A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the World Wide Fund for nature – Solomon Islands and the Western provincial government in Gizo, Western Province.

The signatories are WWF Field Project Coordinator rep, Mrs Salome Tepo, on behalf of the Country Manager, and the Western Province Premier Hon Wayne Maepio.

This was held at the Telekom Conference Room, Telekom Building, purposely to build stronger collaboration between the two for the management of the environment and natural resources of the people of Western Province.

Gizo base WWF Field Project Coordinator, Mrs Salome Tepo highlights that the significant document marked another history partnership between the World Wide Fund for Nature-Solomon Islands, WWF-Solomon Island office and Western Provincial government.

She said Solomon Islands is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and Western Province is home to some of our country’s most biologically rich ecosystem.

This means that protecting the islands and water that make up this province is crucial, not just for Solomon Islands but for the entire world.

Mrs Tepo added that the WWF has been working with the Government and communities of Western Province for more than 20 years.

“We believe that this is the best way to achieve the government vision of a united and prosperous Western Province.

“Last three years, with support from the Australia government, John West Australia, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and WWF supporters in Australia and the Netherlands, WWF has worked towards both of those vision by partnering with Western Province Communities to help them sustainably manage their precious natural resources.”

Meanwhile, Western Province Premier Hon Wayne Maepio said “this is another milestone for the government to working close with the WWF to preserve our environment and conserve our marine resources”.

“My government is trying to working close with the WWF to educate our future generation with the limit resources that we have in our province.”

Those who witnessed the MOU signing were Deputy Premier Marlon Lopoto, Western Province Fisheries Officer Mr Chillion Panasasa, SPC representative Mr James Hika, JICA volunteer Ms Uko, Gizo United Church Minister Rev Mri Billy Anikolo, NRDF rep Mr Wilco and WF Mr Aropa.