Baru Conservation Alliance, Auki (2026)

08/04/2026

Exciting Conservation Milestone in Aifasu!

Sakunga na Baru fe`enia JCU ma UMelb, `e ru`a Baru fana fari`aenga fana agelana tagi fafia wado `i`Aifasu.
Dokita Tyrone Lavery `e kwaitalai fana ru`ufi lana kalonga fana ru`a lana sua’olanga ameru suria ola taringa`i `ubulana kalonga ameru. Taki fana wado `i`Aifasu ngai`e galangi ariafu, ma ta`a na wado aga tagila fa`ato`oa tagi no`ona aga, ma gila fa`ale`a fana na`oga fana lafiwela oringa.
Ta`a na wado gila kwaitalai na taunga`inga aga `e bila`o. Dauru taguru kwaiboni te`efou fana fa`atalo lana `Aifasu na Abelonga ania Moo’u na kalonga `ubulana kalonga `i kwaio.
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In partnership with James Cook University (JCU)& the University of Melbourne, (UMelb) the Baru Conservation Alliance is making strides to protect the Aifasu Tribal Lands.
Mammal surveys led by Dr. Tyrone Lavery are expanding our knowledge of local wildlife.
The Aifasu Protected Area Management Plan is nearly complete, with tribal validation to ensure this plan is owned, supported, and sustained by the community for generations to come.
Community-led conservation is taking root, and we need your support to protect this globally important ecosystem. Together, we can ensure Aifasu becomes a model for indigenous stewardship and biodiversity preservation in Kwaio region.
Join us in making a lasting impact!

27/03/2026

World TB DAY

Fana agasu’aana gani ba’ita na TB, Ta’a gila taungai’i fana Baru, gila kwairiania taunga’i na consevason rensa. BCA Rensa gila eta na’ona ta’a ‘i fai bungu ‘ifi fana to’ofono’usi lana fifingalo na TB. Gila taunga’i tegela fana to’ofono’usia fifinga lo na TB. Gila kwaibongi na ta`a gila nanai ‘i fataia fana agasuana TB ma kwatelana melesini.
Rensa gila fate’enia kwaimanga fana ta’a gila to’ona fifingalo na TB. Gila ame sisingo te’enia ta’a. Gila to’ona kwaimanga suria gila taunga’i mola fe’enio ta’ana fufutanga aga, ta’a gila nanai mola na wado aga. Ma ta’a gila to’ona na falafala.
Rensa gila kwairiania taunga’i na TB fana ta’a ani gila longoa fifinga lo na TB ngai’i ngada ta’a ameru‘i fataia. Lauta gila longoa ma anigila kwaiboni na ta’a ‘i fataia.
‘Ubulana singari na febuari TB Renga Fiaringi Made’e ma Julie Esau fa`asia BCA fe’enia Sue Devlin fa’asia JCU gila Kwairi suria taunga’inga lo na TB ‘i Asia-Pacific Regional conferences ‘i Bangkok.
Meru fata baole’a fana oru fu’igeni gila kwairi ania fatalana ta’a ‘i kwaio. Gila fate’enia taunga’inga lo na TB rensa gila launge’enia, ngai fana ani fa’asuia fifingalo na TB.
Baru `e fata baole’a fana ta’a gila kwaiboni ameru na fifinga lo na TB.

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To mark World TB Day 2026, we highlight the essential work of our Conservation Rangers who are at the front of our community-led fight against TB.
Our Rangers’ work hard to end TB in the East Kwaio mountains. The Rangers play a vital role by explaining TB to our Kwaio tribespeople, by assisting our Kwaio people to access healthcare, and by supporting our Kwaio people, and their family, through TB testing and TB treatment.
Our Rangers’ work is founded on Kwaimanga, our Kwaio concept which includes deep love and inclusivity. Kwaimanga is the opposite of stigma and discrimination. It is natural for the Rangers to express Kwaimanga for people with TB in the East Kwaio mountains because they are family. Our Rangers uphold our Tribal TB model that is grounded in our Kwaio ways of life that is deep and abiding belonging to wado (one’s tribal land), fufutanga (tribal social connections and tribal history) and falafala (our culture and Kastom)
Our Rangers are also advocates for ensuring the voices of our people affected by TB are heard when programs and policies are being designed or reviewed. In February, BCA Ranger Fiaringi Made’e and Julie Esau, with Sue Devlin from JCU, presented our TB Tribal model and Ranger Program at the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Union Against Lung and Tuberculosis Disease, in Bangkok.
We thank these strong women for raising Kwaio voices on the international stage alongside nurses from the Asia-Pacific region, to show TB leaders that we East Kwaio mountain people are doing big work towards ending TB.
We thank our partners who have supported our TB program.

