BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Cyril Kulisiua initiated conservation efforts in 2021 in response to a request from his tribe to conserve the land and forests to ensure benefits for future generations.
In 2022, he applied for Protected Area (PA) status to the Ministry of Climate Change Conservation Division, on behalf of his tribe which provided them with a toolkit for the PA process.
Due to the ministry’s lack of resources for mapping, he partnered with the Ecological Solution Foundation Solomon Islands to facilitate this aspect of the PA process.
“Their assistance was instrumental in completing the mapping. Currently, we are awaiting a feasibility study that is being finalized by the Ecological Solution Foundation Solomon Islands,’’ Kulisiua told Island Sun.
Recently, he participated in a one-day awareness workshop alongside other conservation groups in Honiara, organized by the Ecological Solution Foundation.
As part of the PA process, Kulisiua and his tribal group association are now progressing to stage seven, which involves land use, budgeting, and planning. He is collaborating with various organizations, including the Environment Conservation Division, Ecological Solution Solomon Islands, and the Solomon Islands Rangers Association.
“The conserved land covers Bubutasi and Penguniu tribal lands,’’ said Kulisiua from Piapia village in Makina Marau within the Birao Ward of the East Guadalcanal constituency.
He also worked closely with the tribes and sub-tribes associated with these lands for the PA initiative.
“If all stages are completed by December 2024, we plan to implement the RED+ project in the following year, which aims to support communities through youth groups, women, and active farmers. This initiative also seeks to engage young people in positive activities,’’ he said.
One of the project’s goals is to enter the carbon trading market, with plans to commence carbon trading by 2026, depending upon the completion of all necessary stages.
“The area we seek to safeguard covers 1,700 hectares of forest land, not yet accounting for the reef because we also plan to conserve our marine resources,’’ said Kulisiua.
The chairman of the tribe’s committee Mr Kulisiua is responsible for organizing meetings among tribal groups to discuss their future conservation goals.
“I anticipate that by February 2025, our land and forest will be designated as a Protected Area. The declaration will hinge on the environmental conservation division; if considered appropriate and qualifying, a recommendation for the declaration should be made.
“We have considered the view that logging should not compromise our pristine lands and forests. It is essential for future generations to witness the magnificence of our towering trees and to understand the richness of the ecosystems within these forests and lands. Our current efforts are focused on preservation to ensure that this opportunity remains available for those who come after us; otherwise, they will only be able to experience these wonders through photographs and second-hand accounts,’’ said the father of seven.
Mr Kulisiua stands firmly against logging and advocates for preservation and reforestation.
“I urge my community to engage in reforestation efforts. When trees are felled for gardening purposes, I encourage the practice of replanting them when relocating to different areas of the land for cultivation. The primary objective of this proposed Protected Area is to prohibit logging and mining activities. I am a parent to seven children, some of whom are already married. This reinforces my belief that my grandchildren should have access to resources that will benefit them in the future,’’ he said.
This endeavour is not without its challenges, for instance, financial support is often necessary, and although he lacks the funds, Kulisiua is determined to work diligently to turn the plans into reality for his tribe.
“We may discourage one another from engaging in conservation efforts. Some individuals may proclaim that we possess plenty of resources, suggesting that there is no need for concern. However, we may eventually realize that these resources could be exhausted or disappear entirely.
“This understanding has prompted us to unite to preserve and safeguard the resources. 82 tribal lands in Guadalcanal have already agreed to participate in conservation initiatives,’’ he said.
Mr Kulisiua urges the people of the Solomon Islands, particularly those from his island of Guadalcanal, to recognize that they have reached a limit regarding logging and mining activities and expresses his sympathy to those who permit such practices on their lands.
“We have become strangers in our land, yet we are not outsiders; we are the rightful owners. The core message I wish to convey to my community is the importance of conserving our forest areas, as they provide sustenance for our families. Failure to protect these lands may lead to a sense of alienation from our heritage. This is the message I aim to communicate to all of us,’’ said the concerned father.
