Locations(L-R): Jimmy Eroamae of Susuru Community Based Association; Teiba Mamu, National Coordinator for GEF Small Grants Programme; Stanley Masura’a, RETA Association; Andrew Taraha, Takataka Conservation Project; Rhoda Koria, Isi Akson Projec; and Tom Tikini of Gurefasu Organic Farming Project. (Photo: UNDP/Solomon Islands)
Honiara, Solomon Islands - Many communities in the Solomon Islands face unique challenges in the protection, management and sustainable use of environmental resources.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Small Grants Programme (SGP) has been supporting this endeavor with the aim to drive environmental progress on sustainable development and tackle environmental threats in the Solomon Islands.
This week, representatives of six community groups signed Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with SGP for the release of grants to implement their various environmental projects.
The beneficiaries include Takataka Conservation Project in East Are’Are, Susuru Community Based Association in East Are’Are, RETA Association in South Malaita, Gurefasu Organic Farming Project in Honiara, Isi Akson Reforestation Project in Guadalcanal and Malemale Conservation Project in Gatokae Island, Western Province.
The grantees thanked UNDP for considering their proposals and pledged to work closely with SGP to implement their projects. Coordinator of Susuru Community Association Jimmy Eroamae said they have been planning on improving their coastal marine environment apart from their other environmentally friendly plans.
“This is the kind of support that can help us fulfill our plans. We are thankful to UNDP and GEF for the vision in wiring support directly to communities to tackle environmental issues,” said Mr Eroamae.
The signing of the MOAs was made in the presence of the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Chanel Iroi and SGP National Coordinator Teiba Mamu.
SGP which is financed by the Global Environment Fund, embodies the very essence of sustainable development by ‘thinking globally and acting locally’.
By providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives.
Contact information:
Ednal Palmer, Communication Specialist for UNDP Solomon Islands, phone: (677) 27446 or email: ednal.palmer@undp.org