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Thank you to the APR 2026 conference committee, the Australian TB Forum and the Australian respiratory Council for supporting Fiaringi, Julie and Sue to attend APR2026

19/03/2026

Rare Flying Fox Discovered in Kwaio
`Ubuna febuari 2026, oruakwala ta’a ma oru ai, gila kwailo’ofia sakwa`o taringa`i `ubulana fai wado, Baru gila taunga`i ai. Saentis, ta’anitaunga’i na Baru, ma ta’a na wado ngaino gila taunga’i te’efou.
Profesa Tyrone Lavery fasia melbon univesiti -wane latana ‘e talo na kwailo ‘ofilana mamol taringa’i, ngaia ne kwaitalaiga. Gila do’odaria te sakwa’o taringa’i na gila kwaikwailo’ofia, ‘i kafuloloto, Fulantofe. Darilana sakwao nona ngai kwate’a lataba’ita fana fanua nona barina biodaevesiti.
Darilana sakwao taringa’i no’ona, ngaia sakua sua’olanga na falafala ma su’a’olana ta’a kwao. Ngai fate’enia tegelana taunga’inga te’efou laloana ta’a na wado ma Saentis. Ngai’e kwa’ia tala fana ‘Abelonga ania kalonga ma taunga’inga fana na’odauru mai.
Ta’a gila abelo ania wado aga, ngaino gila kwaisoe fana taunga’inga fana darilana to’oto’ona’ola le’a, ‘ubuna wado aga ‘i kwaio. Ngaino ta gila launge’enia tagi fana aga’afuia lana wado aga.
Late’e kwaiboninga ‘ilo’o lauta ‘e laufurifuri ma taki do’odaria late’e animol matari ma taringa’i. Ngaino taguru arua tagi fana to`o`usilana` ola le’ale’anga ngai ‘ubuna wado ‘i kwaio fana lafiwela oringa.
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In February 2026, a landmark scientific expedition brought together 33 participants, including researchers, BCA staff, and tribal members—to document a rare flying fox species in the East Kwaio sites of the Baru Conservation Alliance.
Led by renowned mammologist Professor Tyrone Lavery from the University of Melbourne, the team successfully identified this unique species within the Fulanitofe tribal land, adding an important new record to the region’s biodiversity.
This remarkable discovery highlights the power of combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research. It reflects the strength of partnerships between local communities and international experts, paving the way for long-term collaboration in conservation.
Beyond its scientific significance, this achievement reinforces the vital role of community-driven environmental stewardship in protecting the rich biodiversity of Kwaio in Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Continued support for initiatives like this can lead to even greater discoveries and lasting impact. Together, we can protect and sustain the natural treasures of Kwaio in the Solomon Islands for future generations.

