Solomon Islands Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) Project reaches Temotu Province

Solomon Islands Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) Project reaches Temotu Province

Author: Doris Kalamasaru, Project Coordinator, WCS

In November 2025, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) operating as the Solomon Islands National Technical Facility (NTF) for the Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) project successfully extended their reach to Temotu Province in collaboration with the CEO of Greenergy Pacific Ms. Sharon Inone.

Provincial Government support for coral reef conservation

The insightful visit has allowed WCS to build new connections with the Temotu Provincial Government (TPG), communities, and schools to work collaboratively with the aim

“to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate-resilient coral reef ecosystems, thereby conserving their biodiversity and supporting the blue economies and communities dependent on them”.

The GEF-7 CRR Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) focuses its work on climate-resilient reefs within four priority provinces of the Solomon Islands including Temotu.

It is a great accomplishment to have the Temotu Provincial Government onboard with this initiative that aims to protect the health of coral reef ecosystems in the face of climate threats. The Premier for Temotu Hon. Stanley Tehiahua has supported this by stating

“we can blame climate change, but at the same time we should explore other means for coral reef protection as they are important for marine life, and they are the key to life’s continuity under the sea” which speaks volumes on Temotu’s stand for coral reef protection."

Stakeholder engagement

During the visit, WCS consulted with 13 TPG representatives and 42 community leaders from 2 communities – Graciosa Bay and Neo Community. The consultation workshop gave WCS an opportunity to listen to TPG representatives and community leaders and share their goal for their reef’s recovery through the incorporation of nature-based solutions and traditional knowledge.

A future that includes the use of non-destructive fishing methods, sustainable harvesting, increased Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and good management of coral reef resources.

The Premier also stated that

“the project has aligned well with the provincial initiative that aims to drive Temotu as a model province in Ocean Conservation and our commitment to conserve 274,000 square kilometres for national ocean conservation”.

The commitment and dedication to coral reef protection shown by Temotu leaders has motivated WCS to push for greater impacts.

Online coral reef courses to empower the next generation

As part of the trip, WCS disseminated information on access to free online courses relating to coral reefs at Lata Community High School (CHS) and Mona CHS. With access to the free online courses developed by The University of Queensland, WCS is hoping to help students and leaders in Temotu build their capacity and knowledge on coral reefs.

WCS is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen community representation on national reef conservation strategies while ensuring that traditional knowledge and community visions are included.

Ensuring equitable participation is something WCS upholds, providing a platform where women, men, and youth can equally share their perspectives on resilient coral reef conservation.

It is truly inspiring to have diverse age groups involved in the programs hosted by WCS in Temotu last week as it shows the collective efforts to fight against local and global threats to coral reefs.

Having youth become part of the consultation gives WCS hope for a better future, where upcoming leaders are not only educated about how they could protect their reefs, but are also included in developing strategies to protect their reefs that are locally and globally threatened.

Acknowledgements

The GEF-7 funded Coral Reef Rescue Project is a government driven initiative through the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management and Meteorology and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

About the project

The Coral Reef Rescue Project is a US$7m initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The project is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund and executed by The University of Queensland in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society (Fiji, Madagascar, Solomon Islands), Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Philippines and Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, Tanzania. 

Free Online Resources

Complementing the work in each country, the GEF 7 CRR project has released free online courses on coral reefs. These include Coral Reefs: Introduction to Challenges and Solutions, Coral Reefs: Sustainable Blue Economy, Coral Reefs: Data and Monitoring, Coral Reefs: Climate Resilient Communities.

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.