March 2026 marked a significant milestone for Babatana’s Siporae Tribe with their forest conservation carbon project officially verified by international carbon standard Plan Vivo Climate.
They now join Sirebe Tribe as Babatana landowners receiving income for sustainably managing and protecting their rainforest.
Atkin Vilaka—spokesperson for the Siporae Tribal Association—says this moment “is an achievement for Siporae, after many years of hard work and patience.”
“My tribe is protecting some of the untouched forests in Choiseul. And by doing that, we contribute to the Kolombangara Corridor, one of the largest [protected areas or intact old growth forests] in the Pacific—that really motivates us. We are grateful also to be contributing to global climate resilience,” he says.
Siporae’s project has been given the green light to sell credits on the voluntary carbon market by Plan Vivo following international audits in 2025. Swiss-based climate foundation myclimate has purchased the first round of Siporae’s 2026-issued credits, alongside Sirebe’s credits.
Siporae’s conservation story
Siporae’s forest—declared a protected area in 2020—covers 666 hectares of healthy, intact rainforest. Located to the south-east of the Babatana lands, it is rich in biodiversity, with many important plants and animals relying on this ecosystem to thrive.
Siporae have been supported on this journey by the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) and Nakau, and the project is included in the well-known Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project.
NRDF Manager Fred Tabepuda says that as a long-time partner of Siporae Tribe, NRDF has “walked alongside the community for many years, supporting their vision to protect their customary forests while building strong governance systems, sustainable livelihoods and long-term benefits for present and future generations.”
“Despite encountering challenges throughout their conservation journey this milestone achievement is the result of perseverance and commitment for the Siporae Tribe,” says Fred.
After their forest was declared a legal protected area, Siporae established a ranger station and launched a pig-raising project as an alternative income source. The Siporae Women’s Saving Club also began making plans for small business ventures that can be supported with carbon income.
“We want to improve our sanitation. We want [to buy] tools for gardening, as well as sewing machines and dying and printing equipment to make lavalava [sarong skirts to sell],” says group representative Leah Vilaka.
Atkin says Siporae have prepared their benefit sharing plans ready to roll out.
“When we get our first carbon income, we have plans for three clans. Not forgetting our women and their organised activities. Through supporting the women, all the family will benefit,” he says.
“Plans include things that will be for our social wellbeing. Improving homes, water, education, health [and] income generating activities for each clan, such as expanding the piggery or chickens.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.