14/08/2025
In Choiseul Province in the Solomon Islands, the Sirebe Tribe are known for their pioneering work in forest conversation. They are the guardians of some of the last unlogged forest in the area, utilising carbon finance to ensure the rich biodiversity and beauty of the Babatana Rainforest remains intact, to the benefit of all.
In 2019 they became the first tribe in the Solomon Islands to establish an official Protected Area under the Solomon Islands Protected Area Act. Two years later, they became a certified Plan Vivo project, protecting 806 hectares of rainforest, leaving the forest standing, while generating livelihood benefits for the community. The project supports a Women’s Savings Club, improves water sanitation, and employs a team of dedicated Forest Rangers from the Sirebe Tribe.
The project is still expanding, with other Babatana groups choosing to protect the forest from destructive activities like logging and mining, while benefiting from carbon finance.
As Guardians of the Forest, the Rangers contribute to action on climate change, as well as conserving and restoring the area’s rich and incredible biodiversity. We spoke to three members of the team about their role and about why it’s important to protect the forest.
See the carousel below to read their thoughts 👇
Nakau Programme | Live & Learn Environmental Education
📸: Douglas Jnr Pikacha
