Manila, Philippines — The PS Dr. Chris Vehe of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) took the global stage at the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) in Manila last week, delivering a powerful statement during the session Biodiversity & Nature in Energy Infrastructure. He emphasized a transformative shift in infrastructure planning, recognizing biodiversity not as a constraint, but as a core strategic asset.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the PS highlighted the groundbreaking approach of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, positioning it as a model for nature-integrated infrastructure in the Pacific and beyond.
“Traditionally, biodiversity considerations in energy projects have been treated as safeguards—a checklist to minimize environmental harm,” Dr. Vehe stated. “At Tina Hydro, we see biodiversity and ecosystem services as critical to enhancing the project’s resilience, performance, and long-term value.”
Here are some highlights from his statement delivered during the session.
From Safeguards to Strategic Investments in Nature
The Tina River project integrates nature from the outset, reflecting a wider shift from the conventional “do no harm” model to a forward-looking approach: “investing in nature as infrastructure.” This perspective sees natural ecosystems not as peripheral, but foundational to operational sustainability.
Ecosystem Services: The Hidden Engine of Cost-Efficiency
Healthy upstream forest ecosystems in the Tina River catchment area naturally regulate water flow, control sedimentation, and filter runoff. These services offer tangible infrastructure benefits:
• Reduced sedimentation lowers the need for costly desilting operations
• Protection of turbines and dam components from wear and tear
• Extended operational lifespan of the hydropower facility
These natural processes contribute directly to financial sustainability, decreasing maintenance costs and improving returns on investment for developers and financiers.
Nature-Based Solutions in Action
The project’s nature-based interventions also generate co-benefits for local communities:
Community-led Forest conservation agreements with landowning tribes protect the catchment while providing alternative livelihoods through benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Reforestation and buffer zones enhance slope stability, reduce landslide risks, and preserve water quality.
Agroforestry and sustainable agriculture initiatives help reduce forest encroachment, supporting food security and climate resilience.
It is also crucial to note the critical role of cross-ministerial cooperation in biodiversity protection. Collaboration among the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MFRF), MMERE and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government is essential to aligning national efforts and preserving the country’s natural capital.
“Preserving nature isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s an economic and strategic one,” MMERE affirmed. “Our ministries must continue to work together to ensure biodiversity and energy development go hand-in-hand.”
These integrated strategies foster trust and collaboration with communities, an essential factor in securing long-term social license to operate.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
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