8 Jun 2010

Political party in Solomon Islands pledges to relocate victims of climate change

7:28 am on 8 June 2010

The OUR Party in Solomon Islands has pledged to commit 6-point-2 million US dollars to help relocate victims of climate change if it's elected into power at this year's election.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports that OUR party president, Manasseh Sogavare saying the party is committed to a national relocation programme because its concerned about the effects of climate change on the country's low lying islands.

He made the commitment while speaking at the party's launch in the eastern province of Temotu, which is believed to already be experiencing effects from rising sea levels.

Mr Sogavare said OUR Party believes the country should take the lead in addressing the problem instead of waiting on donors.

The policy announcement comes as the Environment Ministry has embarked on a provincial tour to consult about the development of a national climate change policy.