STRENGTHENING OF DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR BARU CONSERVATION ALLIANCE (BCA).
On the 14th of August 2024, one of our partners “Baru Conservation Alliance” has witnessed and launched a three-year partnership with the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands at Baru office in Auki. The partnership aims to support and strengthen development activities and tribal model approaches of Baru Conservation Alliance. The program was attended by tribal members, chiefs, leaders, cultural teachers, students, and women of the tribal areas of Baru Conservation. The official launching program was honored to receive the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton and delegation, Solomon Island National University (SINU), Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau with colleagues and Mai Maasina Green Belt (MMGB), Tommy and Police officers.
During the launching program, Baru Conservation Alliance representative Chief Esau Kekeubata emphasized and acknowledged the great support rendered through the Australia Government as shown towards the organization’s tribal model over the years. He further expressed his gratitude for the extension of another three (3) years of support. Chief Esau also highlighted the importance of partnership with the James Cook University (JCU), Australian National Museum, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Program and the strengthened network with Australian High Commission office in the country, and other stakeholders that enables Baru Conservation Alliance concept plans and program being implemented in the mountainous region of East Kwaio.
As humbled and grateful for the technical support and scientific research undertaken within the conservation sites of Baru, new discoveries were identified and documented which includes four endemic species, two endemic snails’ species, two endemic flying fox species and two endemic spider species.
In his speech, the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, speaks volume of the achievements that Baru Conservation Alliance had attained over the past years. He further highlighted the successful implementation of BCA reforestation project, cultural school, health & sanitation, scientific surveys, mapping, and flour making concepts. He further amplified his support, by compelling the continuous commitment during the three-year term of partnership. The program will bolster the association’s work in terms of safeguarding forest carbon, bio credit and sustainable management of the ecosystem for tribal landowners’ needs and benefits. On the bigger scale of development, the partnership will back up and strengthen health, education, water & sanitation, cultural and traditional knowledge for the generations to come. He emphasized that, Australia is really honored to partner with the people of East Kwaio mountainous region.
Mai Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) as an umbrella body of all the conservation groups in both Are’are and Kwaio region, appreciated the continuous support as established through the Australia High Commission and recognition of Baru Conservation Alliance, as a beacon of hope for its people.
Cultural display of traditional songs and instruments was a highlight during the program. Other activities and tours on display include flour making, mapping, reforestation, health, and scientific survey data. The invited guests and team were impressed seeing the activities and the impact these projects have benefited civil society despite its remote setting.
For more information about Mai-Maasina Green Belt and its initiatives, visit https://mai-maasina.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/maimaasina or you can also check out Baru Conservation Alliance, visit their Facebook