16/03/2026

One Health Field Trip – Kwaio, Malaita Province
`Ubuna wiki na 13th fana 22th na Febuari 2026, Baru, ma wane ni kwaimanga ana James’s cook university, ma university `i Melbourne, Meru talaia taunga`ia fana to`orule`anga na boo, k**i, doki, ta`a ma kalonga. Meru leka fani `Abafoe `i west kwaio, sui miria leka no’o fani `Aifasu mai Fulanitofe `ubulana Fataia `i kwaio.
Onoakwala ma oru`ai, ngaino gila lado na taunga`inga no`ona. BCA, Scientist, ma ta’ana tribe, meru lado te`efou fana kwailo`ofia na wawaa ne kwatea fifinga fana ta’a, boo, k**i, doki ma kalonga adauru.
Taunga`inga miri agea
• Meru leka fani `Abafoe fana kwailo`ofia wawaa na Boo.
• Scientist gila ngaria kokoruna boo, doki, K**i, Ta`a. ma lefu na wado kokoru ngi ai.
• Meruka fate`enia taunga`ina microscope ma kwairinga suria wawa alata nga`i ru`ufia labena ta`a ma takiagasu`aai uta? ma ta`a gonigia fa`asia `uta?
Taunga`inga nona meru, kwailoa wawaa ngai leka fana ta`a, animol uta? ma meru ka kwatea kwairinga fana ta`a suria to`orule`anga.
Miri daria nima late`e`e wawa kwaitatari, ma scientist gila ngaria gulanga`i ma ta gila efasia ‘i Ostrelia ma tagila bi`i kwairi mai ai te`ameru buri suria microscope lo`o `e sisika.
Taunga`inga lo`o, ngai te`e fa`ategela taunga`ingai te’efou laloana comiuniti ma ta`a kwao. Taki sakua su`a`ola na kwao ma su`a`ola na ta`a`ana fafala. Taunga`ingalo ngai te kwaiboni barina to`orule`anga na comiuniti ma to`orule`anga fana `Abelonga ania kalonga, ma taunga`inga fani na`oda.
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From 13–22 February 2026, the Baru Conservation Alliance (BCA), in partnership with researchers from James Cook University and the University of Melbourne, conducted a One Health Coastal and Mountain Field Trip in Abafoe Village and the interior hamlets of Aifasu and Fulanitofe in the Kwaio region of Malaita.
The field trip brought together 63 participants, including researchers, BCA staff, and tribal members, to investigate parasite transmission between humans, animals, and the environment under the One Health approach.
Key Activities
• Community engagement and assessment of a women-led piggery project in Abafoe.
• Collection of biological samples from pigs, dogs, cats, humans, and soil across the three communities
• Microscope demonstrations and awareness sessions on parasite identification and disease prevention.
Through these activities, the team investigated parasite transmission and promoted community health awareness.
Preliminary testing identified five parasite types, with samples that are currently undergoing further laboratory analysis at the University of Melbourne.
This collaborative effort strengthened partnerships between local communities and international researchers, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to advance the One Health approach. The initiative supports community health, environmental conservation, and future research opportunities in the Solomon Islands.

10/03/2026

BCA STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW
Baru, Ngai’e Launge`enia nga Strategic plan wakasafu `I `Aoke. Rua akwala ma te`e ai ta`a fa`asia fai bungu `ifi, staff na Baru ma JCU ngai na gila lekamai ai. Dokita Defete, Dokita Sue ma Dokita Franny ngai na gila kwaitalai na wokasafu no`ona. Wakasafu no`ona ngai fana`ani agafa`aburi mai na oru farisi ngai su, mai, Ma fana ani meru giria taunga`inga fana nima farisi mai na`oda.
Ola Taringa`i meru agea na wakasafu lo`ori, meru sakua sua`olanga na falafala ma sua’olanga nga na ta`a kwao fana fakonga.
Bao le`a baita, BCA ngai`e to`ona tala fana `aurunga suria fana bongilana taunga`inga fana `Abelonga na kalonga ma fa`ategela kwaimanga, ma bongilana ta`a fana aga`afuia kalonga fana nima farisi.
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From 9–12 February, BCA hosted a Strategic Plan Review Workshop with 21 tribal representatives from four conservation sites, BCA staff, and partners from James Cook University. Facilitated by JCU team, Dr. David Maclaren, Dr. Susanne Devlin, and Dr. Francesca Earp, the workshop reviewed our three-year strategy (ending Dec 2025) and drafted a new five-year plan.
What made this review unique was the integration of cultural knowledge and modern planning participants, used traditional sand-drawing methods to visualize ideas, ensuring community voices shaped BCA’s future.
Thanks to everyone’s energy and insights, BCA now has a strategic roadmap to guide conservation efforts, strengthen partnerships, and support community-led stewardship for the next five years.

