IN response to the escalating threats posed by climate change and especially the sea level rise, the Diocese of Central Solomons is actively working to bolster resilience in its coastal area at the Diocesan Headquarter in Tulagi.
The coastal location of the Diocese of Central Solomons (DOCS) office complex, which includes the church building and staff housing, is particularly vulnerable. The encroaching sea and frequent storm surges have already led to significant shoreline erosion, threatening diocesan properties and the safety of its staff, parishioners, and visitors.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the DOCS has proposed a comprehensive plan to address these challenges. This plan includes constructing a raised seawall, backfilling eroded areas with rocks and undertaking extensive landscaping to protect against rising sea that is slowly eating away the diocesan shoreline.
In April 2023, the diocesan office submitted a proposal for the Small Grant Program (GEF) through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to support these initiatives. The proposal has since been approved and is now being implemented by the diocesan administration.
Diocesan Secretary of the DOCS, Mr. Christopher Niavuni emphasized the importance of this project, stating that it fosters a sense of security for families and parishioners, allowing them to maintain their livelihoods without the looming threat of land degradation from climate impacts. He expressed gratitude to the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Melanesian Board of Mission project team for their technical support and assistance in securing the needed funds for the project.
As the Solomon Islands confront the realities of climate change, the DOCS’s proactive measures illustrate the critical need for community-driven solutions to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
The diocese’s commitment to climate change mitigation not only safeguards its physical assets but also reinforces the social fabric of the community, fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Source: Anglican Church of Melanesia