Turner announced new UK technical assistance projects to help with much-needed reforms in the energy and natural resources sectors in Solomons.
“How you manage your forests, minerals and energy will determine your future”, said Turner, adding “Solomons is at the cross-roads”. The British High Commissioner said that whilst there are things that are difficult for Solomon Islands to control, such as rising sea-levels, other areas such as management of natural resources are in the power of the government to change.
Turner announced that teams of UK experts will be working with government departments to set up transparent systems for managing forestry and extractives. The UK is also helping to establish a new Independent Energy Regulator to allow more renewable energy suppliers into Solomon Islands.
Lessons from logging
Talking about the forestry sector, Turner said that it was crucial that Solomon Islands learnt lessons from logging and ensured that its remaining forestry resources were managed responsibly and sustainably. He said it was important to balance short-term financial gains with long-term resource planning.
At present, the forestry accounts for 25% of government revenue and 60% of exports but excessive logging was causing irreparable damage. Turner reminded officials that 80-90% of the population of Solomon Islands was dependent on forests in one way or another for their livelihoods.
The UK forestry team would help in setting up new sustainable forest management systems, starting with communities in Malaita and Guadalcanal. A new legislative framework would be drafted to ensure better enforcement and monitoring by rangers.
Good governance in the mining sector is key
“It is well-known that logging companies are now transitioning to mining as forestry declines”, said Turner. This was creating new pressures on forest land and highlighting the need for strong management in the extractives sector. Turner welcomed the government’s move to re-join the international body known as the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
EITI oversees international governance standards in the mineral sector across the globe. Solomon Islands was a member of EITI but left in 2016. The government wishes to re-join EITI, and the UK partnering with UNDP will help facilitate this, holding consultations with provincial governments, local communities and mining companies to agree new standards of governance across the extractives sector. “Strong, robust governance of the mining sector is key to avoiding the mistakes of the logging sector”, stated Turner.
Highest energy prices on earth can’t continue
In the energy sector, the UK is partnering with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to open the way for more Independent Power Providers (IPPs), especially solar power. At present, Solomon Power controls power provision in the country, 90% of which is diesel generated.
“Diesel is bad for people’s health and wallet”, said Turner. We need to open the energy market up and enable more renewable energy providers. Solomon Islands currently has the highest energy prices of anywhere on earth. To enable more energy choices, the UK is working with the Government to establish a new Independent Energy Regulator which will enable more renewable energy suppliers to come in.
The first step is drawing up a new legal framework and UK lawyers are currently embedded in the Ministry of Energy. “We have started the process, but it will take time and will need patience. Solomons has the most expensive power in the world, and this is a drag on households and business’ alike”, said Turner.
