AGP Executive Report

Cyclone recovery for schools: The Solomon Islands’ MEHRD says it will prioritize education infrastructure in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed development funding and safety assessments to get children back into learning. EU fisheries rules hit exporters: New EU freezer- vessel food safety requirements are being rolled out via training in Suva, with the changes expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels—raising pressure on compliance for tuna trade. Marine protection progress: Solomon Islands communities and partners are advancing IUCN Green List work for the Arnavon Community Marine Park through participatory training, self-assessment and co-management planning. Weather readiness support: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting, with Minister Wayne Ghemu reaffirming full government backing, including a new Honiara radar build and early-warning connectivity for remote areas. Tourism and sanitation: UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are undermining Solomon Islands tourism growth by harming visitor experience and damaging coastal and reef attractions. Climate finance boost: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new adaptation projects, including for Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Australia-Solomons reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact, while both leaders also flag climate action and regional security cooperation. Clean energy for tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel use and supporting more sustainable operations.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and says Honiara will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia while reviewing the 2022 China security pact, citing a non-disclosure clause and limited access to the full text. Pacific Security & Climate Cooperation: The two leaders also reaffirmed Pacific-led solutions via the Pacific Islands Forum, including closer work on climate action and transnational crime. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Subsea Cable Risk for Islands: New research finds most subsea telecom faults affecting island-connecting cables happen within 300 km of coastlines—raising urgency for monitoring and resilience planning. World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands will mark June 5 with clean-ups, tree planting at Bloody Ridge National Park, and radio and social media activities calling for climate action. Tourism Threatened by Sanitation: UNICEF warns open defecation and poor waste management are hurting tourism growth by damaging visitor experiences and coastal ecosystems. Clean Energy Push: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages.

World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands is gearing up for World Environment Day 2026 with clean-ups across key sites, tree planting at Bloody Ridge National Park, and radio talk-back and social media activities calling for climate action. Climate finance for resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council has approved new projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Australia–Solomon Islands reset: New PM Matthew Wale is in Canberra to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review the 2022 security pact with China, with leaders also discussing climate change and regional stability. Cyclone and energy support: Australia has committed a $35m package linked to Solomon Islands’ response to Cyclone Maila and impacts from global energy shocks. Weather Ready Pacific backing: The environment minister says Solomon Islands will fully support Weather Ready Pacific, citing a new Honiara radar under construction, training for meteorological staff, and connectivity kits for early warnings. Climate insurance expands: TrigaCash parametric microinsurance is already paying out after heavy rainfall, and more than 300 people have enrolled with plans to roll out across all provinces. Solar for cleaner power: Heritage Park Hotel has commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel and grid reliance. Local markets built for resilience: Australia-funded Buala Market Building includes water storage, solar lighting, accessible toilets/showers, and coastal protection features designed for climate resilience.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra, agreeing to negotiate a comprehensive treaty and boost police co-operation, while also reviewing Solomon Islands’ China security agreement. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for Solomon Islands and other vulnerable states, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Weather Ready Pacific: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting; Minister Wayne Osopo Ghemu reaffirmed full support, citing a new Honiara radar under construction, training for meteorology staff, and connectivity for early warnings. Climate Insurance Takes Hold: TrigaCash parametric microinsurance has reached 300+ enrolled customers, with early payouts proving the system works fast after heavy rainfall triggers. Solar for Cleaner Power: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel and grid reliance, supporting more reliable low-carbon operations. Coastal Market Upgrade: Buala’s new market building was handed over with climate-resilient features like water storage, solar lighting, and a seawall. Community Adaptation: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained on community-led adaptation planning, focusing on food security, healthier reefs, and steadier incomes.

Australia–Solomon Islands reset: New PM Matthew Wale says Honiara will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact, after earlier concerns over China-linked policing and secrecy clauses. Climate finance push: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Community climate resilience: Rural Solomon Islanders begin receiving payouts from TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance, with fast payments triggered by heavy rainfall thresholds. Local adaptation planning: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained on Community-Led Adaptation Pathways, prioritising food security, healthier reefs, and steadier income. Clean energy for tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages. Youth and sustainability in Isabel: Isabel youth and leaders urged sustainable, village-level development that protects forests, fisheries, and natural resources. Resilient infrastructure: Australia-funded Buala Market Building was handed over as climate-resilient, with water storage, solar lighting, and coastal protection.

Climate Finance & Biodiversity: IUCN says new GEF funding will back ecosystem restoration and resilience work, with Solomon Islands among countries receiving support to protect habitats and reduce climate impacts. Climate Insurance (TrigaCash): Solomon Islands’ first parametric microinsurance payouts are already reaching people fast after heavy rainfall triggers; the Central Bank says the system worked end-to-end, and rural policyholders are now getting automated relief while expansion to all provinces is planned. Community Adaptation: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained under a Community-Led Adaptation Pathway to plan for food security, healthier reefs, and stronger incomes as sea-level rise and climate pressures grow. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean rules built on national authority, Indigenous stewardship, and implementation-ready steps. Weather & Climate Services: Pacific NMHS directors met in Honiara to review the region’s weather and climate strategy and draft the next plan through 2036. WASH in Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF-backed WASH upgrades at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal are improving safe water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene for students. Pacific Media for Resilience: A regional push to strengthen Pacific weather and climate reporting is underway, with training and media support planned around upcoming meteorology meetings. Solomon Islands–Australia Talks: Prime Minister Matthew Wale begins an Australia visit focused on regional stability, development, climate resilience, and security cooperation.

