High Commissioner Turner Highlights the Integral Role of Forests in Solomon Islander Identity

This week, a forestry governance initiative funded by the UK government was inaugurated in the Solomon Islands, aimed at establishing a new carbon market that will safeguard forested regions while simultaneously benefitting local communities.

Empowering Communities Through RISE

The programme, known as RISE—an acronym for Rights, Integrity, Safeguards and Equity in carbon markets—has been developed to promote best practices for community-managed forest carbon projects. Its primary aim is to ensure that the advantages derived from carbon markets remain with the local populations.

RISE is centred on enhancing local leadership, recognising customary land rights, and ensuring fair distribution of benefits within the expanding carbon market of the Solomon Islands. Live and Learn Solomon Islands is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with Live and Learn International, Nakau, and the Plan Vivo Foundation.

During the launch event, British High Commissioner H.E. Paul Turner emphasised that the RISE initiative is dedicated to fostering forest conservation and empowering local communities to take action in preserving their forested lands. He remarked, “Forestry is integral to the identity of the people of the Solomon Islands; we must do more to protect it. This project will provide tangible benefits to local communities for the conservation of their environment.”

Collaboration for Governance Enhancement

Turner noted that the UK government is collaborating with the Solomon Islands government to enhance governance across all natural resources, including forestry and mining. He acknowledged the historical concerns surrounding the logging sector and expressed a desire to prevent the mining industry from following a similar path. The preservation of forested areas in the Solomon Islands is critical, and carbon markets present an opportunity for local communities to engage in conservation efforts while reaping the associated benefits.

The RISE programme was officially launched on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, in Honiara. The event underscored the significance of forest conservation projects in the Solomon Islands and called for ongoing cooperation among all stakeholders to implement policies and practices that support community-led and rights-based initiatives.

Attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Mr David Hiriasia, along with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Forestry and Research. Representatives from the British and New Zealand High Commissions, as well as various NGOs and local community leaders, were also present.

Ensuring Equitable Benefit Sharing

A key objective of RISE is to ensure that national carbon policies reflect customary land ownership and that benefits are distributed equitably among landowners. Sebastian Thomas, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for Nakau, highlighted the vital role that carbon markets can play in promoting sustainable livelihoods and responsible management of natural resources. He stated, “Well-established carbon markets can transform effective stewardship of forest lands into sustainable livelihoods and successful regenerative businesses.”

This month, the RISE initiative is being launched not only in the Solomon Islands but also in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The project aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and evidence across these three nations, advocating for grassroots-led carbon initiatives that prioritise local needs and aspirations.