State of the Environment Report - 2008 - Solomon Islands

The rapid pace and level of exploitation of the country’s natural resources cannot be isolated from the environmental challenges with which the country is faced. At the same time, it should be remembered that environmental sustainability is critically important to the country’s economic and social development. The Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government recognizes and attaches considerable importance to ensuring the environment and natural resources of Solomon Islands are protected, managed and sustainably used for the maximum benefit of the people and government of Solomon Islands. The production of the State of the Environment Report for Solomon Islands through Cabinet endorsement demonstrates CNURA’s commitment to promote sound environmental practices in the country. This report which fulfils Section 8 of the Environment Act 1998, is the first such report produced under that Act. The importance of this report lies in its role as a first step in identifying the major environmental issues the country is facing and informing government regarding priorities, policy options and responses to priority issues. It accomplishes this by gathering in one place, the current state of knowledge about the country’s environment.