๐ฟAARAHAU FUNDRAISING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ๐ฟ
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our fundraising event yesterday. Whether you contributed through donations, purchasing food and participating in activities, volunteering your time, or simply being present, your support played an important role in the success of this event. We truly appreciate every contribution, big or small.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our fundraising event yesterday.
Whether you contributed through donations, purchasing food and participating in activities, volunteering your time, or simply being present, your support played an important role in the success of this event. We truly appreciate every contribution, big or small.
๐ฐ Fundraising Results
Total Amount Raised: $17,438
Credit Sales: $6,600
This achievement reflects the strong spirit of unity, cooperation, and commitment among our members, families, friends, and supporters. Together, we are taking positive steps towards achieving the goals and development aspirations of our association.
We look forward to your continued partnership and support in future activities and initiatives.
๐ Thank you once again for your generosity and support. May God richly bless you and your families.
Together, we achieve more.
๐ฟ Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association ๐ฟ
GIS TRAINING WORKSHOP EQUIPS RANGERS WITH ESSENTIAL MAPPING SKILLS
Participants in the recent Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training Workshop have successfully completed practical training designed to enhance their skills in mapping, boundary identification, and data collection using modern GPS technology and mobile applications.
At the beginning of the workshop, participants were asked to share their expectations. Many expressed a strong desire to learn how to use modern GPS devices and smartphone applications for mapping purposes, identifying protected area boundaries, and collecting accurate field data.
Group photo of Participants of the GIS training
Participants in the recent Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training Workshop have completed practical training designed to enhance their skills in mapping, boundary identification, and data collection using modern GPS technology and mobile applications.
At the beginning of the workshop, participants were asked to share their expectations. Many expressed a strong desire to learn how to use modern GPS devices and smartphone applications for mapping purposes, identifying protected area boundaries, and collecting accurate field data.
Throughout the training, participants were provided with hands-on opportunities to practice using GPS tools and applications, enabling them to become familiar with the equipment and techniques. They later undertook practical exercises involving the collection of coordinate points along designated boundaries and the proper recording and storage of spatial data.
Speaking at the closing of the workshop, Head Ranger Charles Heraka acknowledged the commitment of both the facilitators and participants. He encouraged the rangers not to take the opportunity lightly but to remain dedicated and determined in carrying out their ranger responsibilities.
Participant Luke Naitoro also shared his appreciation for the training, describing it as an important and valuable learning opportunity that will enhance the effectiveness of ranger operations and conservation work.
The Arahau Home-Based Chairman extended his gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the training. He encouraged the rangers to continue their good work, remain committed to conservation efforts, and actively participate in future ranger training programs.
The GIS Training Workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ranger capacity and improve the management and protection of the Arahau Forest Protected Area through the use of modern mapping and data collection technologies.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) sincerely acknowledges the generous support of the Global Greengrant Fund, whose contribution made this training possible. Through their support, community rangers and conservation practitioners were able to strengthen their skills in GIS boundary mapping and biodiversity conservation. We are grateful for their commitment to empowering local communities and advancing conservation efforts in Malaita Province.
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Exchange of Knowledge and Experience Strengthens Community Conservation Efforts
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) successfully conducted a two-day conservation knowledge-sharing workshop from 06โ07 June 2026 in the Central Kwara'ae Mamalade Community,
The training program focused on building the capacity of DCA Rangers in Geographic Information System (GIS) boundary mapping and sharing AFPAAโs practical experiences from its biodiversity conservation journey. Participants received hands-on training in the use of GIS tools, including Garmin GPS devices and the Locus Map application, which are essential for mapping and monitoring protected areas.
Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association Volunteers and Members of Hanoadoe Conservation Association
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) successfully conducted a two-day conservation knowledge-sharing workshop from June 6 to 7, 2026, in the Central Kwara'ae Mamalade Community, bringing together 60-plus community members and rangers to exchange knowledge, skills, and practical experiences in biodiversity conservation.
The workshop was organized as part of AFPAAโs commitment to supporting emerging conservation initiatives and strengthening community-based conservation efforts across Malaita Province through knowledge exchange and partnership, and was supported by the Global Green Grand Fund
Speaking during the closing session, Hanoade Conservation Association leader David Wairi expressed his sincere appreciation to AFPAA for accepting their invitation and providing technical support to local rangers.
โI have no words to describe how grateful I am for accepting our invitation and for the valuable knowledge and experience shared with us,โ Mr. Wairi said.
MCA Head Ranger Jonathan Billy also acknowledged the significance of the partnership and the value of learning from AFPAAโs experiences.
โAs a newly formed conservation group, the experience shared with us is worth more than what money can buy, and we are forever grateful for this partnership,โ he said.
Representing AFPAA, Clifton Tootalau encouraged continued collaboration between the two organizations and reaffirmed AFPAAโs willingness to support conservation efforts through knowledge sharing.
