November 24th, 2024
Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today that Aotearoa New Zealand will provide NZ$15 million of climate finance to the Solomon Islands, aiming to strengthen grassroots climate change adaptation and resilience. This support is part of New Zealand's commitment to tackle climate change collectively in the Pacific region, according to a government media release.
The funding will be directed into the existing Solomon Islands Provincial Capacity Development Fund, which provides support for the development and improvement of climate adaptation plans and management of local-level climate adaptation projects. It will also bolster the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility, designed to build opportunities for climate action where it is needed the most.
"Climate change is a global challenge that requires global and collective action. That's why we're stepping up to provide climate finance to support provincial governments to build climate resilience at the grassroots," Sepuloni said.
The majority of Solomon Islanders live in rural, low-lying coastal areas, where provincial governments, churches, and civil society groups deliver essential services. These communities, heavily reliant on such services, are among those most affected by the climate crisis but have contributed the least to climate change.
Minister for Climate Change James Shaw highlighted the importance of inclusivity and local leadership in responding to the climate crisis.
"The initiative will support communities across Solomon Islands to build a resilient, prosperous future using solutions that are right for them," he said.
LoCAL aims to provide performance-based climate resilience grants, covering the costs of adapting to climate change, particularly for small projects at the local level that reach those most in need, such as women and youth.
James Shaw also expressed optimism about the opportunities this funding creates for further investment in Solomon Islands provincial government programmes to respond to climate change.