Unearthing stories that matters |
by Ronald Toito’ona A century-long journey of struggle for land rights and equitable participation in resource development reached a triumphant climax this week when Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially handed over the Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL) 20 percent share certificate to the five tribes of Kolobangara Island. On Tuesday…
Whilst Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marabe is attending COP 30 in Brazil to plead for international finance to protect the world’s forests and biodiversity, back home is a different story. Deforestation under the controversial Forest Clearing Authority (FCA) by mainly Malaysian logging companies hasn’t been addressed. Papua New…
Solomon Islands sawn timber exporters demonstrated their strong commitment towards industry sustainability at the Solomon Islands Sawn Timber Knowledge Forum on Wednesday 13 August 2025 in Honiara. Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Timber Processors and Exporters Association (SITPEA), the event celebrated progress towards certification for…
Empowering Frontline Environmental Custodians Across the Country by Ednal Palmer The Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) has proudly launched the nation’s first Rangers’ Guide to Natural Resources Laws in the Solomon Islands: Your Roles, Your Rights, along with a dedicated Facilitator’s Handbook. This landmark initiative represents a major step forward…
A major step toward strengthening natural resource management in the Solomon Islands has begun with the Training of Trainers (TOT) for Forest Rangers of Guadalcanal Province. Held at the DD Holiday Inn Conference Room in Honiara, the week-long training brings together 25 Head Rangers representing 17 Community-Based Conservation (CBC) areas…
Melanesian nations unite to create the world’s largest marine reserve Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have announced a major initiative at this week’s UN Ocean summit in France that will see the creation of a “Melanesian Ocean Reserve” to safeguard ancestral waters, homelands, and people of the southwestern Pacific. The proposed Ocean Reserve…
by Ednal Palmer in Kiu, West Are’Are The Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) has successfully delivered a two-day training workshop in Kiu, West Are’Are, focused on tackling nature crime. The workshop empowered more than 30 community and tribal leaders, conservationists, and church representatives. Held in collaboration with the Japuana Youth…
The Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) has pleaded with the Opposition Group to probe the Government over the $5 Million that was promised to them under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP). KFPL was one of the companies that the Government then announced in April 2020. However, the company never received a dime…
by Ronald Toito’ona Outspoken Solomon Islands Environmental Activist, Lawrence Makili has issued a strong call for the Government to take immediate and decisive action against the ongoing illegal harvesting of bêche-de-mer (sea cucumber) in Ontong Java, Malaita Province. Makili’s call was made while attending the three-day USAID OurFish OurFuture-Melanesia Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue…
by Charley Piringi The economic trajectory and pervasive web of corruption in the Solomon Islands is deeply concerning, Finance minister Manasseh Sogavare says. Speaking during the launch of a two-day National Economic Summit last week, Sogavare said he was “disturbed” and “uncomfortable” with the current trends. “If the country maintains…
