About

Shifting the Narrative: Research By Islanders, For Islanders.

Welcome to the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI). Based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, we are an independent research organization and charitable trust dedicated to a singular mission: placing Indigenous knowledge at the heart of science, policy, and development.

For too long, the Pacific has been a subject of study rather than a leader of it. Established in 2008, IKI was founded to change that dynamic. We exist to bridge the gap between the ancestral wisdom of our communities and the rigors of modern science.

Our Philosophy: The "Living Lab"

We believe that the villages, lagoons, and forests of the Solomon Islands are not just resource sites—they are active centers of knowledge. Our elders are scientists, our customs are conservation protocols, and our history is data.

Our work transforms local communities from passive beneficiaries of aid into active partners in research. By co-designing projects with Indigenous custodians, we ensure that solutions for climate resilience, food security, and conservation are culturally grounded and scientifically robust.

What We Do

We operate at the intersection of academic research, community development, and national policy. Our work focuses on three core pillars:

1. Decolonizing Science & Research

We champion "Knowledge Sovereignty." We utilize GIS technology, biological surveys, and ethnographic studies to document and validate Indigenous systems. From the Sky Islands of our high-altitude forests to the depths of our oceans, we lead research that respects local ownership of data.

2. Education for Island Futures

Through our strategic partnership with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and Arizona State University, we are building the Institute of Islands Futures. We are training the next generation of Solomon Islander scholars to solve global problems using local solutions.

3. Stewardship & Conservation

We are technically supporting the creation of the world’s first Indigenous-led multi-national marine park, the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. We work with partners like Nia Tero to ensure that conservation provides sustainable livelihoods for our people while protecting our biodiversity.

Our Partners

While our roots are in the Solomon Islands, our reach is global. We collaborate with leading international universities, United Nations bodies, and global conservation NGOs to amplify the voices of our people on the world stage.

Join Us

Whether you are a researcher, a policy-maker, or a community leader, IKI invites you to collaborate with us. Together, we can build a future where Indigenous knowledge leads the way in healing our planet.