The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), and key stakeholders including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) successfully convened the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) National Coordinating Committee (NCC) meeting for the first-time in April, 2025.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the confirmation and establishment of the Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) National Hub for coral reef conservation in the Solomon Islands. The National Hub, facilitated by the WCS will serve as a vital platform for stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration, strategic co-planning, and promoting shared learning under its CRR project that is funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and contributes to the World Wildlife Fund's led Global CRR Initiative.
During the meeting, Mr. Corzzierrah Posala, CTI’s Regional Secretariat, made it clear that urgent improvements in collaboration, coordination, and effective management are essential to combat the threats facing our coastal and marine ecosystems. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the goals and objectives of the CTI - Coral Fisheries Management Framework (CTI-CFF) as outlined in the Regional Plan. He expressed appreciation for WCS's support in establishing the National Hub as a way forward.
The National Hub, established through the NCC is co-chaired by MECDM and MFMR, with WCS as the Secretariat. The NCC will meet each quarter to update project activities and compromises of representatives from government, civil society, academic institutions, community of practice, private sector, and non-governmental organizations at both national and local (Provincial) levels.
Mr Karl Kuper, MECDM Deputy Secretary-Corporate, in his keynote address, emphasized the crucial role of the NCC and the establishment of the National Hub. He stated that such initiatives are indispensable for driving project delivery through collaborative efforts, providing strategic and political guidance, and ensuring alignment with national objectives.
Mr Kuper believes that establishing this hub is a decisive step toward advancing the Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Coral Reef Conservation, implementing the National Ocean Policy and other National targets. He extended his gratitude to WCS for the leadership and dedication in forging this path forward.
The meeting took place at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, signalling a strong commitment to revitalizing and enhancing the initiative’s programs and activities.