Members of the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) have come together to address climate change and tuna fishing issues. In a historic first, representatives from Ward 31 (Luaniua), Ward 32 (Pelau), and Sikaina met in Honiara during Malaita Province’s 42nd Anniversary celebration.
Lawrence Makili, chairman of the Ontong Java Trust Board, highlighted the importance of this gathering. “It’s great that we can unite on these critical issues,” he said. He pointed out that, even though MOI communities are directly affected by rising sea levels, government support for climate change policies is lacking. “Our people have relied on fishing for generations, but now we have to go further out to catch fish,” he added.
Despite being situated in rich fishing waters, MOI has not benefited from the lucrative tuna industry. With the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, Makili noted that the wards are planning to collaborate with civil society to bring their concerns to the forefront. “If the government doesn’t address our issues, we’ll make sure they get talked about at the Forum,” he explained.
The celebration drew a large crowd, showcasing vibrant Polynesian dances and a feast. Local provincial representatives and community leaders attended, though the Member of Parliament for MOI could not make it as he was overseas.
Climate change is affecting not just fishing but also the livelihoods of many in the region. The World Bank estimates that rising sea levels could displace thousands of people in the Pacific Islands over the next few decades. This underscores the urgency for communities like MOI to advocate for change.
User reactions on social media reflect a growing awareness about these issues. Many local voices are calling for action and more government accountability. This unity among the MOI wards may be a critical step in raising awareness at both national and regional levels.
The MOI community is taking a bold stance, and their efforts could set a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges.
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