A Journey to Itina River Tasimauri Conservancy (IRTC)

On 10th October 2026, my colleague Alfstar and I travelled to the Itina River Tasimauri Conservancy site on Guadalcanal's southwestern coast to meet the rangers and see their newly built Rangers Camp. 

The journey was not easy. After the boat ride, we faced a seven-kilometre hike along rocky paths and across river crossings. With an old foot injury causing pain, there were moments when I questioned myself: Why am I doing this?

But watching the rangers and villagers carry heavy bags and roofing iron across the same rivers changed my perspective.

For me, it was a challenging journey. For them, it was part of everyday life.

I began to understand that behind the beautiful mountains and rivers are people whose lives demand strength, patience, and resilience. They face challenges that many of us rarely think about, yet they continue to care for their communities and protect the places they call home.

At the Itina rangers' camp, supported through the work of the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI), I saw the importance of the people behind conservation. These rangers carry knowledge gained through generations of living with the land. They understand the rivers, the changing weather, and the environment in ways that cannot be fully learned from a book, photograph, or office discussion.

One of my favourite moments was sharing freshly cooked fish and rice beside the river with the rangers. After a difficult journey, that simple meal reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful experiences come from sharing what we have. 

The trip also reminded me that everyone has a role to play. My colleague Alfstar, an accountant who usually works behind a desk, now sees his work differently. “Kind go out osem mekm eye blo mi for open beyond just sit down infront lo computer”, he said. Seeing the work firsthand helped us connect our everyday responsibilities with the people and communities we serve.

As someone working in media, I learned that telling stories is more than taking photographs or making videos. It means listening, understanding people's experiences, and helping them elevate their stories to a wider audience so that we are doing the right thing.

We are Islanders, and our currency is relationship.

I returned from Itina with sore feet, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for our people. The journey reminded me that Indigenous knowledge is not just something to document. It is something to respect, learn from, and help carry into the future.

Sometimes, the most important thing we bring back from a journey is not what we capture with our cameras. It is what changes in our hearts and minds.

Our islands are connected by more than land and sea. They are sustained by the people, knowledge, and care that bring them to life. That is a legacy worth protecting.

My sincere thanks to Amos, the Itina rangers, and the Mataruka community for their guidance, support, and hospitality.