Chief John Lobo Bukai of the Koalia Tribe, Langa Langa Lagoon in Malaita Province, has raised concern of serious cultural and customary concern over the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project.
This is despite Chief Bukai, who writes on behalf of the coastal communities of the Langa Langa Lagoon expressed their firm support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project.
“We commend the progress made on the project to date, including the successful completion of Indigenous Terrain Mapping (ITM) for both land and marine zones, and the formation of an association representing customary landowners.
“These achievements reflect commendable efforts toward inclusive development, especially in relation to land-based engagement,” Chief Bukai said.
“However, we wish to draw urgent attention to the marine access route to the project site—an area over which the coastal tribes of Langa Langa Lagoon hold longstanding customary user rights, including sacred tambu (taboo) sites and traditional fishing grounds.
“It has come to our attention that geo-technical and bathymetric surveys were recently carried out in these waters without proper consultation or prior consent from the rightful tribal custodians,” he said.
“In addition, we understand that plans are underway to install marine beacons in this culturally significant area.
“This move disregards established customs that require traditional rituals and consultations with tribal leaders before such activities can proceed,” he said.
Chief Bukai said historically, all marine installations within the lagoon were subject to prior agreement from tribes with ownership of tambu sites and fisheries.
He said the absence of consultation in this instance is deeply troubling and represents a breach of our cultural rights.
While they remain optimistic and continue to support the broader vision of the Bina Harbour project and the economic opportunities it promises, we respectfully request the following actions be taken:
- 1.Suspend all marine-based activities in the passageway until a comprehensive Indigenous Waterway Mapping is completed;
- 2.Formally recognize and consult with tribes holding customary rights over the marine access route before proceeding with any further development;
- 3.Respect and facilitate traditional rituals and protocols prior to undertaking any construction or survey works in culturally sensitive areas;
- 4.Engage in direct dialogue with coastal communities through a transparent, inclusive, and culturally respectful process;
- 5.Immediately commission and release an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) related to marine activities in the project zone.
“We also call on the Hon. Claudius Teiifi, Member of Parliament and appointed Chairman and Liaison Officer for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project, to take urgent steps to direct the project office, Pacific Horizons, and the Bina Regional Arrangement Governance (BRAG) to address these concerns in good faith and without delay.
“As traditional custodians of this maritime space, we remain committed to partnering for the success of this vital national project—but not at the cost of our cultural heritage, dignity, and ancestral rights,” Chief Bukai said.
