The Climate Resilience and Growth Story of Titiru Eco Lodge in Solomon Islands
In the picturesque Solomon Islands, the Western Province is the go-to destination for tourists. It’s famous for its beautiful islands, stunning beaches, vibrant reefs, excellent fishing, and world-renowned diving spots. In the midst of all this natural beauty, one place stands out – Titiru Eco Lodge.
As well as being considered the best resort in the Solomon Islands by TripAdvisor, Titiru Eco Lodge is special because it’s 100% locally owned. This unique gem is a family-run business managed by family member Pana Paza.
The story of Titiru Eco Lodge began in 2012, but it officially opened in 2015 with room for ten guests. People loved the experience it offered, but like many businesses in the tourism sector, it had a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding to the economic woes of Titiru Eco Lodge, two bungalows were lost to high tides and rising sea levels.
Titiru Eco Lodge is the ultimate destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. With a wide range of activities such as fishing, swimming, nature trekking, and opportunities to unwind amidst the sea and natural beauty, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
When Pana Paza learned about the Business Link Pacific (BLP) programme through a consultant from the Ministry of Tourism and a staff member from the New Zealand High Commission in the Solomon Islands, he felt a ray of hope. Pana completed his application for a BLP Business Support Grant online, finding the website very user-friendly.
The lodge faces the challenge of shoreline erosion caused by rising sea levels, leading to the gradual loss of land to the ocean. The proposed grant project addresses this issue by mitigating erosion and transitioning from leaf to iron roofs. This climate adaptation will facilitate the collection of clean rainwater, ensuring a sustainable supply for consumption and maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards.
The BLP grant will support the construction of a seawall and the establishment of stone walkways, a strategic plan aimed at mitigating land erosion caused by rising sea levels and preventing erosion of shores. Additionally, installing rainwater storage tanks will contribute to a sustainable water supply for the lodge. 
The BLP grant was a big help at just the right time. It allowed Titiru Eco Lodge to build a new bungalow which could accommodate two more guests and grow the business. This meant more income for Titiru and a better experience for visitors.
Titiru Eco Lodge qualified for the BLP Grant under both the inclusion and climate categories since it benefits the rural people in the remote Western Highlands, and the Grant was used to rebuild a more resilient new bungalow that will withstand high tides and rising sea levels.
Pana is very thankful for the support from BLP, and he encourages other small businesses to seek help as he did. Titiru Eco Lodge is not just a successful business; it’s a symbol of hope and determination. It shows that even when things get tough, with support and hard work, dreams can come true as they have in this most beautiful of places.
If you think your business could be doing better but are not sure what to change, try one of BLP’s free business diagnostic tools online at https://businesslinkpacific.com/#business-toolkit.
These include the online Business Health Check, which checks your business’s overall health and identifies areas that could be improved. The online Business Continuity Planner which checks if your business is in good shape should disaster strike, and the in-person Diagnostic Report. Support is always at hand.
To find out more about whether your business qualifies for a Business Support Grant or subsidised business advisory services, visit https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/what-are-blps-finance-services-support/.