyclone recovery for schools: MEHRD is prioritising education in Western and Choiseul after Tropical Cyclone Maila by repurposing development funds and assessing which school buildings are safe or need repairs/temporary learning spaces. Renewables and resilience: A community hydro upgrade in Malaita (Rae’ao) received electrical cable support to keep a long-running renewable system operating. Youth and child protection programme: World Vision launched a new phase focusing on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, economic resilience and child protection, funded by New Zealand.