Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association Highlights Volunteer Participation in National Rangers Training

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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 country—from Temotu Province to Western Province and from Rennell to Malaita Province. The workshop focused on “Ridge to reef" conservation approaches and strengthening the role of rangers in protecting the Solomon Islands’ natural environment.

Participants of the workshop posing in a group photo

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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. “As 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,” she said. The training covered a wide range of important topics over four days.

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The workshop covered major biodiversity threats, conservation laws, and the important role of rangers in protecting the Solomon Islands’ 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

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On 16–17 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 AFPAA’s 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.

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Speaking during the closing session, he stated: “I have no words to describe how grateful I am for accepting our invitation and for the valuable knowledge and experience shared with us.”

DCA Head Ranger, Peter Sihorama, also acknowledged the importance of the partnership: “As 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.”

AFPAA Vice Chairman, Ranjesh Aonima, encouraged continued collaboration between the two organizations: “We 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.”

The exchange highlighted the importance of partnerships, shared learning, and community collaboration in strengthening conservation efforts across Malaita Province.

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Ocean Advocacy

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

𝗔𝗙𝗣𝗔𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗠

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.

“For 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,” 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.

“SICAN really plays an important role with its network partners across Solomon Islands to mitigate and address climate issues and problems around vulnerable communities,” 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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𝗔𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘂 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗵𝗮𝘂 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽

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:

“I 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.”

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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