Yato Protected Area Declared Largest Forest Protected Area in Solomon Islands

27 March 2026 | The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), has officially declared the Yato Protected Area (YPA) as a national protected area under the Protected Areas Act 2010, marking a major milestone in the Solomon Islands’ conservation efforts.

The declaration was officiated in Kirakira by the Deputy Secretary of MECDM, Mr. Karl Kuper, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, in the presence of the Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Honourable Stanley Siapu, provincial leaders, traditional leaders, community representatives, and development partners.

The event was also attended by Honourable Members of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government, the Provincial Secretary and officials, Paramount Chiefs and members of the North and South Star Harbour Council of Chiefs, the Chair and members of the Yato Tribal Association, representatives of the Yato tribal land, conservation partners including Live and Learn Solomon Islands and the Nakau Programme, church leaders, community elders, youth representatives, and members of the public.

Covering approximately 9,555 hectares of forest, the Yato Protected Area is now the largest forest protected area in the Solomon Islands. The declaration further highlighted Makira- Ulawa Province’s leadership in community-based conservation, noting that the province has successfully declared two protected areas, Waihita and Pamahima Protected Areas in 2025. The Ministry highlighted that work towards establishing the Yato Protected Area began as early as 2012, reflecting more than a decade of commitment, consultation, and collaboration between tribal landowners, government, and conservation partners.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Secretary Mr. Kuper commended the leadership and vision of the Yato tribal communities and acknowledged the strong partnerships that made the declaration possible.

“Let this conservation area not only protect biodiversity, the special plants and animals within it, but also support livelihoods, strengthen cultural identity, inspire our children’s education and learning, and build resilience for future generations,” he said.

Mr. Kuper emphasised that while the declaration represents a significant achievement, it also marks the beginning of an ongoing responsibility to ensure effective management and protection of the area through collective action.

Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Honourable Stanley Siapu, also expressed his government’s strong support for the initiative. He commended the Yato tribe for their leadership and commitment to conservation.

The Premier stated that his government is proud of the bold steps taken by the Yato tribal landowners in offering their land and resources for conservation, and reaffirmed the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government’s support as a key stakeholder in the oversight and management of protected areas in the province.

Speaking on behalf of Yato tribe, Yato chairman Coleman Mwakana  thank the government through MECDM and other donor partners for making this possible and to fulfil their Protected Area today.

Mr.Mwakana also stated that his people will continue work closely with the Provincial government and  the government body and other doners partners in protecting more land areas in the coming years.

The establishment of YPA reflects a strong and enduring partnership between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organisations, including Live and Learn Solomon Islands, the Nakau Programme, and other development partners that have provided technical and financial support over the years.

MECDM confirmed that the declaration signifies the completion of all legal requirements under the Protected Areas Act 2010, formally recognising Yato as a Resource Management Area of national biological diversity importance.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to support the Yato Protected Area Management Committee and stakeholders in the effective implementation, governance, and long-term sustainability of the protected area.

MECDM encourages other communities in the province and across the country to draw inspiration from Yato’s achievement and continue pursuing conservation initiatives, aligned with community needs and aspirations that envisions a balanced, safe, sustainable and resilient future.

(Deputy Secretary Corporate MECDM Karl Kuper officially handing over the Yato Protected Area certificate of registration to Chairman of the Yato Protected Area Mr. Coleman Mwa’kana).

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