25/07/2026
Post from Solomon Islands Rangers Association FB page.... ...."Two community-based conservations (CBCs) in Western Province have received urgently needed conservation relief assets and supplies following the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Maila in early April. The first two community-based conservations to receive their equipment and supplies yesterday were Sirubai Voko Tribe Association (SVTA) and Kinulukulu Marine Conservation (KMC).
On Monday, officers from the Solomon Islands Rangers Association completed the final list of recipients for conservation equipment and assets for eight affected community-based conservations (CBCs) in Western and Choiseul Province that are affiliated with the SI Rangers Association.
The conservation relief supplies included bush knives, grass-cutters, generators, laptops, underwater cameras, overhead projectors, diving snorkels, solar lights, camping lights (torches), tape measures (50m), waterproof bags (20L), Samsung smart phones, rangers shirts, rain coats, Eskies, storage containers, iron roofings and nails.
The SI Rangers Association has secured these items through the Thin Green Line (TGL) Response Grant and the IUCN Netherlands Green Lifeline Action Fund. The TGL Response Grant is often linked with Ranger Support Grants or Emergency Response/Fallen Ranger Grants provided by The Thin Green Line Foundation; it is financial assistance meant to protect and support park and wildlife rangers. Meanwhile, the IUCN Netherlands National Committee (IUCN NL) Green Lifeline Action Fund is an emergency support mechanism that offers rapid grants and assistance to environmental defenders and civil society organizations facing urgent threats.
The distribution targeted community-based conservations identified through assessments conducted after the cyclone. The beneficiaries include only affiliated conservation members. The destruction of ranger stations and conservation facilities has constrained rangers’ work over the past three months and has raised serious concerns, including disturbance to species and displacement from their habitats. This forms part of our Recovery and Intervention Strategy, where our Intervention Action Plan involves supplying field equipment to local rangers to speed up the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and operational assets. With the anticipated outcomes to re-open our affiliated community-based conservation areas and to ensure a secure, safe environment for rangers.
Saltwater intrusion and heavy debris have destroyed turtle nesting grounds and hatcheries, and they have polluted drinking water, placing remote community rangers at risk of severe food and water shortages. Damage to rangers’ facilities and assets, such as laptops, cameras, grass cutters, generators, storage containers, GPS devices, mobile phones, tape measures, ranger finders, boats, rangers houses, and rangers petrol sheds, has disrupted essential services.
Vice Chairman Felix Naitoro and Board member Atkinson Do’oro acknowledged the support of donor partners and the efforts of rangers in Western and Choiseul Province who helped with assessments at their respective affected CBCs. These equipment and supplies were made possible by our two donor partners following our grant proposal request".
Photo credit@ Edward Haikau Huitarau
