The Ministry of Forestry and Research (MOFR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the Record of Discussions for a technical cooperation project titled "The Project for Enhancing the National Capacity to Extend Sustainable Forest Management" at the JICA Solomon Islands Office in Honiara, according to a statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 21 September 2026 and dated 17 September 2026.
The statement said the document was signed by Mr. Richard Raomae, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research, and Mr. Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, Resident Representative of the JICA Solomon Islands Office. According to the statement, the project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of MOFR to promote community-based sustainable forest resource management throughout Solomon Islands.
The statement said participating communities would be encouraged to set up community management structures, prepare land-use plans, develop forest resource management plans and carry out livelihood improvement activities, which it said could include agroforestry development, sustainable timber utilisation and promotion of non-timber forest products. It added that particular attention would go to the participation of women and youth in community decision-making.
According to the statement, the project aligns with the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and supports the country's commitments under the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
JICA will provide technical assistance over a period of 36 months from the arrival of the project experts, the statement said, including the dispatch of experts, training in Japan and other countries, and the provision of equipment and operational support. It said the first long-term experts were expected to be dispatched to Solomon Islands in the beginning of 2027.
The statement said Permanent Secretary Raomae spoke at the ceremony on the importance of strengthening sustainable forest management systems so forest resources continue to benefit Solomon Islanders, while Resident Representative Kawasaki reaffirmed JICA's commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
Source: Source: "Solomon Islands and JICA Launch New Project to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management Nationwide", statement published by the Solomon Islands Government portal (solomons.gov.sb), Ministry of Forestry & Research category, 21 September 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/solomon-islands-and-jica-launch-new-project-to-strengthen-sustainable-forest-management-nationwide/