15/12/2025

Saving Lives in the Highlands of East Kwaio – Impact of First Aid Training Supported by CFLI
Burina Kwaifa`ananaunga `i `Oloburi, fa`asia Dokita Vanessa, Dokita Sue, ma Ta`ani taunga’inga na Baru, Rensa ma Tisa gila ngaria su`a`olanga nona fana fai bungu`ifi aga.
`Ubulana fai bungu`ifi aga, BCA Rensa ma Tisa, gila ngaria su’a’olanga gila nanaua fana fanua aga `ubulana fataia. Sui ma gila fate`enia fana ta`a gila ame nanaua, ma gila ka kwaiboniai fana ta`a aga. Afirina bungu`ifi `ubuna fataia ngai `e le`a fana anigila su`a na Kwaifa’ananaunga no`ona fana ani gila kwaiboni ai fana ta`a aga.
`I Fulanitofe, te`e me bungu’ifi ai, Baru `e taunga’i fe`eniga, Bimani ngai `e `esia na `ai ma `ai `e ru`u `ubulana nimana. Wane futafe`enia totola maka kwairi fana rensa ma Tisa, ma gila ka ngaria first Aid kit `ani gila gaufafia na nimana. Rensa gila ga`ua nimana na ringi keke banidisi, fana ani to`usia buladena taafe ba`ita, fana ani kwaiboni ana fana `i Atoifi hosipitolo. Ruanagani gila nigi Atoifi, gilaka kwairi te ‘ana Nesi na `olataa gila agea na nimana la Bimani. Nesi agasia maka aile’a fe`enia. Nesi `e iria late`e gaunga no`ona ngai ne le`a fana mala no`ona.
Ruana bungu’ifi `i `Aifasu, Dioni Afoa ngai `e feda sode fana `ifiana, ma ngai `e ngaria fo`oni sode ana ma ngai`e `e `esia ma sode ka kwaria ninimana. Nga`i `e iria fana wela ana ani totola maka kwairi te ‘ana rensa ani gila kwaiboni ana. Rensa gila ngaria first aid kit ma gilaka totola te `ana la Dioni Afoa, Gilaka gaua ninimana na banidisi fana `ani to`o`usia buladena ta `afebaita. Gila kwaiboni na Dioni Afoa fana `ifi ana, ma gila launge’enia melesini gulaada ma melesini ta`a kwao na mala no’ona.
Rensa gila sakua melesini gulaada ma melesini na ta`a kwao fana gulalana mala no’ona. Mala no’ona ngai `e nafo aloalo ma gila ame ngaria no’o fani Atoifi Hosipitolo.uria mai nao gila `age`agea.
Baru `e fata baole’a fana Canada fana kwaiboninga aga na bata fana Baru ani `e launge`enia wakasafu no’ona fana nanaulana sualae fana gulanga fana fai bungu `ifi gila taunga’i fe’enia. Nanaunga no’ona nga`i e toomia no’o fanua `i fataia ifi ni gulanga amoe `ai.
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The First Aid training held at Oloburi, facilitated by Dr. Vanessa Sparke, Dr. Susanne Devlin, and the Baru Conservation Alliance (BCA) team, has already transformed lives across our four conservation sites in the remote mountains of East Kwaio.
After completing the training, BCA Rangers and local schoolteachers returned home equipped with essential life-saving knowledge. They did not keep these skills to themselves, instead, they trained their tribal communities so that even those who could not attend the workshop could still learn the same first aid basics.
These real stories show the true impact of the training:
1. Fulanitofe – Young Bimani Saved
A young boy, Bimani, fell from a tree and a sharp stick pierced through his hand. With the nearest hospital at Atoifi being a full day’s walk, his brother ran for help. Rangers and teachers immediately responded with the First Aid kit and used a ring-pad (ring cake) bandage to stop the bleeding.
The next day, they walked him to Atoifi Hospital, where the nurse praised their correct and timely first aid treatment—acknowledging that the Ring bandage pad prevented severe blood loss.
2. Aifasu – Treating John Afoa’s Injury
While carrying bamboo home, John Afoa slipped and severely cut his hand. Rangers quickly responded, dressed the wound using their new first aid skills, and safely brought him home. They combined traditional herbal medicine with supplies from the First Aid kit to support healing.
John’s wound healed well, and for the first time, he did not need to walk all the way to Atoifi Hospital for treatment, something that was impossible before the training.
These stories reflect the reality of living in remote, mountainous areas where there are no provincial or national health services and communities are often left without immediate medical help. Yet, through this training, our Rangers and teachers are now the first responders, bridging the medical gap and saving lives.
Baru Conservation Alliance sincerely thanks the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for investing in this life-saving initiative. Your support brings hope, safety, and resilience to communities who would otherwise walk a whole day or more just to reach the nearest health facility.
• Your contribution is not just training.
• it is saving lives.
• It is empowering remote tribal communities.
• It is strengthening conservation teams who work far beyond the reach of medical services.
From the mountains of East Kwaio, thank you, CFLI.

