SI Rangers empowers West Are’are community leaders with nature crime workshop

By Taromane Martin

The Solomon Islands Rangers Association on Wednesday successfully facilitated a Nature Crime workshop for community leaders in West Are’are, Malaita Province.

The training took place at Kiu Community High School in West Are’Are through the Anoniko’a Mangroves Conservation Association’s affiliation from 2nd to 4th May 2025.

Solomon Islands Rangers Program Manager, Edward Haikau Huitarau said the workshop aims to influence local community partnership to combat nature crime. 

Huitarau said engaging local populations will not only foster a sense of ownership but also enhance commitment to sustainable practices. 

“This collective involvement is essential for ensuring the long-term success of conservation efforts and the sustainable management of natural resources in the Solomon Islands.

“This aims to empower local leaders with knowledge and tools to combat environmental crimes effectively. 

“This initiative highlights the importance of community involvement in preserving natural resources.

“This approach aligns with the growing recognition that effective conservation requires the active participation of local communities in resource management and decision-making processes, as seen in various successful community-based initiatives across the region,” Hutarau said. 

This initiative also reinforces the findings that community cohesion and organizational arrangements are vital for sustainable resource management in the region. 

“This is done in partnership with Japuana Youth Advocacy Association (JYAA) and In-depth Solomons to promote collaboration and share best practices among communities, ultimately strengthening their capacity to manage and protect their natural resources effectively. 

“Japuana youths are actively participating in these workshops, further emphasizing the role of youth in environmental stewardship. 

“By empowering the younger generation, the initiative aims to create a sustainable future for the Solomon Islands’ rich biodiversity and natural heritage. 

“They are sharing their experiences that highlight the challenges and successes of local conservation efforts, fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability among community members.

“This collaborative effort illustrates the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices to enhance community resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges,” Huitarau added.

The team with support from the Europe Forest Institute on Wednesday also celebrated the World Environmental Day with a clean up campaign. 

The Solomon Islands Rangers Association team arrived back in Honiara today.

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