Neighbours from the Diocese of the Anglican Church of Melanesia in the Central Province of Solomon Islands in Tulagi island are now benefiting from wider coastal protection against erosion after the construction of a new sea wall. 

Tulagi island is proving to be increasingly vulnerable due to climate change. 

When hit by extreme weather, the small island, former capital of the Solomon Islands, is becoming  prone to climate-related disasters, specifically flooding of coastal areas. 

What is also happening more and more often. 

In addition, floods, big waves and high swells are leading to coastal erosion, something that was increasingly noticeable around the area where the Diocese of Central Solomon sits. 

However, now the new seawall aims at fortifying the area’s coastal defences. 

The initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility through the Small Grants Programme administered by UNDP in Solomon Islands has a multifaceted approach encompasses not only the physical construction of the sea wall but also an integrated strategy for its construction involving community-based training and income generating activity, participatory risk mapping, and the cultivation of adaptive capacity among local leaders and community members. 

By factoring in climate change projections and employing disaster prevention and preparedness training, the project seeks to bolster the community’s resilience to natural disasters and the adverse impacts of climate change they faced.

_{Newly built seawals at the Central Islands Province| Photo supplied.}

This way, the initiative achieves several key results, including an improved coastal zone and a reinforced disaster management system. 

It aspires to safeguard not only the physical infrastructure of the Diocese of Central Solomon but also the livelihoods and well-being of the local residents and  parishioners who call this vulnerable coastal region their home. 

As James Voah, Secretary of the Diocese, explains “It is a vital project for our community and we really appreciated the support offered by the Small Grants Project (SGP) of the Global Environment Facility. 

With rising concerns about the effects of climate change, the construction of a robust sea wall had become an urgent necessity for the safety and security of our local community of around 300 inhabitants.”

After its construction, the inner faces of the wall will be reinforced and backfilled with rocks and soil and the outer sides are being replanted with mangrove to further fortifying the rampart-effect of it.

By addressing the needs of this coastal area in Tulagi, the initiative aspires to serve as a model in effective climate mitigation and proactive disaster management strategy for other communities of Solomon Islands facing similar environmental challenges.