Tina River Hydropower Project Strengthens Conservation Efforts with Government Collaboration on Upper Tina Catchment.

Honiara, Solomon Islands – January 30, 2025 – Biodiversity conservation efforts in the Upper Tina Catchment have received a significant boost following a high-level meeting between representatives of the Tina River Hydropower Project Office (TRHPO) and Guadalcanal Premier Hon. Willie Atu, alongside Provincial Secretary Mr. Maesac Suia. The discussions emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable development while ensuring the protection of critical biodiversity in the region through necessary steps for the declaration of protected areas. 

The meeting, held earlier last week, highlighted the importance of balancing environmental conservation with construction and economic progress as the Tina River Hydropower Project moves steadily toward completion. 

During the discussions, it was clarified that the Project Office will cease operations in December 2028, after which the responsibility for managing the Upper Tina Catchment’s biodiversity will shift to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). While the hydropower project will be operated by Tina Hydropower Limited (THL) for 30 years until 2058, SIG will take the lead in long-term conservation efforts. 

Hon. Premier Willie Atu commended the ongoing progress, particularly improvements to access road infrastructure, which will enhance oversight and monitoring. He stressed the significance of integrating biodiversity conservation with economic development, emphasizing that the hydropower project will play a critical role in reducing reliance on diesel-generated electricity, lowering energy costs for the people of the Solomon Islands, and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. 

"Our goal is to ensure that this project delivers long-term energy solutions while safeguarding our natural environment for future generations," said Premier Atu. 

A key focus of the discussions was the urgent need to protect the Upper Tina Catchment from threats such as deforestation, illegal logging, and mining activities. Premier Atu underscored the importance of declaring the area a Protected Site under the Solomon Islands Protected Areas Act 2010, a move that would ensure the long-term preservation of water quality, sedimentation control, and biodiversity. 

Provincial Secretary Maesac Suia echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for greater coordination between the Provincial Government and the Project Office. He called for a comprehensive biodiversity management plan aligned with both national and provincial policies while maintaining strong communication between the Project Office and the Provincial Government regarding construction progress and conservation efforts. 

Mr. Sahibzada (ESSM-PO) also highlighted the need for stronger community involvement to ensure that tribal communities from the upper catchment, local landowners, and residents benefit from the project. The Guadalcanal Provincial Government stressed the importance of increasing awareness and engaging customary landowners in conservation efforts. 

To ensure the long-term conservation of the Upper Tina Catchment, several key actions were discussed during the meeting. These include strengthening legal protections by addressing regulatory challenges related to logging and mining permits, as well as sharing the area's geographic coordinates with the Provincial Government.  

Additionally, the formation of a Steering Committee was proposed to oversee conservation initiatives, with efforts set to begin by mid-2025 to officially declare the Upper Tina Catchment a Protected Area under the Solomon Islands Protected Areas Act 2010. A sustainable funding plan will also be developed to support conservation efforts beyond the hydropower project's commercial operation date. Furthermore, international collaboration with organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank will continue to strengthen biodiversity efforts on an ongoing basis. 

Hon. Premier Willie Atu reaffirmed the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s commitment to balancing development with environmental conservation. He expressed confidence that the Tina River Hydropower Project would not only strengthen the nation’s energy sector but also serve as a model for sustainable development and biodiversity protection. 

"The protection of the Upper Tina Catchment is not just an environmental necessity but also a fundamental part of ensuring the long-term success of this hydropower initiative and its economic and social benefits. Our commitment remains strong, and we will continue to work closely with the Project Office, government agencies, and conservation stakeholders to make this vision a reality," stated Premier Atu. 

The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank. 

Caption: Mr. Maesac Suia—Provincial Secretary to Guadalcanal Provincial Government, Baltazare Rongo- Community Liaison Officer, Project Office, Mr. Willie Atu Hon. Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Sahibzada Tanzeel-Environmental and Social Safeguards Manager.

For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com  
Tina Hydropower development project  
+677 25133 
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)

The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.

Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com

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