[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
FOUR communities in Western Province successfully undergone business modelling training with support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands.
The participating communities—Saeragi, Kogu, Pusiju and Boeboe took part in the training that aims to strengthen their capacity to establish community-based enterprises focused on value-added products from sea-grape.
In an interview with Island Sun, Community Enterprise Specialist Brown Onahikeni said the initiative is designed to help communities better utilise their marine resources while ensuring sustainable management.
He said the training is to support the communities to establish a community enterprise targeting value-added products from sea-grape.
Onahikeni said the four communities are currently working in partnership with WWF to both manage and benefit from their marine resources, particularly sea-grape, which is abundant in Western Province.
He said sea-grape is a unique natural resource in the province and it presents strong potential as a commercial commodity if further efforts are made in value addition.
“It is important to note that these communities are engaging in conserving this resource at the community level.
“While they currently sell sea-grape at local markets to meet household needs, they can gain greater benefits by adding value to this resource, increasing their income,” Onahikeni said.
He said participants were introduced to key business concepts including how to start and manage a business, identify value-added products, target markets, and sustainably harvest sea-grape.
Mrs. Taru Ago from Boeboe Community said the training has broadened her understanding of food security while also highlighting the business potential of locally available resources.
She said participants also learned about sustainable harvesting practices to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the resource.
Mrs. Keith Tovokera, representing Pusiju Community, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to take part in the training, noting its importance for women and youth.
“This training is important, especially for us women and youth, as such knowledge will help build better communities.
“I believe the outcomes of this training will bring greater benefits, particularly in creating job opportunities for our youths and contributing to community and national development,” she said.
Mr. John Baegu of Kogu Community highlighted the importance of partnerships with non-governmental organizations in improving community livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Mr. Alpha Ghelly of Saeragi Community said the training has equipped his community with the knowledge and confidence to venture into value-added production.
He said Saeragi and other participating communities are now exploring the production of sea-grape-based products such as body lotions, soaps and other items to boost income generation.
“This training helps us better understand our business ideas and how we can tap into different markets,” Ghelly said.
The communities acknowledge WWF Solomon Islands for its continued support in empowering rural communities to sustainably manage resources while improving livelihoods.
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