Following the successful first six months of implementing the ‘Addressim Klaemet Change for Strogim Komuniti long Hapi Isles (ASK-SI) Project’, five communities in the Central Islands Province—Koilovala, Bokolonga, Hanuvaivine, Gairavu, and Voloa, are making significant progress toward environmental sustainability and improved financial stability.
Through this livelihood-centered initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI) has supported the establishment of five mahogany seed nurseries, four mangrove planting sites, and five community savings groups.
These achievements mark an important milestone in strengthening climate adaptation and household resilience across the province.
As part of this initiative, three schools—Koilovala Primary School, Voloa Primary School, and Siota Secondary School, were also consulted and supported to undertake tree planting within their school environments.
A mix of shade and fruit trees will be planted to provide shelter from increasing heat while also contributing to students’ nutrition.
“The idea of restoring trees at schools is a very important initiative, especially for Koilovala Primary School,” said Mr. David Soesole, a staff member at Koilovala Primary School.
“The school has been experiencing increasing heat due to direct sunlight exposure, and these trees will help reduce the high temperatures we face.”
The project was delivered in close partnership with community leaders and the Ministry of Forestry in Tulagi, whose technical expertise ensured that nursery establishment followed sustainable and climate-smart forestry practices.
This collaboration reflects WVSI’s commitment to localisation and empowering communities to take ownership of their resilience efforts.
Across the five communities, residents expressed renewed hope as young mahogany seedlings began to take root, symbolising long-term regreening initiatives that will help protect the islands from erosion, declining forest cover, and the impacts of climate change.
“The mahogany nursery gives us hope for the future. We are learning how to care for our land and trees,” said Mr. Frank Tumu, Chairman of Hanuvaivine Community.
Alongside environmental restoration, the Project successfully formed five community savings groups, which are already improving financial literacy and strengthening household resilience. These groups are enabling members to better manage daily expenses, plan for school fees, and build emergency savings.
“Before the savings group, I struggled to manage my money. Now I can save for my children’s school fees,” shared Mrs. Freda Niahi from Koilovala Community.
The achievements of the ASK-SI Project’s first six months demonstrate the power of strong partnerships, technical expertise, and community mobilisation.
Men, women, and children across the five communities are benefiting from both environmental and financial interventions.
“By combining nursery development with financial empowerment, we are helping build stronger and more resilient communities that are better prepared for the realities of climate change,” said Mr. Obed Inoni, WVSI ASK-SI Project Community Development Facilitator.
“We sincerely thank the communities for their incredible participation and commitment. Your dedication and collaboration have made a real difference, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership even further.”
- WVSI Press
