OPINION: Solomon Islands Must Move from Plastic Promises to Real Action

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 awareness.

A Crisis Beyond the Environment

Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a social and health emergency. In our communities, children play near polluted streams and shores, unknowingly exposed to microplastics and toxic chemicals. Their playgrounds are becoming dumping grounds, threatening their health and futures.

Youth, though passionate, face systemic neglect. Many volunteers for beach clean-ups, advocate on social media, and educate peers—but without proper waste management or government support, their efforts fade. These young leaders deserve more than applause; they need policy backing and investment.

For women, especially in rural and informal settlements, the burden is heavier. Many manage household waste with no safe disposal options, resorting to burning plastics—releasing toxic fumes. Others battle flooded drains and contaminated food sources as plastic waste invades farms and fisheries. This isn’t just pollution; it’s an injustice.

The Policy-Practice Gap

Despite bans, prohibited plastics are still sold openly in Honiara and beyond. Foam containers, straws, and utensils remain in use, proving enforcement is weak. If the government is serious about its Nice Call pledge, it must:

·       Turn commitments into action, the government must first strengthen enforcement by holding importers, retailers, and users accountable for violating plastic bans. Empty laws achieve nothing—consistent penalties and oversight are essential to stop the flow of prohibited plastics into our markets.

·       Second, investing in public education is critical. Awareness campaigns in Pijin and local languages, delivered through schools, churches, and radio, must explain why these bans exist and how plastic pollution directly harms health, livelihoods, and future generations.

·       Finally, lasting change requires supporting grassroots efforts. Youth clean-up groups and community initiatives need sustained funding, not just applause, to scale their work and embed waste reduction into daily life.

A Global Treaty, Local Action

The Nice Call aligns with growing global momentum for a treaty regulating plastics at every stage. This is critical for Pacific nations, which suffer disproportionately despite contributing little to the crisis. Wealthier nations must provide financial aid for waste systems, recycling facilities, and law enforcement training.

Justice, Not Just Waste

Plastic pollution is a generational challenge—but also a matter of justice. Our people pay for a crisis they didn’t create. Signing the Nice Call is a start, but real progress demands action: enforcing laws, educating communities, and empowering those on the frontlines.

The time for promises is over. For our oceans, our children, and our future—we must act now.