Solomon Islands Launches PacFresH2O Programme to Strengthen Freshwater Security, Climate Resilience and Sustainable WASH Services

Supported by the German Government's International Climate Initiative (IKI) and funded through the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the five-year regional programme supports the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to strengthen climate resilience through sustainable freshwater resource management and climate-resilient WASH services. 

Climate change is placing increasing pressure on freshwater resources across Solomon Islands through changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, saltwater intrusion and declining water quality. These challenges threaten access to safe drinking water and sanitation, public health, food security, livelihoods and the wellbeing of communities, particularly those in rural and remote areas. 

PacFresH2O addresses these challenges through an integrated approach that combines climate-resilient freshwater resource management, improved WASH services, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Nature-based Solutions, strengthened governance and community-led action. The Programme also promotes gender equality and social inclusion while recognising the important role of local knowledge, partnerships and sustainable resource management in building long-term resilience. 

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Derrick Rawcliff Manuari, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, said freshwater security is fundamental to the health, dignity, livelihoods and future of our people.

“For Solomon Islands, climate change is not a distant challenge; its impacts are already being experienced by our communities through changing rainfall patterns, drought, flooding, saltwater intrusion and increasing pressure on our freshwater sources. PacFresH2O therefore comes at an important time and directly supports our Government’s commitment to ensure that our people, particularly those living in rural and vulnerable communities, have access to safe, reliable and climate-resilient water and sanitation services. Through this partnership, we are not simply responding to today’s water challenges; we are investing in the resilience, wellbeing and security of future generations of Solomon Islanders,” said Hon. Derrick Rawcliffe Manuari.

Representing the Government of Germany, Her Excellency Beate Grzeski, German Ambassador to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Naoero, said Germany was proud to partner with Solomon Islands in strengthening climate resilience and protecting one of the country's most valuable natural resources. 

“For the German Government, investing in freshwater and climate-resilient WASH services is an investment in people, supporting health, food security, and sustainable development. Germany is proud to implement PacFreshH20 in partnership with the Government of the Solomon Islands. This project is intrinsically linked to Germany’s regional diplomatic efforts. The insights gained will inform the regional climate security agenda at the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting and serve as a basis for advocating for more ambitious climate action and fairer financing at pre-COP and COP31,” said H.E. Grzeski.

Charlotte Siegerstetter, Head of Programme, PacFresH2O, GIZ Pacific, said PacFresH2O is designed to deliver practical and lasting benefits for communities while strengthening partnerships for climate resilience, "It is about working alongside governments, communities and partners to protect freshwater resources while strengthening resilience where it matters most. Through this Programme, we will support practical, locally led solutions that improve water security, strengthen climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services, and help communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.”

At the heart of PacFresH2O is a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, recognising that women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are often disproportionately affected by climate change and water insecurity.

According to Litea Biukoto, Deputy Director - Disaster and Water Resilience Programme at the Pacific Community (GEM), water is the foundation of resilient Pacific communities, “As climate change intensifies droughts, flooding and pressure on our freshwater resources, protecting and managing water sustainably has never been more important. Through PacFresH2O, SPC is proud to stand alongside the Government of Solomon Islands in a shared commitment to strengthen water security, build national and community capacity, and advance evidence-based solutions. Together, we are turning knowledge, partnership and Pacific leadership into action, protecting freshwater today and building a more water-secure, climate-resilient Pacific for tomorrow." 

Elmah Panisi, Country Manager - Live & Learn Solomon Islands said, a cornerstone of PacFresH20 is its commitment to empowering women, “Across Makira, Guadalcanal, and Central Province, we will work to ensure that women are not just participants, but leaders shaping decisions, driving innovation, and inspiring change. Water is a central part of women’s daily lives, and their voices and expertise are essential as we build systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and resilient to the challenges of climate change. When women lead, families and communities thrive." 

The Solomon Islands Country Launch marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between governments, communities and development partners to safeguard freshwater resources and strengthen resilience to climate change.