Australia remains committed to addressing climate change issues affecting the Pacific region including Solomon Islands.
That’s the assurance from Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, during his presentation last week at the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) in Honiara.
The one-hour seminar focused on two main issues; climate change and, intellectual rights of indigenous people.
However, he focused more on the alarming negative impact of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of indigenous communities across the Pacific region including the country.
He said given the biodiversity of culture that binds the two countries together, Australia wants to engage meaningfully with the region.
“This is a new journey we have taken between the governments of Australia, Solomon Islands government and its people in building the pathway forward,” he said.
He further stressed that indigenous people in the Pacific contributed very least on climate change but yet they are very affected by its impact.
“The Pacific region is most affected in terms of climate change more than any other country in the world.”
But he assured that Australia remains committed strengthening climate and disaster resilience recognising Solomon Island as one of the vulnerable nations in the world.
He highlighted who the impact of climates change had on the low-lying islands and atolls.
“We are witnessing increasing rate of raising sea waters and high rainfall.
“With more than 80 percent of the population living in the low lying coastal areas it is becoming clear that we need a climate action.”
He said it’s important that Pacific people must raise their voice in the regional and international stage so that it can be heard.
“But more important Australia has to do their part in addressing the climate crises in our region,” Ambassador Justin Mohamed highlighted.
