BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Rangers Association have concluded a three-day ranger training session at the Apunepara Ha’amwaora Natural Resources Association (AHNRA) office in Waitoto village, Maramasike Passage, Small Malaita.
This training, held from November 10th to 12th is a component of the SI Rangers initiative carrying the slogan “Gender Inclusivity in Conservation and Environmental Management” with the aim to empower female rangers to become citizen scientists.
SI-Ranger Program Manager and Key Facilitator, Mr Edward Huitarau, said the theme signifies the creation of an environment where individuals of all genders can participate fully, equally, and meaningfully in the management of natural resources and ecosystems while benefiting from it.
“It extends beyond merely including women to actively addressing and transforming social norms, power disparities, and systemic inequalities that have historically barred women and other marginalised genders from decision-making roles and access to resources,” Mr Huitarau said.
The ranger training saw participation from ten tribal conservation groups: Mamara’o’orou, Raunimamu, Pautaiwmane, Sulu’oa’oa, Hurunilou, Apunepara, Waware, Aluhe’ala’ala, Araunaonao, and Paua.
These tribal conservation groups are situated within the mangrove ecosystem of the Maramasike passage.
Several of these tribal conservation groups are currently engaged in developing a Protected Area (PA) management plan, mapping the PA region, and formulating a land use plan, which will eventually lead to the creation of a designated protected area.
The training covered; Understanding Ranger Work, Leadership in Protected Areas, Effective Communication & Awareness for Protected Areas (PAs) and Field Survey, Monitoring and Data Collection Guide for Protected Area Rangers (including GPS Basic Mapping).
The third day involved a Field Practical Session, where participants were trained to operate GPS devices and engaged in hands-on activities related to coordinate marking and waypoint creation.
The training was proudly supported by SPC-PPAC (Pacific People Advancing Change) (PPAC), in partnership with the SI Rangers, who serve as the primary implementers of this funding initiative.
“Ultimately, achieving gender inclusivity in conservation and environmental management with rangers’ work is crucial for building a more resilient, inclusive, and effective conservation sector that can successfully protect our natural world for current and future generations,” Mr Huitarau said.
Photo: Supplied
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