Telebere News

In a strong show of collaboration, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) have reaffirmed their partnership to boost private sector development and drive sustainable economic growth in the Solomon Islands. Led by SICCI Chief Executive Officer Mr. James Dolarii, the Chamber’s delegation paid a special courtesy visit to SIPA CEO Mr. George Rausi, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening the local business environment. “This partnership not only boosts business capacity but also contributes meaningfully to national economic progress,” SICCI said in a statement following the visit. The meeting focused on how both institutions can deepen their ongoing collaboration and explore new areas to support local businesses, create jobs, and advance development goals across the country. Recognising Business Excellence Over the years, SIPA has been a key supporter of SICCI’s initiatives, providing vital sponsorship...

A new regional survey reveals that while Solomon Islanders continue to exercise their cultural rights and protect customary lands, growing threats from the climate crisis, violence, and resource exploitation are putting pressure on basic human rights across the country. The data, compiled by a regional rights tracker, presents a nuanced picture of human rights in Solomon Islands in 2025, shedding light on both gains and deepening gaps that affect the most vulnerable—women and girls, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Climate Crisis Fueling Rights Violations Scoring 5.3 out of 6, the climate crisis was found to greatly worsen human rights conditions in the Solomon Islands. Rising sea levels, extreme flooding, and increasingly frequent landslides are not only damaging infrastructure but threatening food security, access to clean water, and health services—particularly in rural and coastal areas. Respondents noted that traditional governance ...

A major boost to climate resilience efforts in the Solomon Islands took place this week with the official launch of the EMPOWER project under the Kiwa Initiative, signalling a shift in how climate change adaptation is delivered — from the grassroots up. Led by Live and Learn Environmental Education and launched in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands, EMPOWER is already making a tangible difference in how local communities access and lead climate solutions. Shifting Power to Local Hands One of the most transformational outcomes of the EMPOWER project is its ability to channel climate finance directly to communities—the people most impacted by climate change, and those best equipped to respond with locally relevant solutions. The project is restoring ecosystems, strengthening traditional practices, and building leadership among women, youth, and Indigenous leaders. It’s not just supporting resilience — it’s reshaping who leads the response. Nature-Based Solutions...

Unlocking Digital Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs More than 30 young business owners from the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) recently participated in an exclusive information session focused on unlocking the potential of the digital marketplace. The session was a strategic partnership between YECSI and the E-Commerce Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), highlighting how digital tools can support youth-led businesses in today’s evolving economy YECSI and E-Commerce Division Join Forces YECSI organised the session to equip its members with relevant, practical knowledge on how to expand their businesses through e-commerce and digital strategies. The event also introduced the E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU) and its work in rolling out the National E-Commerce Strategy 2022–2027. Participants learned about available government support, including grant schemes, e-commerce training opportunities, and resources to he...

A groundbreaking report by HRMI Rights Tracker Pacific highlights alarming declines in human rights conditions across the Solomon Islands. Drawing from the 2025 RightsTracker survey and insights from national experts, the report identifies vulnerable groups and escalating climate-related threats to fundamental rights. Key Findings: Who’s at Risk? According to the survey with specific question, How well is the Solomon Islands respecting people's human rights? 17% of respondents flagged widespread risks for all people, alongside targeted threats against human rights advocates, Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, the homeless (including street youth), and people of diverse nationalities. 8% of experts highlighted vulnerabilities for LGBTQIA+ individuals, labor union members, older people, men/boys, ethnic/racial minorities, and peaceful protestors. These findings suggest both systemic gaps and specific risks for marginalized groups. Climate Crisis: A Direct ...

In a historic move at the UN Ocean Conference in France, the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu unveiled their ambitious plan to establish the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, which will become the world’s largest Indigenous-led multi-national marine protected area. When complete, the Melanesian Ocean Reserve will encompass the combined national waters of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, and connect with the protected waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia. The proposed reserve will span more than 6 million square kilometres of ocean and islands—an area equivalent to the Amazon rainforest. It will include the combined national waters of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, and connect with the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia. Once fully realised, the initiative will safeguard some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet and strengthen the cultural and economic foundations of Melanesia’s Indigenous Peoples. “Fo...

Seventeen male Australia Awards Solomon Islands alumni have successfully completed a two-day training workshop focused on preventing violence against women in our communities and advancing gender equality. Through this initiative, the Australia Awards Solomon Islands is investing in alumni leadership and equipping change-makers to create a safer, more equal future for all Solomon Islanders. Australia Awards Solomon Islands Alumni who attended the Men for Safer Communities: Global Skills for Local Change” workshop facilitated by Australian experts Trent Larkman and KJ Reyes Ellul, educators in violence prevention and gender equality. The workshop titled “Men for Safer Communities: Global Skills for Local Change” brought together alumni committed to becoming allies in building safer, more inclusive, and respectful communities across the Solomon Islands. Through interactive sessions, open dialogue, and practical skill-building, alumni explored how to challenge harmful gender norms, pr...

