The Government of Solomon Islands has exchanged notes and signed two grant agreements with the Government of Japan under the Economic and Social Development Programme, supporting key projects in waste management and forestry.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka signed the agreements with the chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Japan, Maruo Katsumasa, and the resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Solomon Islands Office, Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi.
The grants will benefit the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology and the Ministry of Forestry and Research.
Waste management support
The first grant, valued at 147 million Japanese yen, or about SBD 8.2 million, will strengthen the capacity of the environment ministry through the provision of waste treatment equipment.
Agovaka said the support would enhance national efforts to address waste management challenges, protect public health and safeguard the environment.
He also acknowledged the continued assistance of JICA through its regional initiative, the Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management in Pacific Island Countries, known as J-PRISM Phase 3.
The new project will complement J-PRISM Phase 3 and further strengthen environmentally sound waste management practices across Solomon Islands, the minister said.
Forestry and sawmill project
The second grant, amounting to 183 million Japanese yen, or about SBD 10.25 million, will support sawmill projects under the Ministry of Forestry and Research.
The initiative builds on Japan’s 2024 project on capacity development for sustainable forest resource management, which distributed 67 sawmills to communities nationwide.
Agovaka said the continued support reflects Japan’s long-term commitment to sustainable forest management, community development and economic prosperity in Solomon Islands.
He said the two agreements demonstrate the enduring partnership between Japan and Solomon Islands and reaffirm both governments’ commitment to improving the well-being of the people.
In closing, Agovaka expressed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation to Japan for its continued support, noting the cooperation aligns with national development priorities and shared goals of sustainable growth, social well-being and regional stability.
Also attending the signing were supervising permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hickson George, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research Richard Raomae, and Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Karl Kuper, along with representatives from government ministries, the Embassy of Japan and JICA.
