Waihita Conservation and Protected Area Declared in Makira Province

KIRAKIRA, Makira Province – March 27th, 2025 – The Piruma community in South Makira, along with surrounding communities witnessed and celebrated the signing and declaration of the Waihita Conservation and Protected Area as a Resource Management Area under the Protected Areas Act 2010 on 27^th Match 2025.

The declaration was made by the Minister for Environment Climate Change Disaster management and Meteorology Hon. Trevor Manemahaga in the presence of representatives from the National & Provincial Government, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN through its Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP), and the Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF).

Speaking during the launch Minister Manemahaga congratulated the communities and partners of the WCPA saying this is a “historical event for the communities in southern Makira, with this PA as the first in this particular sub region”.

In recognizing the vital role the tribal chiefs and leaders played in the process, Minister Manemahaga said, “your leadership and wisdom is greatly valued as you bring your people into a new era of managing your forest and land. Your forested land is significant as it holds some unique key species of biodiversity that is vital for the ecosystem. Your brave action in actually protecting your forest for today and tomorrow is commendable. Your tribal community is blessed to have you in leadership”.

In his remarks Chairman of WCPA spoke highly of the dedication and commitment of the communities in overcoming criticism in their relentless pursuit to meet the necessary requirements to achieve the PA status.

“This is a milestone achievement on the part of our heritage to care for our environment, and we look forward to partnering further into the future”.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to stakeholders like ESF for ground support, IFMP and FAO for funding, and MECDM for their support in ensuring adherence to regulations. Special thanks were also given to Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi for his continuous support.

Also present at the ceremony was MP for the constituency and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi. In his brief remarks he emphasised important roles of upholding community commitments towards environmental sustainability to ensure future generations also benefit from such natural resources.

Minister Wasi said ‘ the responsibility for achieving aspirations lies with the people as resource owners, the communities, and their leadership”

Other guests who spoke during the ceremony include Mr Isaac Qoloni of Ecological Solution Foundation and Mr. Douglas Yee, the IFMP National Project Specialist and In-charge of the office of the Assistant FAO Representative. Mr Yee commended the Waihita Conservation and Protected Area Management committee for their leadership and vision. He highlighted the dependence of rural Solomon Islanders on traditional agro-forests and fishing and the multiple benefits of forests, including food security and health as important factors to conserve our forests

In a related event Hon. Trevor Manemahaga met with the Makira Ulawa Provincial Premier, Hon. Stanley Siapu, and his Executive in the Provincial capital Kirakira.

Discussions between the two leaders centred around potential areas of collaboration between MECDM and the Province, with Hon. Manemahaga emphasizing the Ministry’s key role in the country’s development aspirations, stressing that sustainable development is crucial for economic growth and ecological preservation.

In response Premier Siapu welcomed closer collaboration, highlighting the province’s potential for economic development and meeting environmental standards, making special mention of the recent discovery of the world’s largest coral species as a significant asset for tourism.

The dialogue concluded with the handover of the Rangers’ official insignias to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area management committee, which were unavailable during their PA launch in February.

Piruma Resource Management Area is the Second site in Makira Ulawa Province to be declared under the Protected Areas Act 2010.

-MECDM PRESS RELEASE