09/12/2025

PROTECTED AREA WORKSHOP – AIFASU TRIBE

Dr Tyrone Lavery fa`asia Melbourne univesiti `e kwaiboni na wakasafu na Tagi fana Fiuakwala ta`a fa’asia `Aifasu tribe. Wakasafu no’ona ngaia `elau `i Aoke (Baru base). Wakasafu no’ona ngai fana `ani sasaria `Aifasu tribe, fana ani gila launge`enia tagi fana wado aga. Tagi no’ona `ola taringa’i `ubuna akwala ma rua fari `aenga, `ubulana ministry of Environment.
Wakasafu no’ona `ola fana aaga su`anga na `ola taringa’i na Kalonga ma Falafala. `Ola `ani malangadaa kalonga. `Olataa na `ani guru launge’enia fana to`o`usilai. Tagi fana to’o’usilana moo`u na kalonga. Tagi no’ona tagila ladoa fe’enia tagi na gavman fana ngaia ani fa`ategela taungainga na `abelonga `ania kalonga.
Dr. Tyrone, na sua’ola lana ngai `e Kwaiboni fana launge`enilana tagi `ubulana kominiuti kwaitatari. Ta`a gila nigi na wakasafu, gila tagoto`o aga fana launge’eni lana tagi talaga, fana wado aga ma fana lalafiwela oringa mai na`oga.
Baru `e fata baole’a fana DFAT Ostrelia, fana kwaiboninga ma launge`e lana nanaulana tagi taringa’i fana `abelonga na moo’u `ubulana kalonga.
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On 1–2 December, Dr. Tyrone Lavery from the University of Melbourne facilitated a Protected Area workshop for 70 Aifasu tribal members at Baru Base, Auki. The training prepares the Aifasu tribe to develop their Protected Area Management Plan—one of the key requirements in the Ministry of Environment’s 12-step process.
The workshop focused on identifying the tribe’s natural and cultural values, key threats, practical solutions, and the regulations needed to protect Aifasu’s ecosystems, wildlife, flora and fauna, and landscapes. A major outcome was helping participants understand how traditional byelaws can be aligned with national environmental regulations to strengthen community-led conservation.
Dr. Tyrone’s expertise, having supported other local communities to successfully complete their management plans—greatly enriched the training. Participants gained confidence in creating their own rules to govern and safeguard their land, ensuring that future generations benefit from sustainable, well-managed resources.
BCA extends deep appreciation to DFAT Australia for supporting the Moo`u Program and enabling this important Protected Area training to take place.

07/12/2025

BCA Integrated Cultural & Formal Education – 2025 Combined School Closing Program

