Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association Secures Landmark UNDP Grant for Conservation

We are thrilled to announce that the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association has officially signed a grant agreement at the UNDP Solomon Islands Office, joining four other community-based organization (CBO) recipients. Project Objective: The primary goal of this project is to formally establish the Aarahau Forest Protected Area as a legally recognized conservation site under the Protected Areas Act 2010 and Regulations 2012. This milestone will guarantee the long-term protection of 342.48 hectares of virgin forest, rich biodiversity, and invaluable cultural heritage within the Aarahau tribal land.

This grant funding will support the association in completing crucial steps toward formal protection, including executing stages 6 through 12 of the national Protected Area (PA) process. Capacity-building and training for the Aarahau Rangers. Preparing the official submission for Protected Area status later in 2027.

"On behalf of the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UNDP for their ongoing commitment to supporting community-based organizations in the Solomon Islands. Their support in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and community-based natural resource management is vital to our shared future."

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