BY CHRIS ALEX
THE first-ever Climate Change and Disaster Disability Inclusion Dialogue was held yesterday at the Saint Barnabas Hall in Honiara, a collaboration between Oxfam in the Pacific and the Disabled People’s Association Solomon Islands (DPASI).
The one-day event brought together various stakeholders, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in the context of climate change and disaster preparedness.
Winifred Kisi, Oxfam’s PACCCIL Project Coordinator, explained to ENVIRONMENT MEDIA that the purpose of the dialogue was to enhance awareness among stakeholders about the rights and needs of people with disabilities, particularly during disaster events.
“This event aims to provide a platform for dialogue and increase awareness among stakeholders and government ministries about disability rights and other critical needs, especially in supporting community systems for disaster preparedness in the face of climate change impacts,” said Kisi in an exclusive with Environmental Media.
She stressed the need for an inclusive approach, stating, “We would like to adopt a community-based approach that incorporates disability rights into climate change and disaster preparedness planning, especially for cyclone events.”
The one-day workshop was also supported by Climate Change Action (SICAN) and the Disability Rights Fund, highlighting the joint efforts across multiple organizations.
Stella Waioha, Project Officer for the Disability Rights Fund, highlighted that the workshop’s primary objective was to educate local affiliates and OPDs in the Solomon Islands on the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in addressing climate change and disaster preparedness.
“This workshop aims to inform OPDs about their rights to participate in climate action planning and to identify barriers that prevent people with disabilities from being included,” Waioha explained.
A major theme of the dialogue was the need to address existing barriers that limit the involvement of people with disabilities in community disaster response efforts. Waioha cited current challenges faced by people with disabilities in participating in their communities, particularly during crises, as a significant issue that requires attention.
Lenny Konamauri, representing the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, also reinforced the importance of inclusivity, stating, “The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in disaster preparedness efforts.
“This dialogue is a step forward, especially for people with disabilities, in enhancing their involvement during natural disasters.
“As climate-related challenges increase, this pioneering dialogue represents a critical step towards building inclusive, resilient communities in the Solomon Islands, where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully in climate and disaster preparedness efforts,” said Konamauri.
