BY NED GAGAHE
The Lasi Tribal Group in the Upper Tina Catchment, Central Guadalcanal, has taken a significant step towards protecting its natural environment following a two-day Protected Areas awareness and consultation held at Turaranga Community in Vulolo Ward.
The consultation, held from February 25-26, 2026, was facilitated by the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) Project Office in collaboration with government partners and tribal leaders.
A statement from the project office said participants expressed support in principle to progress the area known as Barahau–Longa through the Protected Areas Act 2010 process.
The preferred classification for the proposed protected area is the Resource Management Category, although this remains subject to further customary consultations, boundary discussions and completion of required legal steps.
The sessions provided awareness on the protected areas process and encouraged open dialogue on customary land ownership, tribal boundaries and conservation priorities. Participants also took part in a mapping exercise to identify taboo sites, cultural landmarks and tribal boundaries within the proposed area.
As part of the consultation, the Lasi Tribal Group also elected a Management Committee to guide the next phase of the process. The committee will coordinate discussions with neighbouring tribes, assist with boundary engagements and help prepare a draft management plan and budget for the proposed protected area.
Members of the tribe who attended the meeting expressed interest in continuing discussions on possible conservation arrangements for the area referred to as Barahau–Longa, subject to further internal consultation and agreement among tribal members.
The consultation forms part of the 12-step Protected Areas pathway recognised nationally, which guides tribes from internal consultations and mapping through to formal application, management planning and eventual declaration by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).
TRHDP Biodiversity Officer John Walenenea Jr. said the decision reflects strong local leadership and commitment to conservation.
“The Lasi Tribal Group’s decision reflects strong local leadership and a shared commitment to protect biodiversity, water resources and cultural heritage while allowing sustainable community use. Today’s outcome moves us from awareness into action,” he said.
Environment and Conservation Division officer Trevor Maeda said the Protected Areas Act provides a clear legal pathway for customary landowners to safeguard their land.
“The Protected Areas Act provides a clear legal framework for customary landowners to safeguard their lands for future generations. The Lasi community has taken a decisive step and MECDM will continue to guide them through the remaining steps of the process,” he said.
The newly elected Management Committee, based in the Bahomea region, will now work with the project office to review meeting outcomes, engage neighbouring tribes on boundary alignment and begin drafting the management plan for the proposed Resource Management Area.
The biodiversity engagement under TRHDP in the Upper Tina Catchment aims to support community-led conservation, aligning customary decision-making processes with national protected area requirements. The initiative builds on earlier consultations with tribes in the catchment area held in December 2025.
Photo credit: TRHDP
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