โWe may not be in a position to provide financial support, but we are 100% willing to share our experiences from our conservation journey. I hope our two days together here at Mamalade Community have been productive,โ Mr. Tootalau said.
The exchange highlighted the importance of partnerships, shared learning, and community collaboration in strengthening conservation efforts across Malaita Province. It also demonstrated how local conservation groups can work together to build capacity, improve protected area management, and promote the sustainable stewardship of natural resources for future generations.
organization committed to protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and strengthening community participation in conservation initiatives within Malaita Province.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) sincerely acknowledges the generous support of the Global Green Grant Fund, whose contribution made this training possible. Through their support, community rangers and conservation practitioners were able to strengthen their skills in GIS boundary mapping and biodiversity conservation. We are grateful for their commitment to empowering local communities and advancing conservation efforts in Malaita Province.
Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association Highlights Volunteer Participation in National Rangers Training
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association is pleased to highlight the participation of one of our dedicated community volunteers, Relmah Aratabu, at the recent National Rangers and Community Leaders Capacity Building Workshop organized by the Solomon Islands Rangers Association in Honiara this week.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association is pleased to highlight the participation of one of our dedicated community volunteers, Relmah Aratabu, at the recent National Rangers and Community Leaders Capacity Building Workshop organized by the Solomon Islands Rangers Association in Honiara this week.
The four-day training brought together rangers and community leaders representing conservation areas, protected areas, and resource management sites from across the countryโfrom Temotu Province to Western Province and from Rennell to Malaita Province. The workshop focused on โRidge to reef" conservation approaches and strengthening the role of rangers in protecting the Solomon Islandsโ natural environment.
Participants of the workshop posing in a group photo
Speaking after the training, Ms. Aratabu described the workshop as a valuable learning opportunity that helped shape and equip rangers and community leaders better to protect forests, lands, and marine resources. โAs a first-time participant in this type of ranger training, it really opened my mind to many environmental issues happening within our country. I learned more about the role of rangers and their responsibilities in protecting biodiversity and our natural resources,โ she said. The training covered a wide range of important topics over four days.
The workshop covered major biodiversity threats, conservation laws, and the important role of rangers in protecting the Solomon Islandsโ natural resources. Participants discussed issues including logging, mining, pollution, overharvesting, and environmental degradation while also learning about the Protected Areas Act 2010, Environment Act 1998, and other key legislation related to conservation and resource management. The training highlighted the need for stronger government recognition and support for rangers, along with continued collaboration with NGOs and partners. Participants concluded the workshop, encouraged to apply their knowledge in supporting conservation efforts within their communities.
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Exchange of Knowledge and Experience in Conservation
On 16โ17 May 2026, the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA), upon invitation from the Dai Conservation Association (DCA) of West Kwarae, conducted a two-day basic conservation knowledge-sharing program at Kilukwere Village, West Kwarae, Malaita Province.
On 16โ17 May 2026, the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA), upon invitation from the Dai Conservation Association (DCA) of West Kwarae, conducted a two-day basic conservation knowledge-sharing program at Kilukwere Village, West Kwarae, Malaita Province.
The knowledge-sharing program focused on training DCA Rangers in GIS boundary mapping and sharing practical experiences from AFPAAโs biodiversity conservation journey. The training included the use of GIS tools such as Garmin devices and the Locus Map application.
Dai Conservation Association Chairman, Mr. Malachi Arite'e, expressed his appreciation to AFPAA for accepting their invitation and providing technical support to their rangers.
Speaking during the closing session, he stated: โI have no words to describe how grateful I am for accepting our invitation and for the valuable knowledge and experience shared with us.โ
DCA Head Ranger, Peter Sihorama, also acknowledged the importance of the partnership: โAs a newly formed conservation group, the experience shared with us is worth more than what money can buy, and we are forever grateful for this partnership.โ
AFPAA Vice Chairman, Ranjesh Aonima, encouraged continued collaboration between the two organizations: โWe may not be in a position to provide financial support, but we are 100% willing to share our experiences from our conservation journey. I hope our two days together here at Kilukwere have been productive.โ
The exchange highlighted the importance of partnerships, shared learning, and community collaboration in strengthening conservation efforts across Malaita Province.
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Historic Resolution: Aarahau Tribal Land Boundary Restored at Neighboring Tribes Meeting
PROTECTING OTARIPIRI VILLAGE, MALAITA โ On 7th May 2026, the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) successfully convened a landmark one-day Aarahau Neighboring tribes meeting in Taripiri Village, Ward 19, East Areโare. The gathering marked a significant turning point for the Central Highland communities, resolving a land boundary discrepancy that has persisted for decades.ur most valuable resource.
