BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The partnership between Australia Volunteer International (AVI) and Solomon Islands Rangers Association is becoming increasingly robust.

SI Rangers programme manager Eddie Huitarau said that the second phase of the Indigenous Conservation Knowledge Exchange is scheduled to occur from late July to August 2025 in Australia.

He said three staff members and a board member from the Solomon Islands Rangers will engage with Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) partner communities for an extensive four-week in-country exchange.

He said both institutions are collaborating on innovative initiatives that seek to enhance community involvement and promote environmental sustainability.

Mr Huitarau said this collaborative project will enable the sharing of the following project objectives: General Organisational Management, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Seagrass and Mangrove Surveying and Monitoring, Invasive Pest and Weed Species Management and Women Rangers.

He said the Solomon Islands Rangers can learn from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) in several areas related to project governance and integration management.

“Learn about TSRA’s work in the TEK space, including their approaches to engaging with communities and knowledge holders/Elders. Participate in knowledge sharing and learning activities related to the surveying and monitoring of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems.

He said the invasive Pest and Weed Species Management aims to develop an understanding of strategies and practices used in managing invasive weed and pest species through observation and knowledge exchange.

“The Solomon Islands Rangers can learn from the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Indigenous Women Rangers program in areas including community engagement, cultural integration and building a supportive environment for women rangers,” said Mr Huitarau.

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