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 11 November, traditional leaders, government officials, Members of Parliament, and community representatives gathered at Ringi market, to celebrate the formal recognition of Kolombangara landowners’ ownership in a major forestry enterprise.
The 20% shares, managed through Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL), ensure landowners’ active participation in one of the Solomon Islands’ leading forestry ventures.
A Century of Struggle Realised
Police Minister and Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara, Jimson Tanangada, spoke with visible pride and emotion, tracing the journey of his people back to 1923, when their forefathers first lodged collective claims over Kolobangara Island during the British colonial era.
“Our ancestors claimed this land not as individuals but collectively, guided by the principle that the land and resources were held in stewardship—not for themselves, but for future generations,” Tanangada said.
He emphasized that this achievement, 102 years in the making, is the culmination of intergenerational persistence and vision.
The establishment of the Kolombangara Landowners Trust Foundation (KLTF) in 1992 and subsequent creation of Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL) paved the way for this moment, turning the dream of “Nina Mule mai”—the return of their motherland—into reality.
“This is not just a commercial milestone. It is a historic moral victory that affirms the dignity of our landowners,” Tanangada declared.
“Today, we have proven that community-based development and investment is possible when leadership is grounded in unity, humility, and service,” he added.
A New Era of Shared Ownership
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Manele hailed the handover as “a new dawn” for Kolombangara, describing it as a turning point in the lives of a proud people whose voices will now shape their own future.
“For more than thirty-five years, the people of Kolombangara stood as bystanders to development happening on their land,” he said.
“But those days are over. You are now shareholders of progress—your land will now work for you.”
Manele explained that the 20 percent equity transfer from the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) to the landowners was achieved through years of consultation under the Kolobangara Development Advisory Committee (KDAC)—a subcommittee that worked closely with KLTF and government ministries to ensure inclusive participation.
“This government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centered development is not just talk,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
“It is about ensuring that landowners become true participants in the national economy.”
Unity and Partnership at the Core
Western Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Jenty Isaac, commended the Kolombangara landowners for their unity and foresight, calling the milestone “a celebration of vision, empowerment, and responsible land use.”
He said the initiative represented the kind of people-driven development the provincial government strives to encourage across the province.
“This bold step allows landowners to actively participate in the economic development of their land and resources,” Isaac said.
“When our people take ownership of their land, invest wisely, and manage their resources sustainably, our entire province grows stronger.”
A Partnership Rooted in Sustainability
Representing ICSI, Chairman Frank Wickham reflected on the state-owned enterprise’s journey as a 40% shareholder in KFPL before the transfer of 20% equity to the Kolobangara people.
“This has been planned for a long time, and today we see it happen. It is a moment of empowerment and partnership,” Wickham said, noting that ICSI remains committed to supporting KLTF and Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIL) in building commercial discipline and long-term growth.
In a statement read on behalf of New Forests’ Chief Executive Officer, Geoffery Seeto, the new Australian-based majority shareholder expressed its commitment to “building on KFPL’s strong foundations, supporting ongoing work, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and success.”
The company also reaffirmed its mission to create long-term value through sustainable forestry, biodiversity protection, and climate-aligned investments that deliver both social and environmental outcomes.
A New Ownership Structure
During the event, Prime Minister Manele also announced the new ownership structure for Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL), under the new arrangement.
He said, following the decision by Elite Idea Limited to sell its shares in 2023–2024, New Forests (Asia) Limited, has joined as the new majority shareholder.
After months of negotiation, the transaction was finalized on 31 October 2025, following the signing of a New Joint Venture Agreement earlier that month in Honiara.
Under the new arrangement, KFPL’s ownership now stands as:
- New Forests (Asia) Limited – 75%
- Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL) – 20%
- Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) – 5%
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the change, saying it represents a stronger partnership between local and international stakeholders.
“You are now part-owners of one of Solomon Islands’ most successful forestry enterprises,” he said.
“You are no longer outsiders, you are partners, co-owners of KFPL.”
The new structure is expected to strengthen sustainable forestry practices and expand opportunities for local participation in the industry.
Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a Future
The ceremony was also a solemn moment of remembrance for those who had passed before seeing this day, including the late Samson Maena, former KLTF Executive Chairman, whose leadership helped pave the way for the agreement’s completion.
In his closing remarks, Tanangada called for continued unity and forward-thinking leadership, urging community companies and tribal entities to “think beyond royalties and invest in opportunities that yield sustainable growth.”
“Kolombangara is not just a land of resources — it is a land of promise,” he said.
“Let us honor our ancestors not by what we inherit, but by what we build upon their legacy.”
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