Press release originally published by the Solomon Islands Climate Change Division via Facebook, Wednesday 7 May 2025.
The Climate Change Division (CCD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, in partnership with the Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Project under UNDP and with support from the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP), has successfully conducted the Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (SIIVA) in Makia community, located on Ugi Island in Makira Province.
This milestone assessment, carried out on Wednesday 7 May 2025, marks a key step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to understand climate vulnerabilities at the community level and to enhance resilience in some of the most remote and climate-sensitive communities in the Solomon Islands.
The SIIVA process provided an opportunity for CCD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), to directly engage with local residents. The team gathered vital information on agricultural practices, environmental risks, and adaptive capacities—particularly important given that agriculture is the main livelihood source for many rural Solomon Islanders.
With the data collected, it will support the Ministry of Agriculture through the extension department to plan and re-align activities that will target specific vulnerable communities by risk, informing its development projects (MAL model farms). The available climate and disaster risk data collected will enable sound planning and budgeting which will support the long-term sustainability of farm development.
It is envisioned beyond data collection, the assessment played a critical role in raising awareness about climate change impacts and empowering communities to play a central role in building their own resilience. Interactive sessions and community discussions helped highlight local priorities while aligning future adaptation initiatives with national policies and frameworks.
The collaboration between CCD, Gov4Res, CFCSP and MAL underscores the importance of coordinated and inclusive climate action. It also demonstrates the Government of Solomon Islands’ commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the face of growing climate threats.
As the effects of climate change intensify across the Pacific, initiatives like SIIVA remain essential to delivering targeted, evidence-based responses that reflect the unique challenges and strengths of each community.
Read more about the CFCSP’s partnership with the Solomon Islands here.
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Feature image: SIIVA Officer’s explaining the SIIVA tool during consultation.