BY CHRIS ALEX
SUPERVISING Minister of Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, highlighted the importance of enhancing resilience against marine pollution incidents.
Speaking at the opening of the four days’ workshop of Strengthening Marine Pollution Incident Resilience in the Pacific this week at Heritage Park Hotel, he said,
“Strengthening our resilience is paramount due to our heavy dependence on maritime transport for trade and movement, coupled with the extensive use of our waters by both domestic and international shipping vessels”.
Hon. Rex highlighted that the Solomon Islands faces limited national capacity to deal with oil spills from vessels, exacerbating the fragility of the country’s marine and island ecosystems.
He acknowledged the need for collaborative efforts at both national and regional levels, emphasizing, “Managing marine pollution incidents requires us to work and support each other due to limited national capacity and the potential for transboundary impacts.”
The workshop, which has attracted participation from various Pacific nations, aims to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience on marine pollution resilience. Hon. Rex expressed his appreciation to the British High Commission for its support, noting the importance of testing regional arrangements to ensure preparedness for pollution incidents.
The legislative basis for the workshop is rooted in several laws, including the Environmental Act 1998, Shipping Act 1998, National Disaster Council Act 1989, and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Act 2018.
Additionally, the workshop supports the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s Policy 8.3 and 4, the Solomon Islands Ocean Policy, and the recent Ocean 12 Tulagi Declaration.
One key issue discussed was the national oil spill contingency plan, which coordinates efforts to manage marine oil spills. The Solomon Islands Pollution Fund, financed through charges on both domestic and foreign vessels, is now operational, providing crucial resources for dealing with marine pollution incidents.
“As Supervising Minister, I appeal to all government ministries and agencies to support national efforts to prevent and manage marine pollution incidents,” said Hon. Rex, adding that the 2025 budget would cater for marine pollution management and response.
He also urged development partners, including the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, to support institutional capacity-building and the provision of technological solutions for monitoring marine pollution.
The workshop will include a tabletop exercise simulating various marine pollution scenarios, providing participants with practical skills to manage such incidents.
The Solomon Islands continues to grapple with the legacy of pollution from the Second World War, as well as modern challenges such as land-based pollution and oil spills from vessels.
Hon. Rex concluded by urging all stakeholders to unite in addressing these critical issues and expressed optimism that the workshop would contribute to stronger national and regional efforts in marine pollution management.
