Tourism for economic development on Solomon Islands

By Nicola Winter

Most of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) are avoided or overlooked by tourists. However, tourism can make valuable contributions to the economic growth of a country, and many LDCs have amazing things to offer their visitors. For those who wish to help make a difference in the world, there are great options for adventure and relaxation all while helping a developing country’s economy grow in a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.

This Week: Solomon Islands

Impact on economic development
Until the late 1990s, timber was the main export product of the Solomon Islands, which resulted in severe depletion of the islands rainforests. Today, fishing and agriculture are the main economic sectors, with almost 75 percent of the population involved in agriculture. As a Small Island Developing State, the Solomon Islands are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Soil erosion, deforestation, and potential over-fishing are threats resulting from an economy based on agriculture, logging, and fishing. Without regulating measures of sustainability, over time these could result in food insecurities and exaggerated climate change effects. Finding other renewable and eco-friendly sources of income is crucial to sustaining the Solomon Islands economy and ecosystem, and the development of the sustainable tourism sector is one alternative.

The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that in 2009, tourism made up 7.4 percent ($48.7 million) of Solomon Islands’ GDP, 6.1 percent of employment, and 5.9 percent ($18 million) of total exports as a result of goods sold to tourists and international visitors. Over the next ten years, tourism is expected to grow to account for 8.4 percent ($98.7 million) of the GDP, 6.9 percent of employment, and 8.1 percent ($36.9 million) of total exports.

Floating fruit and vegetable market. (Photo from Creative Commons)

Why you should go
The Solomon Islands is a chain of around 1,000 separate islands, each with something different to offer. World class diving, exotic wildlife, cultural exposure, and rich World War II legacies are some of the highlights of the islands. The Solomon Islands were the site of some of the most intense battles during World War II, so in addition to the stunning natural coral reefs and crystal clear water, there are many different war wrecks for divers to explore. Lake Tegano on the island of Renell is the largest lake in the Pacific, and has great unique wildlife and sunken remains of WWII warplanes. On Guandacanal, a short hike though lush rainforests brings you to the gorgeous double-sided Mataniko Falls, which was once a hideout for Japanese soldiers. Malaita is a great place for cultural tourism, where many different tribes have managed to preserve ancient traditions, including a unique shark worship ritual. There are also countless opportunities to visit both active and dormant volcanoes.

Recommendations
Being a responsible traveler is key to aiding development. Here are a few recommendations on travel companies, hotels, guide groups, and other travel aids that focus on sustainable tourism through eco-friendly activities and by operating in synch with local communities to raise living standards while preserving local culture.

Diver off the shore of the Solomon Islands. (Photo from Creative Commons)

Dive Gizo
This scuba diving guide company offers daylong diving trips at various different sites. The company’s directors are highly involved in establishing and preserving marine reserves in the Gizo area, and in 2001 they purchased an island northwest of Gizo in order to ensure the protection of its marine life. This proved successful when an ecological assessment in 2004 by the Nature Conservancy showed that this island has one of the highest counts of fish and biodiversity of coral worldwide. This company also collaborates with the World Wildlife Fund to help collect data.
Website: http://www.divegizo.com

KFPL Ringgi Guesthouse
Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) is the Solomon’s largest sustainable forest company and the only supplier of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified plantation logs and timber. Its guesthouse on Kolombangara Island is a great base to explore the rich forests and wildlife it helps protect. KFPL also applies a sustainable approach to harvesting natural forests and works in partnership with the local communities to protect local biodiversity.
Website: http://www.solomonislands-hotels.travel/KFPL_Ringgi_Guesthouse

The Wilderness Lodge
Right on a coral lagoon on Gatokae Island, the Wilderness Lodge was established to help provide alternative, sustainable sources of income to the local population. The lodge was built using local, renewable timber and non-timber products, runs on solar power, and serves only locally grown food. Wilderness Lodge also works with various partners to develop conservation initiatives aimed at increasing the awareness and education in Gatokae communities.
Website: http://www.thewildernesslodge.org/

Nusatuva Eco Lodge
The Nusatuva Eco Lodge was established by the local community in partnership with the Darwin Initiative and the World Wildlife Fund. The lodge employs all local people, and helps support a network of locally-managed and protected marine areas, as well as training in sustainable, income-generating activities, such as coral and sponge farming.
Website: http://www.solomonislands-hotels.travel/Nusatuva_Eco_Lodge

Safety
The Solomon Islands was embroiled in civil war from 1999 up until 2003, when the United Nations deployed the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which has been successful in establishing regional security. The US Department of State considers it safe to travel throughout the Solomon Islands, though with the recent economic downturn, there has been a rise in crimes such as theft and extortion. Therefore all travelers should use caution when traveling alone or at night, and keep a close eye on his/her belongings.

For more information on safety, visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1021.html#safety

For more general information about visiting the Solomon Islands, please visit the following sites:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/solomon-islands
http://www.solomonislands-hotels.travel/country_guide