The community of Orete in Southeast Vella la Vella Island, Western Province has successfully hosted a community consultation to form a community governance structure.
The event was held on Wednesday 8th October 2025.
The meeting was made possible through an invitation sent by the community to a local NGO known as “Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands” (IPFSBSI).
The activity was facilitated by Jonathan Bukiri, project coordinator of IPFSBSI with support from two youth volunteers.
A one-day activity was attended by 20 people representing the community leaders, chief, women, girls and youths.
The objective of the meeting was to consult the community with their interest to formalize their community governance structure.
Mr. Bukiri covered topics on What is formal community governance structure? Explore firsthand examples from nearby communities, what commitment is needed in this regard, why should we pursue this proposed idea?
The team also touched based on the existing work the Orete community (Known as Dolphin Bay) is currently implementing with an international NGO partner, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Solomon Islands.
We the women have big concern for our children for example, in our own informal discussions, we usually share the vision and common interest we have among ourselves.
This has been a question that is unclear for us in the past, how can we create a better future for our current and future generation, said Mrs. Norma Maeda.
Mrs. Soletiti Wilson also highlighted the reality in the community where there is no basic community infrastructure for women, girl, children, youths and People with Disability can come together to share ideas.
These are some of the challenges we have now however, with the idea of establishing formal governance structure (Community Based Association or CBO), I am convinced that our community can reach its better version of itself tomorrow.
A youth representative shared his vision, passion and commitment for a better future for his community and young generation.
The message of Community Based Fisheries Management brings unity, peace, love and cooperation among the people and I am looking forward to a time when this will come to past added Warren Atani.
Chief Wilson Akopala pointed out that conservation is not a new concept, our ancestors have been practicing it for century. In this case, chiefs usually have the ultimate power on rules to follow.
However, the new modern approach brings with it other related opportunities for communities in terms of capacity building, awareness, and science-based information to complement the traditional knowledge.
The members came up with an interim committee to oversee the process that will involve in registering a CBO. The chairman, Mr. Maeda looking forward to reaching out to the international NGO partner (WWF SI) for in kind support to make this idea into reality.
The Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands is a local NGO that has been implementing community led conservation and sustainable development across the country for more than fifteen years.
The organization aims to support rural communities that would otherwise not necessarily have access to basic information.
Furthermore, the local organisation is committed to complementing the work of NGO and line Government Ministries.
By Jonathan Bukiri
Project Coordinator
Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands
