by Ednal Palmer

The Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) has successfully delivered the second
session of their School Awareness Program at St Joseph’s Tenaru this week, empowering
students to take an active role in protecting the environment and advocating for sustainable
resource management.

Under the theme “Be the Voice for Future Generations,” the program aims to raise
awareness among young people about the environmental and social impacts of logging and
mining, two pressing issues affecting the Solomon Islands’ biodiversity and communities.

The initiative encourages students to recognize threats to their natural surroundings,
understand the vital role of rangers, and explore solutions grounded in both modern
Conservation and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

The first school to be visited by SI Rangers on Monday this week was St Mary’s Tanaghai
Community High School.

The sessions feature a dynamic, interactive presentation that sparked strong engagement
from both students and teachers.

A quiz at the end of the event tested knowledge and rewarded participation, reinforcing key
messages in a fun and memorable way.

SI Rangers Program Manager Edward Huitarau said the goal is to equip young people with
the knowledge, values, and confidence they need to speak up for their environment.

“When students understand the consequences of unsustainable practices, they’re more
likely to become active stewards in their communities,” Huitarau said.

To support continued learning, the Rangers donated two copies each of the newly launched
Rangers Manual Guide to the schools.

A senior staff member of St Joseph Tenaru Jimmy Hoasihita, who received the manual,s
welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of integrating environmental
education into the school curriculum.

“This initiative is vital,” said Mr. Hoasita. “It builds awareness, encourages responsibility, and equips students with the tools to make a real difference.”

Huitarau added that the collaboration shows the power of working together.

“When schools and communities join forces, we can create a strong foundation for
environmental protection and sustainable development.”

He thanked the support from the European Forest Institute (EFI), which enabled the
outreach.

The School Awareness Program will continue to four more schools in Guadalcanal, nurturing
a generation of environmentally conscious leaders ready to protect the country’s natural
heritage for years to come.