Ta`a ni taungainga na Baru, gila leka fani kafurumu fana ani gila lado na fa`asui lana Kwaifa’ananaunga na ru`uru`ua na 25 nofeba 2025. Fai bungu `ifi `ubulana fataia gila taunga’i fe’enia Baru, gila lado te’efou. Kwaifa’ananaunga no’ona `ola taringa’i suria ngai `e fa`ategela sua’ola lana ta`a `i Kwaio ma Kwaifa’ananaunga ni ta`a kwao.
Ru`uru`ua no’ona gila nanaua English, maths, science ma social studies fana oru ma`e gani ma rua ma`e gani gila nanaua su’a’olanga na falafala `i kwaio. Ta`a taringa’i no`o gila sua`ana faonga, lalau lana Baleo`o, subi, alafolo, `au, Binu Binu, gigilo, komu fafao, kakaina `ilanitofu, mode, gano ma kooa. Tisa na su’a’olanga na ta`a kwao gila nanaua su’a’olanga na falafala, ma Tisa na falafala gila nanaua su’a’olanga na ta`a kwao.
Ru’uru’ua gila fate`enia ola gila nanaua fa’asia su’a’olanga na ta`a kwao ma falafala. Baru `e kwate’a Kwakwatenga na baole’a nga fana ru’uru’ua na fai bungu ifi, Aifasu, Fulanitofe, Kwainaaisi, ma kafurumu, tofuna sua’ola laga.
Ta`a ni kwaimanga, ma kwaiboninga na Baru (JCU, HNELHD ma DFAT) gila lado fe’enia Baru ma fai bungu `ifi na live zoom.
Godfrey `e fata suria Kwaifa’ananaunga na tribe ngai te`e fa`ategela nanaunga na ta`a kwao ma nanaunga na falafala fana lalafiwela oringa.
Baru `e launge’enia keketonga fana fa`ato`olana Kwaifa’ananaunga fana fa’asui lana farisi biri ma ani fa`ategela Kwaifa’ananaunga fana farisi fooru.
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The BCA Secretariat travelled to kafurumu Conservation Area on 25 November to join the combined closing program for four Integrated Conservation Schools. These schools operate under BCA’s unique holistic education model, where formal learning and cultural heritage education are fully integrated to strengthen Indigenous knowledge systems and support sustainable, community-led development in the Kwaio interior.
Students learned English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies three days a week, while the remaining two days were dedicated to cultural lessons led by elders and traditional knowledge holders. These lessons included weaving, carving, slit drum, and panpipe making, bamboo stamping tubes, men’s combs, axe handles, traditional umbrellas, and bow-and-arrow crafting. In this reciprocal learning approach, academic teachers also became students in cultural classes, while cultural teachers became learners in the academic classes.
Learners showcased the skills and knowledge gained across both academic and cultural streams. Prizes were awarded to honour their dedication and achievement. A major highlight was the live Zoom participation of international partners from James Cook University, Hunter New England LHD Medical institute, and DFAT Australia.
Mr. Godfrey Wilikai highlighted how this tribal education model strengthens formal learning while revitalising cultural heritage for future generations.
The celebration ended with a colourful Kwaio cultural feast, marking a successful year, and reaffirming the BCA’s commitment to expanding and strengthening this integrated education system in 2026.

07/12/2025

Aifasu Star- Link Installation Boosts Climate Resilience & Community- Led Conservation

Baru `e aile`a ani kwairi suria star link `e arua `ubulana fataia i `Aifasu. Lefu star link `e nanai ai ngai `ubuna fataia `i kwaio, lefu ngai`e to`ona kalonga fofoafu. Star link no`ona ngai te faategela taunga`inga na Baru fana abelonga ania moo`u na kalonga. Ngai te kwaiboni fana fatakwairiunga laloaga suria taunga`inga fe`enia JCU, BCA ma Rensa `ubulana tribe.
Star link `e kwaiboni fana-
• Kwairi ania to`onga na bulota’inga tofuna ne`u, sina, iru, ma afirina ola `e laulau.
• Zoom link fani Fada’olanga fe’enia ta`ani kwaimanga na Baru ma fana Kwaifa’ananaunga `ubulana tribe
• Kwairi suria abelonga ania Moo`u na kalonga.
• Ta`a na tribe ta gila longoa fa`abasunga `ubuna alata na ne`u ba`ita, tafa`i `e afe ma fufuru.
• Ta`a na tribe fana ani gila taunga`i tegela na taungainga aga.
Ladonga ngai `i fa`ategela kominiuti fana sasaringa fana te`efuta`ola anilau mai na`oda ma fana ani abelo ania kalonga fana futaoringa.
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Baru Conservation Alliance (BCA) is proud to announce the successful installation of its second star- link internet system at the Aifasu Proposed Protected Area on 17 November 2025.
Located in the East Central Kwaio highlands at coordinates (S8˚59.719’ E160˚59.015’) and spanning 1,036 hectares of rich rainforest, Aifasu now has reliable internet connectivity for the first time.
The Star-Link system is a major step forward in strengthening climate resilience, supporting conservation work, and improving information flow between Aifasu communities, BCA and JCU.
With High-speed Wi- Fi, tribal members can now:
• Access accurate and timely climate information
• Join Zoom meetings and training from remote areas
• Share updates on conservation activities
• Receive early warnings and make informed decisions during bad weather, floods, or landslides
• Engage more actively in community- led development initiatives.
Connectivity empowers communities. For Aifasu, it means improved preparedness, stronger recovery from climate impacts, and greater participation in safeguarding their forests for future generations.

