BY JOY OFASIA
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, has identified climate change as the single greatest threat to water security in the Pacific region.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo in Honiara on Monday, Prime Minister Manele stressed the urgent need to address both climate change and existing environmental pressures.
“Climate change is the single greatest threat to water security in our region, but equally damaging are factors within our control—such as pollution of water sources, ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable land use,” he said.
He explained that ecosystem degradation and poor land management practices contaminate rivers and groundwater, damage catchments, and weaken the natural systems that sustain clean and reliable water supplies.
“In the Solomon Islands, our water resources and services are already being affected by these pressures. The combined impact of climate change and these known challenges exacerbates risks to water and wastewater services,” Manele added.
The Prime Minister called for a comprehensive response that includes protecting catchments and ecosystems, investing in rainwater harvesting, developing resilient supply networks, and safeguarding groundwater resources.
“These efforts require adequate financing. Solomon Islands is tapping into climate disaster financing mechanisms, and we must also advocate for regional adaptation and development initiatives that secure greater international support for Pacific-specific solutions,” he stated.
He further emphasized that water services must remain affordable, efficient, and accountable, guided by the principles of resilience and sustainability in both financing and regulation.
The week-long conference, which began on Monday, 25 August, and will conclude on 27 August, promotes collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders, including water and wastewater utility professionals, policymakers, researchers, young water professionals, and development partners from across the Pacific and beyond.
