_{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 Advocacy Association, the training aimed to raise awareness of nature crime—illegal activities that exploit and destroy natural resources, including logging, mining, land conversion, and wildlife trafficking. 

These crimes are often linked to organized networks and result in biodiversity loss, pollution, and threats to local livelihoods.

SIRA Program Manager and lead facilitator Eddie Huitarau said the workshop was designed to help local leaders identify and respond to environmental crimes that are often overlooked.

“These activities may appear normal, but they cause immense damage to our ecosystems and communities. It is vital that community leaders and rangers understand the broader consequences,” Huitarau said.

Participants received training on current forest and environmental laws, leadership in conservation, and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.

Two youth representatives from the Japuana Youth Advocacy Association in Isabel Province delivered a powerful presentation on the impact of mining in their communities, which drew emotional responses from participants.

“It is our responsibility to protect our land, forests, and resources from such devastating activities—for the sake of our children,” said community elder David Rikihanua.

Regina Patanikeni, a teacher and women’s representative from the Anoniko’a Mangrove Conservation Association, highlighted the importance of including women in such initiatives.

“Women often bear the brunt of environmental degradation. This training gives us the knowledge and voice to stand up for our communities,” she said.

Another community leader, Silas Waitarau, chairman of the Ono Conservation group along the Wairaha River, stressed the importance of unity in environmental protection.

“We are the guardians of our lands and forests. We must put into action what we take away from this training,” he said.

The program was funded by the Resilience Fund in support of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), and implemented by SIRA—a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering rangers and supporting community-based conservation throughout the Solomon Islands.