06/12/2025

Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) Triennial General Meeting
Theme: Uniting for the Future.

Mai-Masina green belt ngai `e launge`enia `ogunga burina orufarisi. `Ogunga nona `e lau `i `Ahetaha, East `Are `Are, Malaita province, na 20th novemba 2025. Ono akwala ma fai ta`a fa`asia Malaita ngaino gila leka mai na Ogunga no`ona.
`Ogunga no`ona gila kwairisuria:
• Taunga`inga `e lau `i west/east kwaio ma west/East Are Are, ngai `e fate`enia taunga`inga suria abelonga ania totoni`ola `ubulana wado ma fani taunga`inga fani na`oda.
• Kwairi lao`a ania bata MMGB `e kwaiboni ai fana ta`a na kominiuti.
• Kwairi ania taunga`inga MMGB ngai `e kwaiboniai fani kominiuti
• MMGB ngai `e efasia wane ma geni foru ani gila lado te`efou fana fakonga aga fana oru farisi lo`omai.
Fana fiu farisi Max Totorea `e kwaitalai mai na MMGB ma gila du`a ania la Mr. Eddie Huitarau. Oru meba foru gila efasiga ma gila lado fe`enia fai meba biri na MMGB. Godfrey Wilikai (Baru conservation alliance gila efasia la`amola fana ladonga fe`eniga. Waneni kwaitalainga foru na MMGB ngai `e fata baole`a fana wane kwaitalai mai na fiu farisi `e sui.
MMGB ngai `e kwaitalai fana kwaiboni `i Malaita - `E fa`ategela kominiuti fana ani abelo ania moo`u ma ani fa`a bilao taunga`inga fana na`oda.
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The Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) held its Triennial General Meeting (TGM) on 20th November 2025 at the Ahetaha Conservation Village, Manawai Harbour, East Are Are, Malaita Province. The event brought together its 26 active Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and 64 participants from across Malaita.
The meeting highlighted:
• Progress across MMGB’s conservation sites in West/East Kwaio, West/East Are Are, and the southern region—showcasing community-led efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
• Financial transparency and accountability reports, reinforcing trust among partner communities.
• Key achievements reflecting MMGB’s growing impact and the dedication of its member CBOs.
• Election of a new executive board for the next three years.
After seven years of dedicated leadership, outgoing Chairman Max Totorea handed over the role to Mr. Eddie Huitarau. Mr. Godfrey Wilikai of Baru Conservation Alliance (BCA) was also elected as one of the three new members of MMGB’s seven-member board. The new Chairman acknowledged the outgoing board for their transformative service and contributions.
MMGB continues to be a leading force for sustainable development in Malaita—empowering communities to protect their environment and build a resilient future. Support MMGB and be part of Malaita’s thriving, sustainable tomorrow.

