Yato Conservation Area Declared Largest Protected Area in Solomon Islands
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (March 2026) — The Yato Conservation Area in Makira-Ulawa Province has officially been declared a Protected Area, becoming the largest legally protected area in Solomon Islands. This milestone strengthens the country’s long-term economic security by supporting communities as they manage their forest resources and pursue more reliable income opportunities.
The Yato declaration follows nearly a decade of efforts amongst local landowners, government partners, development organizations, and international supporters. Spanning close to 10,000 hectares of rainforest, the area’s protection helps communities safeguard one of their most valuable economic assets: the forest resources they depend on for livelihoods and future income generation. A commemoration of the Yato Protected Area will take place in Kirakira on March 27.
The project has been led by members of the Atawa and Amwea Tribes—representing the communities of Bagarai, Napuamarewa, Kereapena, Nasuahu and Hariga—who began exploring long-term economic alternatives to large-scale logging in 2016. With support from researchers at the University of Rochester and conservation partners, the initiative has expanded over time and now includes contributions from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Makira Provincial Government, and other organizations working alongside communities.
Since 2022, two of these organizations—Live & Learn Solomon Islands and Nakau—have provided training and technical support through the Forest Value Enhancement Project (FoVEP), an initiative of the Millennium Challenge Corporation-funded (MCC) Solomon Islands Threshold Program (SITHP). Their work has helped communities learn how to strengthen forest management systems, map boundaries, conduct forest inventories, and undertake the land use planning needed to access new economic opportunities such as performance-based forest finance.
“This milestone achievement complements the National Forest Policy Strategy on Forest Management and Conservation, with a strong focus on community participation. The Ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders and communities to ensure the initiative benefits resource owners and enhances livelihoods and the ecological functions of the forest, now and into the future,” said Ministry of Forestry and Research Permanent Secretary, Richard Raomae.
These efforts position Yato communities to develop alternative revenue streams while reducing reliance on short-term, high‑risk logging practices that have placed increasing pressure on Makira’s natural resources. Protecting this area supports long-term local prosperity by helping communities secure stable, predictable economic opportunities for future generations. “This milestone reflects years of dedication and leadership from Yato’s landowners and communities,” said MCC Resident Threshold Director Mr. Charles Jakosa. “Their commitment demonstrates how viable alternatives to logging practices can drive economic growth for the people of Yato.”
Photos: Kevin Sura
Photo 1: Land-use planning participants after a workshop.
Photo 2: Land-use planning in Napuamarawa village with Live and Learn Solomon Islands.
