Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gatokae Island’s Marovo Lagoon was a jewel of Solomon Islands tourism, with many people familiar with the island’s coral reefs and beautiful turquoise waters. Despite its popularity among divers, local communities are increasingly impacted by climate change and the persisting effects of COVID-19.

The Marovo Lagoon’s Malemale community is one of many low-income communities severely impacted by the increasingly devastating effects of climate change. Coastal flooding and storms surges affect the Marovo coastline, with houses and vegetations being damaged every year. The effects of the climate change and environmental degradation perpetuate the cycle of poverty and vulnerability in the community.

To minimize the impact, local communities are increasingly turning to climate resilient approaches to sustain their livelihoods. 

As part of the Malemale Association’s efforts to protect livelihoods, the Association launched the Rehabilitation and Apiculture Project – a two-year initiative funded by the UNDP Small Grants Programme with financial support from the Global Environment Facility.

The Malemale beekeeping project was approved by the National Steering Committing in 2020 and received a total of USD 25,791.87 in funding. This building of local communities’ capacities, through both resource provision and specific training, by the Rehabilitation and Apiculture Project provides the local population with the capability and initiative to improve their livelihoods.

In the face of the continuing effects of climate change, it is imperative that these communities have the tools and abilities to provide for themselves through climate-resilient industries such as apiculture and the production of kerosene wood that work in harmony with one another. These adverse effects are particularly felt by women who rely on sustainable natural resources to provide for their families and the community.

Speaking on the project, Project Coordinator, Mr Calvin Charles says that this initiative resulted in increased yields and better quality, and therefore, more income: “This has become our sweet success. As from the first five hives we received as part of the SGP support, we’re working to increase the number of colonies up to fifty.”

“This is the only initiative now that helps us produce community-based income,” said Ms Jesina Moses, Project Member speaking on the project’s success.

“Almost every woman in the community is involved in the project work, we help with the kerosene flowers and tree. We learn specifics how to take care of it during the first three weeks before planting the tree out in the wood.”

“Having the kerosene tree planted well means having more honey to sell. It maintains the community economy at the more or less stable level during the COVID-19 pandemic as well,” Ms Moses noted.

Key activities within the project include apiculture [the maintenance of honeybee colonies] and the planting of kerosene wood named Cordia subcordata. Requisite equipment such as nuc boxes [used to hive small colonies of bees] and the required tools were purchased and shipped to the project site, while beekeeping training was planned to develop the skills of the project's recipients.

Alongside beekeeping, kerosene wood is also essential for locals as it is in high demand for woodcarvers. Kerosene wood is the most prized wood for the Marovo Lagoon communities. Many in the area work as skilled carvers, using kerosene wood in their carvings to sell to tourists. This high demand for the resource has led to this species declining in the area.

There is a symbiotic relationship between the bees, the beekeepers, and the kerosene forest as kerosene wood flowers also provide the best nectar for honeybees kept in the project’s apiculture activities. Therefore, the idea to plant kerosene wood as part of this project to keep up with the area's demand for the wood and simultaneously protect the species from disappearing and improve honey production has helped change the mindset and behavior of the local population. In doing so, the project has signified the long-term importance of the wood to the community and encouraged its conservation.

“Our life has gradually been improving as more and more kerosene woods are being planted and regenerated. It boosts the level of production and improves the quality of honey significantly,” says Calvin.

On top of helping to meet the demand for kerosene wood to carve for tourists, the project has also taken over the reconstruction of the accommodation house, where visitors can be accommodated when visiting Malemale Island.

“It also helps to develop and improve tourism in the region, as our lagoon is a very famous place among divers.” He also adds that “the funds help us make our development goals a reality through purchasing tools and equipment.”

---
Footnotes

The GEF Small Grants Programme provides financial and technical support to projects that conserve the global environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods. The Small Grants Programme in the Solomon Islands is implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands and has received financial assistance from the Global Environment Facility and the UK Government.

Story, photos and videos by UNDP in Solomon Islands