BY INDY MAEALASIA
Rangers across the country took a moment from their busy schedules on Thursday, July 31, 2025 to celebrate World Rangers Day.
A simple but meaningful event at Holy Cross Cathedral compound brought together rangers, conservation stakeholders, and community leaders to celebrate the efforts, sacrifices, and passion invested over the years in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Edward Haikau Huitarau, Program Manager of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) said their primary goal for the day is to honor our outstanding rangers.
With more than a thousand rangers working across various conservation initiatives nationwide, Chief Conservation Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Agnetha Vave Karamui, said the day was a fitting opportunity to reflect on their contributions.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on exceptional work undertaken by rangers and individuals who stand alone on the shores, paddling our rivers and seas, and walking our forests, safeguarding the nation’s unique biodiversity and landscape, often placing their lives at risk and in dangerous circumstances, to protect the biodiversity ecosystem,” she said.
Karamui described rangers as “the hope and resilience of Solomon Islands environmental stewardship.”
“They are the custodians of a nation rich biodiversity, cultural sites, forests, marine and coastal ecosystems. True sentinels of conservation, community service, and of sustainable development,” she said.
Karamui emphasised that the spirit of conservation is deeply rooted in tradition and ancestral knowledge.
“You symbolize the spirit of conservation, guided by the legacy of your ancestors—my ancestors—who held deep knowledge and respect for nature. You embody the customs of your people, your land, and your waters,” she said.
Karamui further commended the rangers for their leadership, commitment, and professionalism, saying these are key to building resilient ecosystems that sustain community livelihoods.
The half-day event was also an opportunity for community-based conservation groups and stakeholders to showcase their ongoing work and achievements in protecting the environment at the grassroots level.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
