Villagers in the Saeraghi community on Ghizo Island, located in the western provinces of the Solomon Islands, have long relied on sea grape harvesting for their livelihoods. In a region with one of the country’s most biologically rich ecosystems, these small green bubble-like plants grow alongside mangroves, and for decades were a key source of income as they could be sold at markets.
But according to the World Wide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands, they had been mismanaged and overharvested due to a lack of an effective local management system — a problem only made worse by climate change as sea grapes are sensitive to temperature changes and water salinity fluctuation.
That changed with the establishment of a Locally Managed Marine Area in 2016, with support from the WWF Solomon Islands office. What has taken place in Saeraghi is part of a regional shift in how marine protected areas are being managed in the Pacific.
Continue reading and explore the full visual story on marine protection and livelihoods in the Solomon Islands.
Visit the Turning the Tide series for more coverage on climate change, resilience building, and innovative solutions in small island developing states. You can join the conversation using the hashtag #TurningtheTide.
About the author
Nithin Cocaexcinit
Nithin Coca is a Devex contributing reporter who focuses on social, economic, and environmental issues in developing countries, and has specific expertise in Southeast Asia.