Posted on June, 09 2025

GIZO, WESTERN PROVINCE, SOLOMON ISLANDS - Over 400 people gathered in the coastal village of Sairagi, Western Province, on 9 June to celebrate World Oceans Day, World Environment Day, and Coral Triangle Day — a triple celebration that also marked 30 years of WWF's work in Solomon Islands. 

Community members, government representatives, civil society organisations, and youth from as far as Vella la Vella and Kohingo joined the festivities, which included live music, a beach clean-up, and awareness sessions around the themes “Beat Plastic Pollution,” “Sustainable Fishing Means More Fish,” and “The Coral Triangle – One Triangle, Infinite Beauty.”

The event showcased decades of partnership between WWF and local communities, working together to protect natural resources, build climate resilience, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods.

Deputy Provincial Secretary Mr. Collin Potakana, the Guest of Honour, commended the collaborative work across sectors, applauding WWF’s long-standing commitment to Western Province and the broader Solomon Islands.

WWF-Solomon Islands’ Gizo Field Office Coordinator, Salome Topo, reflected on the organisation’s impact over the past three decades.

“We have touched lives through our work in marine conservation and community capacity building. In Sairagi, I’ve witnessed real transformation—from fisheries management to food systems and resilience planning,” she said.

The day also highlighted conservation work under the Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) project, funded by the Government of Australia, supporting four local communities — Sairagi, Boboe, Pusiju and Kongulavata — in sustainably harvesting sea grapes, an important food and income source.

Sairagi’s Ijo Maringi Association, supported by WWF, is also constructing a community training hub that will strengthen peer learning and environmental governance across the province.

“Let this not just be a celebration, but a renewed call to action — to invest in science, strengthen stewardship, and protect the future of this extraordinary region,” Ms. Topo said.

The event reinforced Solomon Islands’ ongoing role in the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) and reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to building a People and Nature Positive Pacific. 

ENDS