When Solomon Islands joined nearly 100 countries in signing the Nice Call for an Ambitious Treaty on Plastic Pollution at the United Nations Ocean Conference in France this June, it sent a powerful signal: our small island nation is ready to stand with global leaders to tackle this crisis. The declaration, signed by Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, Minister for Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) demands a legally binding treaty addressing plastic pollution from production to disposal. This commitment is commendable—but it’s not the first. Years ago, the Solomon Islands banned single-use plastics like straws, cutlery, and foam takeaway containers.  Yet walk through Honiara’s markets or along our coastlines today, and you’ll see the grim reality: Plastic straws, Plastic cups, plates, cutleries,  and  Polystyrofoam  chokes our drains, litters our beaches, and floats in our seas. Laws alone are meaningless without enforcement and public ...

The recent arrest of a 26-year-old man for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in Honiara is a painful reminder of the dangers that women and girls continue to face in our communities across the Solomon Islands. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for awareness, vigilance, and collective action to protect ourselves and stand against sexual violence. On this critical issue, I want to share my perspective through five key points. By practicing these principles, we can create safer communities, a more secure society, and protected cities for all women, girls, and young people. 1. Your Safety Matters – Always Trust Your Instincts The victim in this case did the right thing by refusing the suspect’s inappropriate request. As young women and girls, you must always trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately and seek help. Do not hesitate to say NO firmly and loudly if someone crosses your boundaries. 2. Breaking the Silence is th...

The recent article by In-depth Solomon highlights a critical issue facing Pacific Island nations: the eastward migration of tuna populations due to warming ocean temperatures. This phenomenon, driven by climate change, poses an existential threat to the economies and food security of countries like Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, where tuna fisheries are a vital economic lifeline. Local fishermen sell freshly caught tuna at the Honiara Central Market, Solomon Islands. Economic and Food Security at Risk Tuna is more than just a commodity in the Pacific—it is the backbone of many island economies. The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) estimates that tuna contributes over $7 billion annually to regional economies, with access fees from foreign fishing fleets making up a significant portion of government revenues. If tuna stocks continue shifting eastward toward international waters, Pacific nations could lose control over this critical resource, leading to deva...

Solomon Islands experienced a notable 13.8% increase in international arrivals during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with Australia maintaining its position as the country's largest source market despite a seasonal decline. Official statistics reveal 11,564 international arrivals between January and March, though this represented a 26.4% decrease from the peak fourth quarter of 2024. Australian visitors accounted for 28% of all arrivals, with 1,570 travelers making the journey despite a 22.5% quarterly drop. China solidified its position as the second-largest market with 12.5% of total visitors, while Fiji rankedthird at 9.1%, demonstrating the growing importance of Asia-Pacific tourism connections. Other significant contributors included Papua New Guinea (7.9%), the United States (7.1%) and New Zealand (5.9%). The data revealed interesting trends in traveler demographics and behavior. More than half of all arrivals (51.2%) were returning...

The success of the Bita’ama Conservation of Biodiversity Project in Ofu, North Malaita, is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their natural resources. This initiative, led by the people of Ofu, demonstrates how conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods can go hand in hand—a lesson that holds great significance for the rest of Solomon Islands and the Pacific region. Lovelyn Sauna processing ngali-nuts for preservation; Photo credit Daniel Gonzalez:UNDP A Holistic Approach to Conservation What makes this project remarkable is its integrated approach. Unlike top-down conservation efforts that often fail to resonate with local realities, the Bita’ama project is deeply rooted in the community’s connection to land and sea.  By replanting indigenous trees like ngali-nut and breadfruit, protecting vital marine species such as the parrotfish, and cleaning up rivers, the project ensures that both ecosystems and traditions thr...

The recent participation of Dr. Melchior Mataki, Secretary to the Prime Minister, at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco (7-8 June 2025) marks a significant moment in the Solomon Islands' global leadership on ocean sustainability. This high-level engagement underscores our nation's commitment to shaping the future of our oceans at a time when decisive action has never been more critical. A Watershed Moment for Ocean Finance As a precursor to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), BEFF served as a crucial platform where the Solomon Islands brought the urgent concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the forefront of global discussions. The shocking reality that less than 1% of the trillions generated by the global ocean economy is reinvested in ocean protection highlights the systemic neglect of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). For our island nation, where the ocean constitutes 98% of our sovereign territory, this...