Background
This project is a component of the Integration of nature-based solutions (NbS) in country-level operations of the Resilient Settlements of the Urban Poor (RISE UP) programme with funding provided by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, was selected as a site to pilot NbS and urban biodiversity actions in the context of upgrading and building climate resilience in informal settlements. As part of this programme, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) were identified as a cost-effective and inclusive way of enhancing the climate resilience of urban informal residents while working closely with the natural environment; at the same time as improving urban liveability.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project is to implement an integrated approach to strengthening climate action, improving urban environment, and providing more resilient settlements for the urban poor.
• Community and stakeholder workshops to raise awareness, as well as identifying climate-related issues in the community and potential Nature-based Solutions (NbS);
• The design and implementation of at least three NbS pilots validated by the community;
• Dissemination of the NbS actions and their benefits;
• A Nature based Solutions (NbS) training workshop.
Activities
A total of four actions for piloting nature-based solutions in Koa Hill were implemented at sites chosen by the community:
• An urban garden project at Central Valley Community (Koa Hill Riverbank Zone 27), including a plant nursery;
• Flood prevention along Koa Hill riverbank by planting vetiver grass and bamboo (Zone 26 and Zone 27);
• Landslide prevention on the top hill of Koa Hill Zone 26 (vetiver grass);
• Landslide prevention using vetiver grass for slope stabilization in Central Valley Community (Koa Hill Riverbank Zone 27).
• Additional settlement upgrading activities were also undertaken as part of the project. These included the construction of new steps to the river punts, known locally as ‘floaters’ (transportation across the river being the main access route for the community), new jetties, a raised footpath for the rainy season, bridges, a plant nursery of vetiver and lemon grass, a play area for young children, and a volleyball court for teens (including new sporting equipment). It is intended that building community resources on the flood plain will discourage new house building in such a high-risk area.
Donors and Key Project Stakeholders
Donor:
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