Climate Insurance Rollout: Solomon Islands’ first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts have reached rural policyholders after heavy rainfall triggered automatic payments, with Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau saying the real win is that the system works end-to-end and delivers funds quickly. Insurance Expansion: More than 300 people have already signed up for the pilot, with plans to gradually expand the scheme to all nine provinces. Community Adaptation: In Tulagi Ward 4, residents completed Community-Led Adaptation Pathway training, mapping climate and economic pressures and prioritising food security, healthier reefs, and steadier income. Weather & Climate Services: Pacific meteorological directors met in Honiara to review the region’s weather and climate strategy and draft the next plan through 2036. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean governance grounded in national authority and Indigenous stewardship, with implementation-ready frameworks. WASH for Resilience: New Zealand and UNICEF-backed WASH upgrades at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal improved safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, supporting better attendance for girls. Regional Climate Media: A Pacific workshop is planned to help journalists amplify weather and climate stories for resilience.

Climate Insurance Breakthrough: Rural Solomon Islanders have started receiving payouts from TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, after heavy rainfall met preset weather triggers—about 35 policyholders received SBD$8,800, with payments processed digitally and reaching people quickly. Community-Led Adaptation: In Tulagi Ward 4, residents completed CAPSI training to plan a climate-resilient future, focusing on food security, healthier marine resources, and income options as sea-level rise and shifting markets squeeze livelihoods. COP31 Prep in Honiara: Pacific officials stepped up COP31 coordination, with Solomon Islands and Australia co-leading discussions on a united Pacific approach and pre-COP31 meetings hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu in early October 2026. Weather & Climate Services Planning: Directors of Pacific meteorological services met in Honiara to review the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (2017–2026) and draft the next plan through 2036, funded by the EU’s ClimSA programme. Resilient Water for Schools: New WASH facilities were handed over at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal, including a spring-fed water system and handwashing stations, improving health and attendance—especially for girls. Aviation Safety Governance: PASO elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as chair, reaffirming regional aviation safety oversight as cooperation and development grow across the Pacific.

Climate Insurance Breakthrough: Rural Solomon Islanders have started receiving payouts from TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, with about 35 policyholders paid SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggered automatic releases. Community-Led Adaptation: In Tulagi Ward 4, residents completed CAPSI training to plan for climate-resilient livelihoods, prioritising food security, healthier marine resources, and stronger income options as sea-level rise and shifting markets bite. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit plenary to push for ocean governance grounded in national authority and Indigenous stewardship, with “implementation-ready” frameworks and domestic consultation before any new regional moves. COP31 Prep: Pacific officials, including Solomon Islands representatives, stepped up COP31 preparations to align regional climate priorities ahead of pre-COP meetings hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu. Weather/Climate Media Capacity: SPREP is coordinating a Pacific media workshop to help journalists better report weather and climate risks, aiming to strengthen resilience through clearer public information. WASH for Resilience: New Zealand, UNICEF and partners handed over safe water and sanitation upgrades at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal, improving hygiene and school attendance, especially for girls. Regional Climate Services Strategy: Directors of Pacific meteorological services met in Honiara to review PIMS 2017–2026 and draft the next strategy through 2036, supported by the EU’s ClimSA programme.

WTO Fisheries Subsidies: A new WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (in force since Sept 2025) is being hailed as a win for marine protection and fairer competition for Pacific fishers, but the “Fish 2” talks could be derailed by India, Indonesia and the United States—raising fears that harmful subsidies will keep driving overcapacity and IUU fishing. Climate Microinsurance for Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands is rolling out TrigaCash, a trigger-based climate microinsurance system using real-time weather data to send automatic payouts after extreme cyclone, rainfall or drought thresholds—built with CBSI, SINPF, World Vision, M-SELEN, TPAL and UNCDF, with support from Australia and New Zealand. Weather & Ocean Services Planning: Pacific meteorology directors are in Honiara reviewing the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (PIMS 2017–2026) and drafting the next plan to guide weather, climate, water and ocean services through 2036, funded by the EU’s ClimSA programme. WASH in Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF delivered safe water and sanitation upgrades at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal, including spring-fed supply, handwashing stations and gender-friendly facilities—aimed at improving health and school attendance. Blue/Green Finance Push: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will help micro, small and medium businesses across Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands and others access finance for blue economy, green economy and climate resilience.

