Malaita tribal group meets with Tovosia

Rafea Tribal Group of Malaita Province paid a courtesy call to Acting Prime Minister Honourable Bradley Tovosia last week, June 26th.

The tribal leaders express their willingness and support for creating a sustainable future by tapping into the carbon crediting scheme.

The group spokesperson, Stephen Suti-Agalo, briefed that they are working on finalizing their management plan submission to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology for inclusion as protected areas.

Rafea refers to the collective tribal lands inland (10 km) of where the Bina Harbor project is situated and owned by different tribes and family members.

The Malaita leaders informed PM (Ag) their carbon crediting scheme plans, which involve fielding in their human resources and finances for a common good: to conserve the forest, rivers, and rich biodiversity of the highlands of Malaita.

“We will get this land registered as a prerequisite of the Nakau program and connect our partner organizations—Winrock International, Batairalo Nature Natural Solutions Trust, and the government.

“Carbon trading is the way forward to creating a sustainable future for the next generation, displaying our commitment to nature conservancy, and averting the adverse effects of climate change.”

Tovosia who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister and Mines and Energy and Rural Electrification welcomed the Rafea tribal group plans and offered his full support for the initiative.

He assured the tribal representatives that the government, through the ministry responsible, will push to have the areas protected under the Act of 2010.

“This is the right approach, and I wish to see other resource owners switching to this scheme as custodians of the land, working towards conservation, a fair share of benefits, and protecting indigenous people.”

Private Secretary to the PM Ronald Fugui and Secretary to Cabinet Nego Sisiolo also commended the tribal leaders for leading the way in setting up their own committee working groups and looking forward to the setting of legal frameworks governing the carbon trading schemes.