| Project Detail |
The knowledge and support technical assistance (KSTA) will assist the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to strengthen the policy framework, primary and secondary legislation in water resources management harmonized with international best practice. The KSTA scope will include the development of environmental flow guidelines and a strategic assessment of the planned hydropower developments in the countrys river system.
Project Name Capacity Development for Sustainable Rivers Management
Project Number 57066-001
Country / Economy Solomon Islands
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA 10135-SOL: Capacity Development for Sustainable Rivers Management
The knowledge and support technical assistance (KSTA) will assist the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to strengthen the policy framework, primary and secondary legislation in water resources management harmonized with international best practice. The KSTA scope will include the development of environmental flow guidelines and a strategic assessment of the planned hydropower developments in the countrys river system.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystems protection is a critical component of river basin management and underpins environmentally sustainable development in Solomon Islands. The impact of climate change and competing demands for finite water resources require an effective legal framework and commitments with defined financing linked to policy actions aimed at maximizing the benefits of biodiversity protection through a range of measures, including setting aside some areas from developments. There are three agencies with the mandate for water resources management: (i) the Water Resources Management Division of Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification which has specific responsibilities under the River Waters Act 1996 (the "Act") for control of river waters and to ensure the equitable and beneficial use of river water, (ii) the Environment and Conservation Division of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology has the mandate to ensure that the environment and natural resources of SOL are protected, managed and sustainably used, and (iii) the SOL Water Authority/Solomon Water is a state-owned enterprise created under the Solomon Water Act 1992 and provides essential services in the areas of water and wastewater.
The Act is a framework document for the management of the river water resources in the country. It sets out procedures for the issuance of permits for water use and diversion. Present version of legislation is poorly aligned with international best practices, leading to the lack of effective and sustainable management of water resources, including planning of river projects (e.g., hydropower plants), the protection of river ecosystems, and the allocation of water resources. Poorly regulated developments, compounded by the adverse impacts of climate change, affect the health of these ecosystems with serious negative consequences for biodiversity and communities livelihoods. These values are threatened by the cumulative impacts of long-term economic developments which have the potential to alter natural flow regimes, alter silt loads and deposition cycles, block fish passage and induce habitat loss.
Strategic fit. The project is aligned with the ADB Strategy 2030 and will support operational priority (OP) 2 through gender-inclusive capacity building, OP3 through protection of ecosystems, and OP5 through support for rural livelihoods. The KSTA will contribute to SDG 5 (gender equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The proposed KSTA is consistent with ADB differentiated approach in fragile and conflict situations and in small island developing states. It has been included in the draft country partnership strategy for 2023.
Impact
Design, implementation, and enforcement of laws for the protection of vital riverine and riparian ecosystems for climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods improved in Solomon Islands. |
