The challenger Voyage arrives in Honiara today

The traditional canoe set off from Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Manus province on August 29, with 10 people on board, and landed in Choiseul last week for its first stop.

Climate Challenger under full sail



In Choiseul the group conducted awareness programmes in Nukiki, Wagina and Arnavon before setting sail to Kia and onwards to Buala in Isabel province.

The team departed Buala yesterday for Honiara.

The voyage is plainly to raise awareness on climate change and inspire people on community-based adaptation action including conservation and protection of marine resources.

Under the theme ‘Bridging gaps between the Pacific-connecting countries’ the voyage was an initiative by the people of Manus Islands, inspired by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in PNG and funded for by the Australian Government (Ausaid) program.

Speaking about the voyage, Director of TNC, Solomon Islands, Willie Atu yesterday confirmed the team’s arrival, adding that his office is prepared to welcome them to the shores of Honiara.

“We have had our officers welcomed them in the other two provinces, now that they are coming to the shores of the Capital of Solomon Islands, we are indeed preparing a big welcome for them,” Mr Atu said.

He called on the general public to also welcome the sailors as they arrive on the shores of Honiara.
The Climate Challenger is expected depart during the coming weekend.

The voyage continues from the Solomon Islands to Nauru, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Kosrae, Ponape, Truk Islands, Puluwat, Sorol, Yap, Palau, Au Wuvulu, Ninigo and Hermit Islands before returning to Manus in PNG.