FY 2021 Quarter 2 Progress Report: Solomon Islands Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Environment – Natural Resource Management (SCALE-NRM)

The program aims to improve forest governance and ensure sustainable forest management. Implemented by Winrock International, SCALE-NRM has a total budget of $16.5 million, spanning from 2021 to 2025. The program forms part of the broader United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded SCALE initiative, which aims to improve forest governance, strengthen agri-business and trade, and enhance infrastructure. The overall SCALE program is implemented by five organizations, including Winrock, DAI Global, LLC, Green Powered Technology, Nathan Associates, and Pacific American Fund. During the second quarter of 2021, SCALE-NRM experienced a high level of public, bureaucratic, and political interest. Impromptu forums were held at the Auki market, hosted by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Malaita Premier. The project's Auki office received a steady stream of visitors from various parts of Malaita who wanted to learn more about the project. This widespread interest is attributed to deliberate efforts to build relationships with government, civil society, and the business community. SCALE-NRM's Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) Morgan Wairiu played a key role in briefing senior government officials and hosting high-level visitors. Notably, Wairiu hosted a joint high-level visit to Malaita, which included the Permanent Secretaries of Forests and Environment, and the Deputy Chief of Mission. The project also presented to the Malaita Provincial Executive Government and Malaitan members of the National Assembly. These efforts have resulted in strong and widespread support from virtually all stakeholders. A significant development in the quarter was securing agreement from esteemed legal scholar James Apaniai to lead the drafting of the Malaita Business Licenses Ordinance. This ordinance will be a key tool in addressing uncontrolled logging. Prior to commencing the drafting process, essential preparatory work must be done, including background legal research, development of a draft forest business license policy, and widespread consultation on this policy. The program's progress is a testament to the effectiveness of its approach in building relationships with key stakeholders. As SCALE-NRM continues to implement its activities, it is expected to make significant contributions to improving forest governance and ensuring sustainable forest management in Malaita Province.