The United States government says it’s providing an additional $800,000 to help remote communities in Solomon Islands mitigate drought and protect vulnerable communities against recurrent natural disasters.

A statement the U.S Embassy in Honiara issued today said the funds are being channelled through the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID).

“With an additional $800,000, Building Inclusive and Resilient Communities in the Solomon Islands implemented in partnership with World Vision, will work closely with local leaders and disaster management authorities, as well as community members, to help communities in Temotu, Rennell-Bellona, and the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal province to reduce the impacts of drought and extreme weather events,” the statement said.

U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands Ann Marie Yastishock said communities in the Solomon Islands, as well as the broader Pacific region, are at high risk from debilitating natural disasters, including the ongoing El Nino.

“These additional U.S. government resources will help our Solomon Islands partners to assist remote communities preparing for droughts and other natural hazards,” Yastishock said.

Through the project, USAID will strengthen disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure that the communities’ most vulnerable members – including children, women, and people with disabilities – are prioritized and protected during disasters. 

_{^{Local leaders in Temotu Province’s Venga Community had a focus group discussion about the historical usage of local early warning systems.}}

USAID will train and support local disaster management authorities to develop inclusive disaster planning policies, and facilitate the participation of at-risk and remote, hard-to-reach communities in this planning process.

The USAID-World Vision partnership will equip community members with the knowledge and skills to protect their crops from drought and floods.  

The project will introduce improved seed varieties for home gardens and train households in soil management and integrated pest management.

 The Pacific Islands region is central to American efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region that bolsters the global economy.  

Through USAID, the United States partners with 14 Pacific Island nations, including Solomon Islands, to strengthen disaster preparedness and environmental resilience, health, and democratic governance so they are able to lead their countries to stable, prosperous futures.