Climate Microinsurance: Solomon Islands is rolling out TrigaCash, a trigger-based microinsurance platform that uses real-time weather data to send automatic payouts to farmers and fishers after extreme cyclone winds, heavy rainfall, or long droughts—aimed at speeding up recovery from climate shocks. WASH in Schools: More than 200 students and teachers at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal received new spring-fed water, handwashing stations, and gender-friendly sanitation on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, improving health and school attendance—especially for girls. Weather & Ocean Planning: Pacific meteorological directors met in Honiara to review the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (PIMS 2017–2026) and start drafting the next strategy through 2036, with support from SPREP, WMO, UNDRR and the EU. Blue/Green Finance for Resilience: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses across Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands and others access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Marine Protection & Fisheries Rules: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal entered into force, with Pacific hopes for stronger protections against harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and IUU activity. Regional Security With Environmental Links: The Quad’s Fiji port plan and broader maritime surveillance cooperation could reshape regional shipping and monitoring—important for climate-vulnerable island logistics and ocean management. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, after criticism tied to dolphin welfare and conservation.

Climate Risk Finance: The EU, UNCDF and UNDP launched the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance and grow in the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Climate Insurance: Solomon Islands’ TrigaCash microinsurance is rolling out an automated safety net for farmers and fishers, using weather triggers to send payouts fast after cyclone, extreme rain or drought. WASH & Health: Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal received new spring-fed water, sanitation and handwashing facilities on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, aimed at improving attendance and especially supporting girls. Weather & Ocean Services: Pacific meteorology directors met in Honiara to review the PIMS 2017–2026 strategy and draft the next plan through 2036, funded by the EU. Fisheries Protection: Pacific nations completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week regional surveillance push against illegal fishing that included Solomon Islands with support from Quad partners.

Quad Port Push in Fiji: India, the US, Australia and Japan say they’ll jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move that could raise new Pacific tensions as China warns against “bloc confrontation.” WASH for Schools: In Guadalcanal, Vavalu Primary received new water supply and gender-friendly ablution blocks, with a spring catchment system and handwashing stations to boost hygiene and attendance. Fisheries Protection: Pacific-led Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of surveillance across multiple EEZs, aiming to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other maritime crimes, with Solomon Islands among participants. Climate, Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS project begins in Honiara to improve sweet potato seedling management for national food security, running to 2030 with MALD and Solomon Islands National University. Marine Wildlife: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa reportedly plans to stop sourcing and breeding wild dolphins, after dolphins were previously taken from the Solomon Islands. Energy & Resilience: Solomon Islands-linked regional efforts also highlight the need for safer, cleaner services as climate and fuel shocks strain island communities.

WASH in Schools: More than 200 students and teachers at Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal are benefiting from a new spring-fed water supply and gender-friendly ablution blocks, handed over on World Menstrual Hygiene Day as part of New Zealand–UNICEF’s WASH in Schools programme. Marine protection & jobs: Pacific countries wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week regional surveillance push to deter illegal fishing across multiple EEZs and nearby high seas, supported by partners including Australia, New Zealand, France and the US. Wildlife concern: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, after reports it obtained dolphins from the Solomon Islands in 2008–2009. Climate resilience via finance: Solomon Islands is among regional partners discussed at the Korea–Pacific Islands Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, with climate action and fisheries highlighted under the 2050 Blue Pacific Continent strategy. Community safety: In Karaena, RSIPF and community leaders are strengthening localized community policing to tackle youth crime linked to kwaso and marijuana sales.

Climate Finance & Resilience: Papua New Guinea’s Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby pushed sustainable investment as a way to tackle climate change, with the Bank of PNG highlighting tools like green finance facilities and a climate investment database—relevant for Solomon Islands as the region seeks more climate-ready funding. Mining, Jobs & Community Impacts: Gold Ridge Mining welcomed Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Matthew Wale, pointing to major GDP and tax/royalty contributions—while separate reporting on China Railway’s mining camp raised fresh concerns about worker treatment and food conditions. Marine Life Protection: Singapore is stopping wild dolphin sourcing and suspending captive breeding, and Solomon Islands experts warn dugongs are at high risk from hunting and habitat loss. Fisheries Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, including Solomon Islands, with vessel inspections and detections aimed at stopping illegal fishing. Food Security & Environment Safeguards: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato project begins in Honiara, and the SIART project is rolling out an Environmental Code of Practice for smallholder farming to reduce environmental and social risks. Biodiversity & Oceans: Solomon Islands joined regional talks on the Blue Pacific agenda, while the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves framework expands transboundary marine protection across Melanesia.

Climate Finance & Resilience: Papua New Guinea’s Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby pushed sustainable investment, highlighting its 2023 inclusive green finance policy and tools like green finance facilities and a climate investment database—aimed at attracting private capital for climate action. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding; it previously obtained dolphins from the Solomon Islands (2008–09), raising concerns about animal welfare and transparency. Fisheries Protection: Pacific-led Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of surveillance across multiple EEZs, with Solomon Islands among participants; authorities carried out vessel inspections and flagged vessels of interest to deter IUU fishing. Marine Conservation: Vanuatu, Fiji and PNG signed on to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming for a huge transboundary marine protected area, while PNG announced the Western Manus National Marine Sanctuary. Community Safeguards: RSIPF and Karaena community leaders strengthened local policing by-laws to tackle youth harm linked to kwaso and marijuana. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato seedling management project officially began in Honiara, running to 2030 to boost national food security.