BY AGNES MENANOPO
THE Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) has achieved one of its 100-days targets addressing climate change.
This was done through its support towards the establishment of the Barana Nature and Heritage Park and Environment and Resilience Centre and the installation of a solar power system that powers the Centre, Barana Community Kindergarten classroom and nursery.
Minister for MECDM Dr. Culwick Togamana said that these achievements were part of the DCGA’s 100-days policy priorities and their completions within the given timeframe must be applauded.
“The launching of the Centre and along with its solar power system symbolizes hard work and collaborative spirit and partnership with stakeholders, the Government and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP),” said Minister Togamana
“I believe, the Centre will play a significant role in your efforts to nurture and grow Barana Nature Heritage Park to be a beacon of hope and testimony to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands. This ecosystem-based adaptation can simultaneously meet multiple objectives of adapting to climate change, mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable natural resource management and of course bring sustainable development to our communities.”
“I urge you to continue your work even after the PEBBAC project comes to an end and I assure you that my ministry is committed to working with you,” Hon. Dr. Togamana said.
He also noted that with the support of his ministry, the Global Environment Fund (GFF) Small Grants Programme will also be investing US$100,000 to support further development of the Barana Nature Park for the next two years.
In addition, he said that the GEF-6 project which is in the pipeline and to be implemented in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and SPREP, will also support Tandai watersheds hoping to expand the work that the Barana Nature and Heritage Park is currently undertaking.
The national government support also comes through the Ministry of Forests for the nursery development and reforestation training for the nature park and later in the year, the Ministry of Tourism for the eco-tourism components.
