Solomon Islands suffering biodiversity loss, climate change, waste and pollution: Environment minister Mahaga
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
While the Solomon Islands is rich in biodiversity which its people, culture and way of life depend on, it is at the front line of biodiversity loss, climate change, waste and pollution.
Trevor Mahaga, minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology service highlighted this during this year’s Global World Recycling Day on SIBC Radio talkback show on Sunday, March 23.
He said these issues pose a threat to the economy and livelihoods depriving the country’s future generations of the right to a pristine environment.
“Recycling is a key part of the secular economy, helping to protect our natural resources. Global World Recycling Day calls for innovative solutions, collaborative efforts, and policy advancements that will help break down barriers to effective recycling,” he said.
He said that it is about turning obstacles into opportunities whether it is improving waste systems, introducing cutting-edge recycling technologies, or expanding access to recycling programmes.
He said that the Global World Recycling Day highlights the urgent need for innovative collaborations to address the escalating waste management and recycling issues in the Solomon Islands.
At the global level, Minister Mahaga said that there is an effort for a new 3R and Secular Economy Declaration 2025-2034.
He said that this presents the opportunity for regional and national cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovative waste management solutions.
“This was shared during the Eastern Pacific 3R forum, with the Solomon Islands participating, and it signifies the government’s commitment to promoting the 3R principles, reduce, reuse, and recycle, to be aligned with our national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, particularly SDG 12 on Sustainable Construction and Production, SDG 13 on Climate Action, and SDG 14 on Protecting Marine Ecosystems,” said Mahaga.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
