Western communities and provincial leaders support the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park and local management role.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has completed consultations on the draft Kavachi Seascape National Park Management Plan in Western Province.
Consultations were conducted from 2 to 13 August 2026 with the Western Provincial Government in Gizo and at four consultation sites in Marovo Lagoon: Bili, Batuna, Tiqe, and Seghe. In total, representatives from 34 communities participated in the consultations across the four Marovo Lagoon venues, with 134 participants, 29% of whom were women.
The meetings provided opportunities for community members, traditional leaders, fishers, women, and youth to learn about the proposed National Park and contribute their knowledge, concerns, and recommendations to its future management.
Communities expressed strong support for protecting the Kavachi Seascape, recognising its significance as a unique underwater volcanic ecosystem and an important habitat for fish and other marine species.
Participants noted that establishing the National Park could help safeguard the area from overfishing, illegal harvesting, deep-sea mining, and other potentially harmful activities, while creating opportunities for scientific research, education, tourism, and sustainable local livelihoods.
Hickson Job, Community Chairman of the Tiqe Congregation, welcomed the consultation process and emphasised the importance of recognising the voices and customary connections of local communities.
“We support the protection of Kavachi because it is an important part of our marine environment and is connected to the history and identity of our people. However, communities must be properly represented in its management,” Chairman Job said.
The consultations also provided an opportunity to discuss and clarify the proposed governance arrangements, regulations, offences, and penalties outlined in the draft Management Plan.
Rosalie Masu, National Ocean Advisor for WCS Solomon Islands, said the consultations have provided communities with an opportunity to help shape the future management of the Kavachi Seascape National Park.
“The feedback received will help ensure that the Management Plan is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the priorities of the people who have longstanding connections with the area,” Ms. Masu said.
WCS also met with the Western Provincial Government to present the proposed National Park and seek its input on the draft Management Plan. The Provincial Government endorsed the proposed establishment of the Kavachi Seascape National Park and expressed its support for advancing the initiative.
Hon. Billy Veo, Premier of Western Province, said the proposed National Park would make an important contribution to protecting the province’s marine environment while creating opportunities for stronger partnerships and sustainable development.
“The Western Provincial Government supports the proposed establishment of the Kavachi Seascape National Park. Kavachi is a unique and important part of the western Solomon Islands’ marine environment, and its protection will contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of our ocean resources,” Hon. Billy Veo said.
“We recognise that effective management will require close cooperation between the National Government, Provincial Government, communities, and partners such as WCS.”
The proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park represents an important opportunity to protect a unique offshore volcanic and marine ecosystem while strengthening local participation, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and promoting long-term ocean stewardship in Solomon Islands.
Further consultations with National Government stakeholders are currently underway in Honiara. These consultations will provide an additional opportunity for relevant ministries and agencies to review the proposal and provide input into the draft Management Plan.
The consultation process is expected to be completed by the end of September. Feedback received from communities, the Western Provincial Government, and National Government stakeholders will then be incorporated into the final draft Management Plan and supporting documentation, with the aim of submitting the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park to the National Government for consideration by November 2026.
SOURCE// WCS SOLOMON ISLANDS
