BY KREINER TUKALI
Women leaders from Guadalcanal have taken a major step in supporting environmental protection and community development through a new partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
The Guadalcanal Council of Women and TNC officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the TNC office this week, marking a key milestone in their joint commitment to conservation and community resilience.
The partnership is part of the “Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle” program, funded by the German Government through GIZ under the SOMACORE initiative. The project will run from June 2025 to December 2026 and covers Solomon Islands, Indonesia, and the wider Coral Triangle region.
Speaking during the signing, Guadalcanal Council of Women President Stella Kokopu said the agreement reflects a shared vision to support communities and protect natural resources.
“This MOU is important because it strengthens our partnership and creates a clear path for us to work together for our people and environment,” she said.
Mrs Kokopu said women play a vital role in community development and environmental protection because they are closely connected to families, resources, and local traditions.
“Our women understand the needs of the communities. They have the trust of the people and can help promote conservation and sustainable living,” she added.
The MOU formalizes cooperation between the two organizations by outlining clear roles, shared values, regular communication, and joint planning activities.
The Ridges to Reef approach will focus on different sectors including agriculture, forestry, tourism, mining, water, sanitation, energy, and community resource management.
The partnership also aims to promote inclusive development by supporting women, youths, and other vulnerable groups through advocacy, leadership, and capacity building programs.
The agreement was signed by Stella Kokopu and Vice President Cynthia Luza on behalf of the Guadalcanal Council of Women, while Solomon Islands Interim Country Program Lead Nester signed on behalf of The Nature Conservancy.
“This partnership is about long-term cooperation and building stronger, resilient communities for the future,” a TNC representative said.
