Forest Conservation Programme

 

The Solomon Islands is an area of amazing landscapes and rich biodiversity. Especially the unique but vulnerable forest ecosystems are highly at risk due to ongoing logging and mining activities and threats. In 2009 NRDF started to establish Forest Conservation Areas in Western and Choiseul Province to safeguard and protect some of the last rainforest areas containing high biodiversity values and important environmental services. This forest conservation programme was supported by the EU Sustainable Forest and Conservation Project and implemented by NRDF and the local landowners. Due to its success NRDF has decided to extend its conservation efforts to other project areas and areas that are not yet in partnership with NRDF. Aim is to establish a network of 6-8 forest conservation areas that are managed by the landowning communities and legally protected under the Protected Area bill 2010. Part of the programme is to start specific income generating activities such as eco-tourism, research facilitation but also find links with new REDD+ opportunities. NRDF will search for collaboration and assistance with internal conservation groups such as WWF, TNC and CI to setting up this network.

 

Main objective:

To preserve the unique forest eco-systems of the Solomon Islands and at the same time create employment and income benefits for landowners.

 

Main activities:

• Setting up a network of 6-8 forest conservation areas in Western Solomon Islands;

• Apply for a legal status under the Protected Area Bill 2010 for each of the areas;

• Carry out biodiversity assessments in each of the areas;

• Establish income generating projects in each of the areas such as nature based tourism (eco-tourism), research facilitation and carbon trade (REDD+);

• Collaborate with National and International conservation organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(L-R)

1. Solomon Sea eagle

2. Elegant Sticky-toed Frog

3. Lowland rainforest in Vella Lavella