BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
MINISTER for Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology applauds development partners for taking the lead to address environmental issues in the Solomon Islands.
Minister Standley Festus Sofu acknowledged the support of international, regional and national development partners and institutions.
“Firstly let me thank our Development partners for recognising the lead to address the environmental issues, and provide support through funding as well as technical support to relevant government agencies,’’ says Hon Sofu on Monday’s radio talk back show organised by the Ministry of Environment to celebrate this year’s annual event, World Environment Day.
He also thank various provincial government in working together through his Ministry with the national government about environmental issues faced by this country.
“Let me thank our provincial government for your continues collaboration with the National Government through my Ministry and other line Ministries to discuss development and social challenges facing your provinces and to find the best way forward for a clean safe and beautiful problems.
“I commend your efforts to initiate plans for a clean and sustainable environment for your people and communities,’’ said the Minister.
Minister Sofu also acknowledged NGOs, Civil societies and communities for their efforts in this fight.
“Thank you NGO, churches and civil society for implementing Environmental activities on the ground with our communities, your partnership and efforts on the ground are invaluable in our National endeavours to safe guard the environment.
“And community initiatives as well as volunteer group that work together towards greater clean and healthy communities with proper waste management practices as well as supporting community’s best Natural Resources Management Initiatives,’’ commended the Minister.
He says that while he highlighted that Solomon Islands need to do more and better to address environmental issues, he was encouraged by the positive services taken to protect, conserve, and manage our natural resources on land, ocean and air.
“The revival of Provincial and community given effort and the spirit of collaboration demonstrated in the organisation reflected well in the events commemorated this year’s event.
“On that note I would like to highlight the declaration protected areas under the Protected Areas Act by tribal groups in Choiseul,’’ he said.
