Natural Resource Management – 2009

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On April 15, 2009, the Commission of Inquiry into Land Dealings and Abandoned Properties on Guadalcanal was established.[1] The Commission of Inquiry was mandated with investigating the acquisition of Guadalcanal land by non-Guadalcanal persons prior to 1998 as well as other land dealings in Guadalcanal. The Commission issued questionnaires for landowners to file claims to land ownership.

The 1st 2009 Draft Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands provides for provincial authority over natural resources. In particular, the draft allocates land tenure and dealings, land registration, land planning, use, and development to provincial jurisdiction. However, these powers over natural resources were also listed as concurrent powers in the draft.[2]

[1] “Terms of Reference,” Commission of Inquiry into Land Dealings and Abandoned Properties on Guadalcanal, Commission of Inquiry Act, April 15, 2009.

[2] 1st 2009 Draft Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands National Constitutional Congress and Eminent Persons Advisory Council, June 29, 2009.

Donor Support – 2000

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The Townsville Peace Agreement called for the Solomon Islands Government to solicit financial assistance to compensate victims of the conflict in Guadalcanal. In 2000, the Solomon Islands was awarded financial assistance for rehabilitation by the EU,[1] Australia[2] and the Asian Development Bank.[3] However, this aid was not intended or used specifically for reparations to the victims of conflict.

[1] “Agreement makes EU biggest donor to Solomon Islands,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, November 14, 2000.

[2] “Solomon Islands: Australia grants funds for community rehabilitation,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, December 6, 2000.

[3] “Asian Development Bank loan to boost reconstruction,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts,” December 29, 2000.

Donor Support – 2001

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The Solomon Islands continued to receive international assistance in 2001, with financial and material support coming from Britain,[1][2] Japan,[3] UNICEF, [4] the EU, [5] Australia,[6] and New Zealand.[7] However, these donations were for overarching governance functions and election-holding and were not specific to compensation projects. The Solomon Islands Government accepted a total of $25 million USD from Taiwan (to be distributed over time) for the compensation of landowners whose property had been damaged during the conflict.[8]

[1] “Solomon Islands: Britain agrees aid for primary education,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, February 27, 2001.

[2] “Solomon Islands: Foreign governments donate funds for election holding,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 11, 2001.

[3] “Japan, UNICEF donate medical supplies to Solomon Islands,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 31, 2001.

[4] “Japan, UNICEF donate medical supplies to Solomon Islands,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 31, 2001.

[5] “Solomon Islands: Foreign governments donate funds for election holding,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 11, 2001.

[6] “Solomon Islands: Foreign governments donate funds for election holding,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 11, 2001.

[7] “New Zealand to contribute funds for Solomon Islands elections,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, May 21, 2001.

[8] “Solomon Islands uses Taiwan loan to compensate landowners,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, July 16, 2001.

Donor Support – 2002

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In 2002, the Solomon Islands continued to receive international assistance from Taiwan in support of compensation programs for victims of the conflict.[1]

[1] “Solomon Islands government ends compensation payments,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, October 7, 2002.