Rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, and coastal erosion are drastically impacting communities across the Solomon Islands, creating tough choices for their futures. Among those facing these challenges is Sikaiana, a remote atoll in the Malaita Outer Islands, home to approximately 300 inhabitants.
Tuiao Kapule, the school principal of Sikaiana, reflects on the dramatic changes he has witnessed. “When I was growing up, life on Sikaiana was not like this,” he states. The rising tides and intrusion of saltwater have rendered traditional agricultural practices unsustainable, leading to food shortages that impact students’ ability to attend school. “Sikaiana is my motherland, but if relocation becomes necessary, I would choose to relocate,” he admits, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the realities of climate change.
The necessity for planned relocations is growing increasingly urgent, as communities throughout the Solomon Islands confront the ongoing effects of climate change. In response to these challenges, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) instituted Planned Relocation Guidelines in 2022, with guidance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These guidelines lay the groundwork for the last-resort voluntary and organized relocation of communities from high-risk areas.
To bring these guidelines into practice, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is supporting the project “Strengthening Resilience Against Disaster and Climate Change–Related Fragility in Solomon Islands.” This initiative is designed to enhance disaster preparedness and response at various levels. A key aspect of the project is assisting the SIG in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the planned relocation process. These SOPs will clarify roles and responsibilities among stakeholders to ensure that relocations are conducted transparently, inclusively, and respectfully, preserving livelihoods and community integrity.
KOICA’s Country Director, Hankyulsam Cho, expressed pride in supporting the SIG and highlighted the goal of making relocations accountable and rights-based. The process has involved extensive consultations with nearly 400 stakeholders, ensuring that the SOPs accurately represent the needs and perspectives of the communities directly affected by climate change.
Patrick Toiraena, Provincial Secretary for Western Province, stressed the importance of the SOPs, noting that they would help ensure that any required relocations are well-coordinated and accountable, protecting the rights and dignity of affected populations. The SOPs are currently undergoing final review before stakeholders are trained in their implementation. Additionally, IOM will facilitate public awareness campaigns to ensure that communities understand the processes involved in these relocations.
These collaborative efforts underscore a hopeful direction towards a people-centered and rights-based approach to planned relocation within the Solomon Islands, aimed at fostering resilience in the face of climate adversities. As communities prepare to face the inevitable challenges posed by climate change, the commitment to protect their dignity and livelihoods will be paramount.