Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster: Hon. Stanley Festus Sofu 45th Anniversary Special Message 2023

From: 

The Honorable Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Hon. Stanley Festus Sofu (MP), Permanent Secretary Dr Melchior Mataki and Staff of MECDM

To:
His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Independent Group, Ministers of the Crown, Members of Parliament, Hon Speaker of Parliament, Hon Chief Justice, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Lord Mayor HCC, HCC Councilors, All Provincial Premiers, Member of Provincial Assemblies, Development Partners, Church Leaders, Chiefs, Public Servants, the Private Sector and People of Solomon Islands;

Special Message:
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the country’s independence, we would like to wish you all a very happy and joyous celebration. On this occasion the Ministry would also like to assure the Government and people of Solomon Islands that it remains committed to discharge its functions without fear or favour guided by our Vision for a “Safe, Sustainable and Resilient Environment for Solomon Islands” through a Mission that is centered on “the application of safeguards on:

1. The sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment,
2. Preparing for and responding to climate change,
3. Leading and coordinating disaster risk management,
4. Providing meteorological and allied services”

As the country heads towards hosting the Pacific Games 2023, the MECDM with the support of partners including the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, UNDP and Australia are carrying out a number of targeted activities  including the development of the Pacific Games Disaster Response Plan and the development of  a Regulation to ban the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale and general use of certain categories of Single Use Plastics (SUP) in the country as of 1st  September2023.

The Ministry appeals to all citizens and residents of the country to assist us implement the SUP Regulation once it comes online. With your support, the Solomon Islands will be able to stage a clean, safe and environmentally friendly games, and leave a positive legacy for the games.

Happy 45th Independence Anniversary Everyone!