29/11/2025

Strengthening BCA’s Financial Systems
Baru `e fa’asuia rua wiki na Kwaifaananau suria bata, `e lau `i `Aoke Baru Base, fa’asia 31st Octoba fana 12th Novemba 2025. La Thomas Birouste (Australia) wane `e aruto`o le`a na taungainga suria bata maka suale`a suria safalana bata, ngai ne`e fa’ananaua ta`a ni taungainga na Baru fana aganga le`a suria bata.
Kwaifa`ananaunga no’ona, ngai `e ru`a su`a`olanga ta`a na Baru fa`asia word ma Excel fana NCH Express Accounting system, ngai te kwatea Baru fana ani lao`a, ani odo maka wataga suria abulonga ma aga`afuilana bata.
Kwaifa`ananaunga no’ona ngaite ru`a sua`olanga suria kwairinga na bata Baru ngai `e tautaungai ania, maka fa`ategela lamadu`anga na kwairinga suria bata ta`a gila kwaiorisi suria, kwaiboni na Onoma`inga, kwalaimori fana ta`a gila kwatea mai bata.
Ta`a ni taungainga na Baru, gila daria Kwaifa’ananaunga no’ona `e kwaiboni, maka fa`ategela taungainga na Baru fana fate`eni lana ta`a.
Baru `e fata Baole`a fala Thomas ma ta`a gila kwaiboni fana fa`abilao lana Baru Conservation Alliance fana ani aga `afuia taungainga ana `ani wataga tofuna bata.
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BCA staff have completed two weeks of intensive financial training from 31st October to 12th November 2025, with Mr. Thomas Birouste, a veteran accountant and Auditor from Australia. The training helped our team move from Word and Excel to the NCH Express Accounting System, giving BCA a more transparent, accurate, and professional way to manage funds.
This upgrade will improve financial reporting, strengthen accountability, support better budgeting, and boost our credibility with donors and partners. Our staff found the training eye-opening and empowering as we continue building a stronger, community-led conservation organization.
Thank you to Thomas and to all supporters investing in BCA’s growth and accountability.

24/11/2025

BCA AGM 2025: Celebrating Community-Led Conservation
Na 27th Octoba, Baru conservation alliance ngai `e gwaloa fai bungu `ifi fana ani kwairi suria taunga`inga `e laulaunge`enia, ma bata gila taunga`i ania. Ogunga no`ona `e lau `i Gaulalakwa, `Oloburi. Nima akwala maka aba fa`asia fai bunga `ifi ngai na gila nigi ai.
Ba`ita lana ogunga no`ona ngai suria taunga`inga na fai bunga `ifi `i `Aifasu, Fulanitofe, Kwainaa’isi mai Burui.
Baru `e kwairi suria taunga`inga gila launge`enia na `Abelonga na Moo`u na kalonga ma tauinga`inga fana bila`onga fani na`oda.
BCA `e kwairi lao`a suria Bata `e taungai`i `ani wataga fana ta`a na fai bungu `ifi.
Taunga`i nga le`a na rensa na fai bungu ifi, ma malofinga na abelonga ania moo`u na kalonga.
Ta`a na fai bunga `ifi gila laenia taunga`i nga na Baru, suria moo`u na kalonga. Ma `abelonga ania kalonga ma nana`i leanga `ubulana kwaio fani na`oda.
Fadanga no`ona meru fa`asui ma meru keto te`efou fofona te`e lafa, `e fate`enia kwaimanga te`efou.
Baru `e waneni kwaitalainga fana taunga`i nga fana `abelonga ania kalonga fana bulota`inga.
Ula kwaiboni na Baru fana fa`a bila`oa taunga`inga fana na`odauru mai `ubulana Kwaio Tata`elanasina.
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On 27th October, the Baru Conservation Alliance (BCA) hosted its Annual General Meeting at Gaulalakwa, Oloburi, East kwaio, Malaita province uniting over 50 tribal members, leaders, women, and youth.
The meeting highlighted:
• Progress across four conservation sites; Aifasu, Kwainaaisi, fulanitofe and Burui – programs protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability
• Financial transparency & accountability
• Achievements of four tribal conservation rangers, whose dedication inspires community-wide environmental stewardship
Tribal members expressed full support for BCA’s ongoing, community-driven climate action, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
The AGM concluded with a traditional Kwaio feast, symbolizing unity and shared commitment to conserving East Kwaio’s unique heritage.
BCA continues to be a leading partner for sustainable development, encouraging local communities to protect nature while creating lasting change.
Support BCA and be part of a thriving, sustainable future for East Kwaio.

Baru Conservation Alliance

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