Tribal Conservation Leaders Strengthen Governance and Grant Writing Capacity

Tribal conservation chairpersons and coordinators from across the Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) affiliates have completed a five-day training program on leadership, governance, and grant proposal development at the Wai-Hau Conservation Foundation in West Are’Are.

The training, held from 2 to 6 October, brought together ten participants representing conservation areas in Aarahau, Abitona, Anoniko’a, Aparoro, Leleigela, Surunia’i, and Wa’ariai.

The program aimed to strengthen leadership roles and address existing skill gaps to enhance capacity and effectiveness in local conservation management.

Upon welcoming participants, MMGB Chairman Mr. Max Totorea commended their dedication and commitment to conservation work.

He emphasized the importance of continued capacity building, noting that effective leadership and sound governance are fundamental to sustaining conservation initiatives across the Southern Region of Malaita Province.

The comprehensive training covered a wide range of thematic areas, including leadership and governance principles, community-based organization (CBO) board operations, advocacy, meeting procedures, agenda preparation, minute-taking, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, project design, and grant writing processes.

Participants were also introduced to practical tools such as problem and objective tree analyses, SMART criteria for project planning, budget formulation, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Mr. Totorea highlighted that the training provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping them with practical techniques to improve the management and implementation of their respective conservation projects.

Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Lester Asugeni from the Abitona Marine Biodiversity Conservation in East Kwaio acknowledged the MMGB Secretariat, MMGB officer Mr. Richie Totorea, and local facilitator and consultant Mr. Edward Huitarau for their tireless efforts in organizing and facilitating the training.

“This has been a valuable learning experience that will greatly assist us in developing effective project proposals and strengthening our community conservation programs,” Mr. Asugeni said.

The collaboration between MMGB and tribal conservation leaders continues to foster ongoing capacity building, knowledge exchange, and strengthened partnerships at various community levels.

Participants are expected to integrate the newly acquired skills and knowledge into their respective work plans, further contributing to enhanced conservation outcomes in the ‘Are’Are and Kwaio regions.