Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as the Solomon Islands National Technical Facilitator (NTF) for the Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) project has successfully extended its reach to Temotu Province through collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Greenergy Pacific, Ms. Sharon Inone.
Temotu Provincial Government Consultation. Credit @ WCS_SI, CRR, 2025.
The insightful visit has allowed WCS to build new connection with the Temotu Provincial Government (TPG), communities, and schools to work together to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate resilient coral reef ecosystems, thereby conserving their biodiversity and supporting the blue economics that the communities are dependent on.
The CRR Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) focuses work on climate resilient reefs within four priority provinces of Solomon Islands including Temotu. It is a great accomplishment to have the Temotu Provincial Government onboard with this initiative that aims to protect the health of coral reef ecosystems in the face of climate threats.
The Premier for Temotu Hon. Stanley Tehiahua has supported this by stating “we can blame climate change, but at the same time we should explore other means for coral reef protection as they are important for the marine life, and they are the key to life’s continuity under sea” which speaks volumes on Temotu’s stand for coral reef protection.
During the visit, WCS consulted with 13 TPG representatives and 42 community leaders from two communities – Graciosa Bay and Neo community. The consultation workshop has given WCS an opportunity to listen to TPG representatives and community leaders share their goal for their reef’s recovery through the incorporation of nature-based solutions and traditional knowledge.
Community Visioning & NAP Consultation with Neo Community. Credit @WCS_SI, CRR, 2025.
A future that includes the use of non-destructive fishing methods, sustainable harvesting, increase of Marine Protected Areas (MPA), and good management of coral reef resources.
The Premier also stated that “the project has aligned well with the provincial initiative that aims on driving Temotu as a model province in Ocean Conservation and our commitment to conserve 274,000 square kilometres for national ocean conservation."
The commitment and dedication for coral reef protection showed by Temotu leaders have motivated WCS to push for greater impacts.
As part of the trip, WCS disseminated information on access to free online courses relating to coral reefs at Lata Community High School (CHS) and Mona CHS.
Lata Students and Teachers during school awareness and dissemination of free online courses. Credit @WCS_Doris Kalamasaru, Sl, CRR, 2025.
WCS is hoping to help students and leaders in Temotu to build their capacity and knowledge on coral reefs with the access to the free online courses developed by the University of Queensland.
WCS is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen community representation on national reef conservation strategies while ensuring that traditional knowledge and community visions are included. Ensuring equitable participation is something WCS uphold, providing a platform where women, men, and youth can equally share their perspectives on resilient coral reef conservation.
Community visioning & NAP Consultation with Graciosa Bay Community accompanied by Greenergy Pacific. Credit @WCS_SI, CRR, 2025.
It is truly inspiring to have diverse age group involved in the programs hosted by WCS in Temotu as it shows the collective efforts to fight against local and global threats against coral reefs. Having youth become part of the consultation gave WCS a hope for a better future, where upcoming leaders are not only educated about how they could protect their reefs, but are also included in developing strategies to recovering their reefs that are locally and globally threatened.
The GEF funded CRR project is a government driven initiative through the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management and Meteorology and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Implementing partners include the Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF-US), with the University of Queensland (UQ) as the Lead Executing Agency, and WCS as the NTF in Solomon Islands (in-country lead).