In a groundbreaking initiative, women from four communities in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands have launched a new line of body lotion and soap made from sustainably harvested sea grapes.
This project, which has been in development for the past few months, aims to improve the management of sea grape ecosystems and also enhance the livelihoods of local women.
Henry Kaniki, WWF-Solomon Island’s Conservation Program Manager, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This project not only promotes sustainable harvesting practices but also empowers women to generate substantial household income. By improving the management of sea grapes and related ecosystems such as mangroves, we are enhancing climate resilience and supporting the economic stability of these communities.”
The communities involved the communities of Kongulavata, Sairagi, Boboe, and Pusiju who have been actively engaged in developing sustainable management plans for their local reefs, sea grapes, and mangrove ecosystems.
Ms. Nerolyn Lori, a dedicated community facilitator from Sairagi, has expressed her profound enthusiasm about a transformative new project.
These efforts have included integrating traditional practices with scientific data to ensure the health and sustainability of their marine resources. The communities have also been working to add value to their sea grapes by transforming them into other products, including soap and lotion.
"The value-adding training has been an eye-opener for me," she stated. "I look forward to implementing this knowledge into our local products. This initiative not only boosts our income but also strengthens our community’s commitment to sustainable practices."
This innovative project is part of the Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) initiative, an Australian Government-supported program in partnership with WWF-Australia.
CRxN focuses on promoting nature-based solutions that restore and protect critical ecosystems, build sustainable livelihoods, and enhance resilience to climate shocks.
Through this initiative, communities are empowered to adopt sustainable practices that not only improve their economic prospects but also contribute to environmental conservation.
As part of the project, an exciting range of products will be available for purchase starting May 23rd. These products include jasmine, eucalyptus, and peppermint sea grape body lotion, as well as sea grape soap.
The launch event is set to take place at the MSG building in Gizo, from 9 am to 5 pm. This event will feature speeches from key stakeholders, including community leaders, provincial ministers, and representatives from various divisions and organizations, along with entertainment.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond economic development. It is also a pioneering effort in documenting and sharing best practices within the community.
For the first time, the processes involved in managing, harvesting, processing, and adding value to sea grapes are being meticulously documented in both a manual and a video.
These resources are intended to spread knowledge and successful practices to other communities across the Solomon Islands and the broader region, fostering a culture of sustainability and shared learning.
The initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven development and sustainable practices.
By equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills to add value to their products, the project not only enhances their income but also promotes a deeper commitment to preserving their natural environment.
As communities like Sairagi embrace these sustainable practices, they pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future.
Source:https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/