IKI Supports Two Ranger Camps to Protect Guadalcanal’s Sky Islands
Press Release
The Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI) has supported the development of two ranger camps along the Itina River and near Chaha Falls in Southwest Guadalcanal. The camps will help local rangers monitor and protect the forests and highland areas known as the Sky Islands.
The IKI team visited the Saloto Kiki ranger camp along the Itina River on 10th October 2026 and the Vatu Chae ranger camp in Central Guadalcanal on 16th October 2026. The visits provided an opportunity to see the progress of the camps and learn how they will support the work of local rangers.
The Itina River Tasimauri Conservancy is one of IKI’s subgrantees under the Sky Islands initiative. The initiative supports efforts to protect important highland areas in the Solomon Islands from logging, mining, and commercial activities
The Sky Islands initiative is linked to a national government pledge made in 2018 to protect areas above the 400-metre contour line from logging, mining, and commercial activities.
The new camps will give rangers places to rest while travelling through the forest and carrying out regular monitoring activities. They will also support future research and create opportunities for students to learn about the local environment.
Photo 1: Saloto Kiki rangers' camp along the Itina River. Photo 2: Vatu Chae rangers' camp near the Chaha Falls. Photos: IKI/Jovi Totorea
The rangers also see potential for the Vatu Chae Ranger’s Camp to support tourism and small-scale business opportunities for local communities.
Amos Jeffery, Ranger of the Itina River Tasimauri Conservancy, said, " Before we built this ranger's base, during our monitoring, we cut leaves to build a temporary hut for rest”. Now these camps would provide a strong starting point for the team to continue monitoring our conservation areas and plan for the future.
He also highlighted their potential to support community development, research, and new livelihood opportunities.
The development of these camps reflects the important role local communities play in protecting their land, forests, and natural resources. With continued support, the camps can strengthen ranger activities and help communities build a future that values both conservation and local development.
Itina Ranger Amos Jeffery speaks with IKI representative Alfstar Karibongi at the Saloto Kiki Ranger Camp. Photo: IKI/Jovi
ENDS
Media contact:
Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI)
Website: https://islands-knowledge.org/
