Community elects Management Committee and advances PA process in Upper Tina Catchment
Honiara, Solomon Islands -26 February 2026 - The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) Project Office, in collaboration with government partners and tribal leaders, facilitated a two-day Protected Areas (PA) awareness and consultation with the Lasi Tribal Group at Turaranga Community, Vulolo Ward, Central Guadalcanal on 25–26 February 2026. The consultation concluded with participants expressing support in principle for progressing the area identified by the Lasi Tribal Group as Barahau Longa through the Protected Areas Act 2010 process. Regarding PA Category Type, the preferred category is the Resource Management Category is the preferred option. This is subject to further customary consultation, boundary discussion, and completion of the required legal steps.
The sessions provided awareness on the PA process, supported open dialogue on customary land ownership and boundaries, and introduced a mapping exercise to identify taboo sites, cultural landmarks, and tribal boundaries. The consultation also observed the election of a representative Management Committee for the Lasi Tribal Group to guide next steps, including boundary engagements with neighbouring tribes and the preparation of a draft management plan and budget.
Key Outcomes
- Community Resolution: Participants (Lasi Tribal Group members) present expressed interest in continuing on the discussions on possible conservation arrangements for the area referred to during the meeting as Barahau–Longa, subject to further internal consultation and agreement.
- Governance: A Management Committee reflecting sister tribe representation was elected to coordinate with government and partners and to progress PA documentation.
- Technical Steps: Participants undertook a preliminary tribal mapping exercise and agreed to further engage neighbouring tribes on boundary alignment before formal boundary signing consultations.
Background and Process
The consultation forms part of the 12-step PA pathway recognised nationally from internal tribal consultations and mapping through to application, management planning, budgeting, and eventual declaration by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM). Tribes move through this process at their own pace, based on consensus and customary decision-making, an approach previously reinforced during Upper Tina Catchment consultations held in December 2025.
Quotes
John Walenenea Jr., Biodiversity Officer (TRHDP)
“The Lasi Tribal Group’s decision reflects strong local leadership and a shared commitment to protect biodiversity, water resources, and cultural heritage while allowing sustainable community use. Today’s outcome moves us from awareness into action.”
Trevor Maeda, Environment and Conservation Division (MECDM)
“The Protected Areas Act provides a clear legal framework for customary landowners to safeguard their lands for future generations. The Lasi community has taken a decisive step, and MECDM will continue to guide them through the remaining steps of the PA process.”
Next Steps
The newly elected Management Committee resides within the Bahomea region and will convene with support from the Project Office to: Review and endorse meeting minutes; Undertake neighbour boundary consultations toward signed agreements; and Initiate a Management Plan and budget for the proposed Resource Management Area.
About the Upper Tina Catchment PA Engagements
TRHDP’s biodiversity engagements in the Upper Tina Catchment support community-led conservation by aligning customary processes with national PA requirements. Building on December 2025 consultations with UTC tribes, the program emphasises tribal consensus and consent, dispute resolution, boundary clarity, and governance readiness as foundations for durable protected areas.
Photo 1 – Project Office Team Representative thanking the Lasi Tribe Group for inviting Project Office to facilitate the first-ever Protected Area awareness and Consultation during the Protocol Sessions before the Protected Area Consultations.
Photo 2 – Secretary of the Lasi Tribal Group making his remarks on behalf of the Lasi Tribe during the first-ever Protected Area Awareness and Consultation during the Protocol Sessions before the Protected Area Consultations.
Photo 3 – Trevor Maeda (Standing) of MECDM ECD doing his Presentation of Protected Areas for Members and Leaders of the Lasi Tribal Group. Also from left to right is John Walenenea jr (PO), Chairman of the Lasi Tribe, Secretary Hillary (Front) and Vice Chairman (Back).
Photo 4—Members of the Lasi Tribe during the Protected Area Awareness and Consultation at Turaranga Community.
Photo 5 – Group Photo of the Participants and Facilitating Team for the Lasi Tribal Group PA Awareness and Consultation.
For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com
Tina Hydropower development project
+677 25133
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)
The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com
A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. www.tina-hydro.com |
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