Local businesses in Malaita are partnering with First Nations businesses from Australia to expand eco-tourism links between Australia and Solomon Islands, creating both opportunities for learning and more local jobs.
Hazel Harohau of AuthenticMala Tours travelled to Australia to meet with Indigenous Australia eco-tourism business Yura Tours in North Stradbroke Island.
Hilda Rade Sofaemaena of Taflabana Guesthouse has also recently completed an eco-tourism workshop to learn more about expanding eco-tourism opportunities in Malaita.
Hazel reflected on the cultural similarity between Indigenous Australians and Malaita, noting that storytelling is one aspect that resonates most.
“Similar to the First Nations’ people of Australia, we are connected to nature, and our history is passed through generations orally,” Hazel said. “One of the main takeaways from the cultural exchange was relaying our stories to tourists through story telling. Now, I incorporate the simple stories that seem common knowledge to us in my tours.”
Ms Sofaemaena has a guesthouse on a man-made island in Langalanga Lagoon and offers shell money making as one of her products. She said she found the eco-tourism workshop very insightful.
“Our product offerings are already rooted in culture,” said Hilda. “But the eco-tourism workshop gave us new insights to elevate our products and create authentic experiences for our visitors.
“We also involve the local community, such as through showcasing the process of making shell money, and this helps us preserve our culture.”
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency High Commissioner Hilton was excited to see these efforts firsthand on a recent trip to Malaita province.
“This was a key focus of the visit by Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed to Honiara in September last year. It is great to see how these connections are impacting Solomon Islands businesses and people,” High Commissioner Hilton said. “We hope to connect more businesses together through similar engagements in the future and create more local jobs.”
– AHC
