Community-Led Climate Adaptation Projects Strengthen Resilience Across Solomon Islands

August 25, 2026

Director of Environment and GEF Operational Focal Point, Thaddeus Siota (second from left) and UNDP Solomon Islands Resilience and Climate Change Programme Specialist, Barnabas Bago together with the participants attending the CBA Phase 3 Closing Workshop with Reps from UNDP and the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology

UNDP

Five rural communities across Solomon Islands are better prepared to face the impacts of climate change following the successful completion of the Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Phase III Programme, implemented through the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP).

Funded by the Government of Australia, the programme invested US$150,000 in community-led adaptation initiatives between 2022 and 2026. The projects focused on strengthening climate resilience through nature-based solutions, sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal protection.

To mark the programme's completion, UNDP convened a three-day closing workshop in June 2026, bringing together representatives from the five grantee organizations, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, and UNDP staff to reflect on achievements, exchange lessons learned, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The projects delivered tangible benefits to participating communities. In West Kwarae, Malaita Province, the Ado Rural Farmers Association expanded its agroforestry nursery, improving food security and supporting sustainable farming practices. In South Malaita, the Angouru Community Development Association rehabilitated mangrove ecosystems and established a community research and meeting centre to strengthen environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

The Kauhata Foundation Trust Board restored degraded landscapes through large-scale reforestation activities in West Are'are, while Afio Primary School implemented innovative land restoration activities that improved environmental management and created safer access for students travelling to and from school. In Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal, the Wahere Community Association constructed a seawall that now protects homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods from coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

Collectively, the projects strengthened the resilience of vulnerable rural communities while promoting the active participation of women, youth, and other underrepresented groups in climate adaptation and local decision-making processes.

Photograph of a formal meeting in a wooden hall with green table skirts and a presenter at front.

A presenter in a blue shirt stands and speaks to a group around a table with laptops and flowers.

Man in yellow shirt stands at a table with a green tablecloth; others sit nearby indoors.

Man wearing cap and striped shirt at a green outdoor stall, pointing with his right hand.

Two men wearing masks sit on a couch in a sunlit room with patterned walls, chatting.

Photograph of men at a workshop, one points to a large flip chart with handwritten notes.

Elderly woman in a purple top holds a glass at a sunlit dining table, with others seated nearby.

Four adults sit at a panel table with notebooks and a flower centerpiece.

Photo: group of people in blue shirts gathered around a long white table outdoors, signing.

Group of people seated indoors at a long table with yellow flowers and water bottles during a meeting.

Director of Environment and GEF Operational Focal Point, Thaddeus Siota, commended the grantees for their achievements and acknowledged the contribution of community-based adaptation to national development priorities.

"The results achieved through these projects show the value of investing in local solutions. Communities have demonstrated that small-scale initiatives can make a significant contribution to climate resilience, environmental conservation, and sustainable development," he said.

Speaking at the closing workshop, UNDP Solomon Islands Resilience and Climate Change Programme Specialist, Barnabas Bago, highlighted the importance of community leadership in driving sustainable development outcomes.

"These projects demonstrate that local communities are at the forefront of climate action. Through their commitment, innovation, and leadership, they have developed practical solutions that not only address climate risks but also improve livelihoods and protect natural resources for future generations," he said.

Participants at the workshop identified several key factors behind the success of the projects, including strong community ownership, local leadership, inclusive participation, and the effectiveness of nature-based adaptation approaches. They also emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences between communities to strengthen future climate resilience efforts across Solomon Islands.

The CBA Phase III Programme has demonstrated that community-driven adaptation can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. By empowering local organizations and strengthening community capacity, the programme has provided a strong foundation for future climate action and contributed to the Solomon Islands' broader climate and sustainable development goals.

As climate-related challenges continue to affect communities across the country, the experiences and lessons generated through these projects will help inform and inspire future locally led adaptation initiatives, ensuring that communities remain at the centre of building a more resilient Solomon Islands.

For more information, please contact:

Teiba Mamu, SGP National Coordinator | UNDP in Solomon Islands | (E) teiba.mamu@undp.org