Reclaiming local economies in the Solomon Islands
We worked with Solomon Island communities, local NGOs, experts in carbon markets, and leaders in international development to create approaches to local economic development that improve self-determination and ecosystem health
The Challenge
The Solomon Islands' economy is over dependent on extractive mining and logging old growth forests
In the context of poor access to employment, communities are under pressure to sell logging rights to foreign companies to meet basic needs
Past efforts to diversify local economies have been top-down and delivered at best shot-term benefits
The Outcome
Alternative income pathway from forestry protection to generate high-quality carbon credits to sell on the international voluntary carbon market
Fresh approach to self-determined economic development process, grounded in local values and aspirations
Place-based scaling model to replicate, test and improve approach throughout the Pacific
