The Solomon Islands is a global center for marine diversity. And the ecosystem services of their ocean that deliver benefits to the people is worth more than SBD$2.51 billion per/year. However, these services are under threat from rapid population growth and increased economic development activities. The rapid and increasing growth of industries, urban development and extraction of natural resources has introduced a broader challenge to Solomon Islands from pollution and waste.
The Solomon Islands Government has developed a waste management strategy to address waste and pollution control, with the vision in contributing to the sustainable environment and natural resources management, all Solomon Islanders are empowered to effectively manage waste and pollution towards a cleaner, green, healthy and happy isles.
The strategy focused on development that will not compromise the wellbeing of the natural environment and ecosystems, ensure existing legislations, strategies and guidelines on waste management and pollution control are effectively implemented and enforced, support and encourage 4Rs where relevant regulate waste minimization for solid wastes, develop institutional capacity, provide proper infrastructure and ensure all Solomon Islanders are aware of appropriate measures to address waste management.
In order to effectively implement and enforce the strategy, there is a need for stronger supporting legislation. At the moment, pollution and waste management is captured in various legislations and are sector based. For example, pollution and waste from ships are regulated under the Shipping Act 1998 and Shipping regulation 2011 under the mandate of Solomon Islands Maritime and Safety Authority. The management of wastes at the ports is regulated by the Solomon Islands Ports Act under the jurisdiction of Solomon Islands Ports Authority. The Environment Act 1998 currently provides the coordinating role on all waste and pollution control issues but it focuses more on prescribed developments and their negative impacts on the environment.
Therefore, Solomon Islands commit to review its Environment Act 1998 to ensure a broader and coordinated approach to waste management by 2018.