Solomon Islands - Coral Reef Rescue Project - Overview

6,750 km²Total coral reef area

392.6 km²Mangrove forest cover

97%Population within 30km of a reef

SI$70MAnnual reef & fisheries value as of 2015

25%Fishers are female

The Solomon Islands boast some of the highest marine biodiversity globally, second only to Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, with extensive coral reefs and mangrove forests providing crucial ecological and economic benefits.

Nearly all of the population relies on these ecosystems for livelihoods, with coral reef and fish-related industries contributing significantly to the GDP. However, challenges such as overfishing, climate change, and gender inequality in coastal communities threaten these vital resources.

The GEF-funded Coral Reef Rescue Project works with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to protect the country's resilient reefs and support the coastal communities who depend on them.

Solomon Islands - Coral Reef Rescue Project - Team

Focal National Government Ministry Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM)

National Technical Facilitator Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Alec Hughes WCS Country Director	Christian Tutui Manepolo WCS Program Manager
Doris Kalamasaru WCS Project Coordinator

Solomon Islands - Key Focal Areas

The Solomon Islands' single Biodiversity Conservation Unit — BCU 42 — was identified as a national project priority through a stakeholder process involving government, traditional leaders, community representatives, NGOs and the private sector. Within BCU 42, four provinces have been prioritised for conservation action: Isabel, Malaita, Central Islands and Temotu.

Different provinces within the Solomon Islands face unique challenges and opportunities regarding marine conservation. Isabel Province, known for its resilient reefs and strong resource management, contrasts with Malaita, where high population density drives overfishing and environmental degradation. Central Island Province, rich in seagrass meadows and mangroves, grapples with overfishing and the need for sustainable development policies. Temotu Province, though remote, showcases exceptional coral diversity and presents an opportunity for climate refuge efforts. Each province’s distinct ecological and social contexts highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies.

Solomon Islands' Biodiversity Conservation Unit

BCU 42 · Solomon Islands

BCU 42 spans the southern half of Choiseul, the Manning Strait, the coastline of Santa Isabel, the northeastern corner of Malaita and the Nggela (Florida) Islands group. Within this area, four provinces are the focus of on-the-ground project activity.

Isabel Province Reefs relatively unaffected by bleaching or crown-of-thorns outbreaks, but under pressure from overfishing of sea cucumber, pearl oyster and finfish. Home to the country's first legally established marine protected area. 33 turtle nesting sites First legal MPA in country Established environment office	Malaita Province Extensive shallow reefs, seagrass meadows and artificial reef-island villages in Lau Lagoon — a key regional dugong habitat, facing high population density and rising fishing pressure. Largest seagrass meadows nationally Key dugong habitat New watershed protections >400m
Central Islands Province Covers the Nggela (Florida), Savo and Russell Islands. Reefs are in good condition with high biodiversity, though overfishing, destructive fishing and crown-of-thorns starfish are ongoing threats. 56 seagrass meadows (652 ha) 98% of provincial seagrass area Cetacean migration corridor	Temotu Province The most remote province, with some of the highest coral cover and diversity in the country and low anthropogenic pressure — a strong opportunity for resilient reef conservation. 31–44% coral cover >51% cover below 10m Highest fish diversity nationally

Latest Coral Reef Rescue News from Solomon Islands

New Resources

The GEF -7 Coral Reef Rescue Project has released free online courses and resources on coral reef conservation. These include;

Alongside these courses, a new online decision support tool was created Coral Reef Rescue Portal. This brings together over 70 existing coral reef datasets and resources in one easy-to-use, searchable platform.

Relevant Documents

*Note: For more detailed information about the Solomon Islands and their involvement in the Coral Reef Rescue Project, please see the Project Document.