SOLKAS project launched in Solomon Islands
The largest locally led climate adaptation project in the region, the Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) was launched yesterday in Honiara.
The SOLKAS project valued at USD 31.8 million with USD 25 million from the Green Climate Fund and the balance made up of in-kind support from Solomon Islands Government, the Australian and New Zealand Governments is designed to build the climate resilience of children, young people and communities in vulnerable rural areas.
“The Ministry of Environment, Climate change and Disaster Management office has put in place legislations, policies and strategies to minimise the impacts of climate change in the country,” Supervising Minister of Environment, Hon Polycarp Paea said during the launch.
Supervising Minister of Environment, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon Polycarp Paea
52 wards in 6 provinces have been selected through a nationwide consultation conducted in 2021.
Save the Children in partnership with seven Government ministries and relevant provincial governments will work closely together with climate vulnerable communities to enhance the adaptation capabilities of families in rural areas.
“The Solomon Islands Government is committed to addressing climate change and sincerely thanks donor partners and stakeholders for the outcome achieved so far”, Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Susan Sulu said.
A key focus of SOLKAS is to empower women and men equally. Recognizing the importance of gender equality, the project has incorporated a comprehensive Gender Action Plan.
Lisa Cuatt, Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Director says SOLKAS is a partnership with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology building connections between villages, wards, provinces and national structures.
“I am inspired that SOLKAS provides the opportunity for Save the Children to work in a true, authentic and impactful partnership with the Solomon Islands Government that results in sustainable practices long after SOLKAS finishes.” Ms Cuatt said.
The Government Ministries working closely with the 6-year project are the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
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