Goal: Establish a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Solomon Islands encompassing at least 238,421 km² of inshore and offshore ocean area

The Alliance is collaborating with IUCN Oceania, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to support the Solomon Islands in achieving its commitment of protecting 15% of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and sustain its efforts to implement integrated ocean management. 

With an EEZ of 1,605,325 km² and hundreds of islands, atolls, and cays, the Solomon Islands hold one of the largest ocean areas in the Pacific. Located in the Bismarck Solomon Seas Ecoregion, also known as the “Western Indo-Pacific cradle of biodiversity,” it hosts an incredible level of biodiversity, including 500+ species of coral and 1000+ species of reef fish.   

Its six main islands and surrounding smaller islands are split into nine provinces, each with a unique geography, history, and culture. Most of the population — up to 4,000 communities — is Indigenous Melanesian, and some areas of the country are very isolated, contributing to the presence of 70+ distinct languages and dialects and diverse cultures and traditions in each province. The marine environment plays a historically critical role in the culture, livelihood, and survival of the people of the Solomon Islands.  

Due to the large number of islands in the Solomon Islands, local governance structures and familiar ties are often more important than national political institutions, though there is a unifying dependence and connection with the surrounding marine ecosystems. This common understanding of contextual rights over ocean resources, values, and appreciation of the ocean has led to the endorsement of the government’s effort for concerted and shared governance of the ocean with increased protection.  

The Solomon Islands have demonstrated clear interest and momentum for ocean conservation through the establishment of Oceans12 (comprised of the 12 relevant Ministries) in 2015 and the announcement of its commitment to protect 15% of its EEZ at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference.  

Ensuring that Solomon Islands marine spatial planning is connected to, resonates with, and is built in collaboration with local and provincial leaders is pivotal to Solomon Island leaders and the success and durability of the network of MPAs.  

This engagement is designed to support the Solomon Islands in achieving its commitment of protecting at least 15% of its EEZ through the execution of marine spatial planning projects and the designation of both inshore and offshore MPAs.  

To this end, the Alliance is contributing to capacity development and efforts to implement integrated ocean management through coordinated planning and action between the central and provincial governments, stakeholders, community organizations, and their partners. The Alliance also supports community-based resource management systems in provincial waters and the expansion of the locally managed marine area network. 

In collaboration with technical partner McKinsey & Company, an evaluation is being conducted to assess the finances needed to manage such a large network and scope opportunities to increase sustainable financial options in support of ocean governance.