Climate change adaptation has been highlighted as the main focus during the five-day Validation Ward Profile Workshop held in Gizo this week for all 26 Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in Western Province.
Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview early this week, UNCDF Local Project Consultant Morgan Wairiu said, the workshop is part of a broader effort to help communities identify risks and develop practical solutions at the ward level under the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment program.
“The process must be done at the ward level. Communities themselves must determine their priorities and the best ways to address challenges,” Wairiu explained.
He said the initiative aims to support the development of a 10-year strategic plan for Western Province, along with a 3-year rolling plan to guide the Provincial Government’s immediate actions and investments.
While various issues were discussed, Wairiu emphasized that climate change adaptation remains the key focus, as local communities continue to experience its growing impacts on livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural resources.
“Climate change is not a standalone issue—it cuts across all development sectors. That’s why it’s at the center of this planning process,” he added.
Meanwhile, Allen Agasi, Consultant of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) under the IEDCR Ward Profile Validation Project, said Western Province is different from other provinces because it had completed its ward profiles last year.
“Their strategic plan has not yet been drafted, but as part of this workshop, they will revise the old strategic plan from 2018 to 2022,” Mr. Agasi said.
“Moreover, the main aim and overview of this workshop is to ensure the ward profiles truly reflect the realities and priorities of each ward and community.”
The workshop brought together all 26 WDC Chairmen and Ward Support Officers (WSOs) from across Western Province to validate their ward profiles, prioritize community risks, and identify feasible adaptation strategies for the years ahead.
The event is part of ongoing efforts by Western Province and its development partners to strengthen local governance, inclusive planning, and resilience at the grassroots level.
The Ward Profile Validation Workshop in Gizo received funding and technical support from the European Union through UNICEF, the World Bank, the IEDCR Project, and UNCDF, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and the Western Provincial Government through MPGIS.
Meanwhile, Makira Province will be the last province to undergo a similar workshop.
Rennell Belona, Guadalcanal and Choiseul have already completed the workshop training.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