โTARIPIRI VILLAGE, MALAITAโOn 7th May 2026, the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association (AFPAA) successfully convened a landmark one-day Aarahau neighboring tribes meeting in Taripiri Village, Ward 19, East Areโare. The gathering marked a significant turning point for the Central Highland communities, resolving a land boundary discrepancy that had persisted for decades.
โThe meeting brought together 27 key stakeholders, including tribal chiefs from neighboring lands and executives from the Rauwaria House of Chiefs.
Aarahau Council of Chiefs and Neighbouring tribal leaders group photo at Taripiri Village on 7 May 2026.
The primary focus of the Aarahau neighboring tribes' meeting was the formal review of the Aarahau tribal land boundaries. Specifically, the chiefs addressed the status of Maniawa, a sub-tribal land (teteโe) that had been mistakenly excluded from the Aarahau Tribal Land (Arata) during a review many years ago.
โFollowing rigorous debate and a review of traditional evidence by the Rauwaria House of Chiefs, the Maniawa representatives (Mr. Jeff Nemaka and Mr. Obed Suruare), and neighboring tribal leaders, a formal resolution was reached: Maniawa is now officially recognized as a sub-tribe under the Aarahau tribal land (Arata).
โStatements from Leadership
Mr. Patterson Tataraehu, Secretary to the Rauwaria House of Chiefs, said, "This is a milestone for the people of the Aarahau Tribal Land and the Rauwaria House of Chiefs. This long-standing issue has finally been laid to rest. We acknowledge the vital partnership between the AFPAA, the Rauwaria House of Chiefs, and especially the Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) for making this success possible."
โChief Clifton Raeha (Arisimae) commended the attending leaders for their "patience and commitment," specifically praising the Maniawa Chiefs for the humility and wisdom they displayed in navigating the resolution process during the Aarahau neighboring tribes meeting.
โChief Willy Haukaria emphasized that this resolution paves the way for broader environmental and cultural goals. "Conservation is not an option but a pathway," he remarked. He reaffirmed the AFPAAโs commitment to working with the Rauwaria House of Chiefs to revitalize local culture and address social and environmental challenges within the Central Highland of Aiaisi.
โClosing the event, Aarahau Chairman Robert Pasihiru expressed his deep gratitude to the Mai-Maasina Green Belt for their technical and logistical support, which was instrumental in facilitating this historic dialogue.
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๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐น๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ'๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐
EncouraThe Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association is pleased to highlight the participation of one of our community volunteers, Mr. Francis Mamupio, at the recent Solomon Islands Climate Action Network (SICAN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Reflection held this week i Honiara.ging needs to be met locally.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association is pleased to highlight the participation of one of our community volunteers, Mr. Francis Mamupio, at the recent Solomon Islands Climate Action Network (SICAN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Reflection held this week i Honiara.
Speaking about his experience, Mr. Mamupio described the AGM as a valuable learning opportunity and an important platform for collaboration among community organizations and climate partners across the country.
โFor my first time going out and attending the AGM, it was a great experience indeed. Learning about SICAN and how its functions are carried out while supporting network members and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) was a great privilege,โ Mr. Mamupio said.
He said the discussions and sharing sessions during the AGM highlighted the serious challenges faced by vulnerable communities affected by climate change and its impacts throughout Solomon Islands.
โSICAN really plays an important role with its network partners across Solomon Islands to mitigate and address climate issues and problems around vulnerable communities,โ he added.
Mr. Mamupio also acknowledged that despite the many challenges communities face, the AGM demonstrated that solutions can be achieved through cooperation, networking, and community engagement.
During the meeting, he gained valuable knowledge in areas including conservation, food security, organic farming, disability inclusion, and sustainable community development.
He further noted that the AGM serves as an important avenue for SICAN to review achievements, hear updates from network members, provide financial year reports, and identify areas for improvement in supporting member organizations and their community projects.
The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association commends SICAN for its continued efforts in strengthening partnerships and empowering communities to build resilience against climate change across Solomon Islands.
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๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ถ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ
This week marks a new and exciting experience for our three rangers from the Aarahau Protected Area, who participated in a two-day training workshop at the Waihau Conservation Center.
This week marks a new and exciting experience for our three rangers from the Aarahau Protected Area, who participated in a two-day training workshop at the Waihau Conservation Center.
Representing Aarahau were Head Ranger Awaramae, alongside rangers Willy Haukaria and Luke Naitoro. The workshop brought together participants from various conservation groups, creating a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The training focused on practical field skills and the use of Gomapio technology for data collection and communication. It was facilitated by the Island Knowledge Institute, known for its commitment to strengthening local conservation capacity.
Speaking after the training, ranger Luke Naitoro shared his experience:
โI now have a basic understanding of using Gomapio, especially in exchanging information on the phone and collecting data according to its categories. I feel confident and ready to handle tasks while in the field.โ
The Aarahau team described the workshop as highly beneficial, equipping them with new tools and confidence to support ongoing conservation efforts in their protected area.
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