THE Pamahima tribal community, the National and Provincial Government, the FAO Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP), the Ecological Solution Foundation (ESF), and partners celebrated the launching and declaration of the Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area (PTFPA) at Arohane Village in Central Makira, Makira Ulawa Province (MUP) last week on February 27.
This is the first Protected Area launch for the Province (MUP) after two sites – PTFPA and Waihita Conservation and Protected Area (WCPA) – were gazetted on 10th September 2024, by the Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Hon. Trevor Manemahaga.
The Protected Area Management Committee organized the program with the support of its partners. MECDM was represented by the Director and officials of the Environment and
Chairman of PTFPA Paul Taniara recalled that the journey wasn’t easy. “It took a very long time to arrive at this achievement. We are so thankful to all the stakeholders that have supported us throughout. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Ecological Solution Foundation which has led us on this journey as well as the Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP) under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which has resourced the implementation of activities in the PA process but as well as the technical guidance from Environment and Conservation Division of MECDM”.
The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government through the Provincial Secretary, Mr Peter Trenor expressed their appreciation of the effort put together by all the stakeholders.
He highlighted their support towards such partnerships that culminated into success stories as seen with Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area.
He stated “The MUP through the leadership of the Provincial Premier are in full support of such initiative and we look forward to more of such established grouping within the Province on both terrestrial and marine areas soon” such as the sighting of the newly found largest coral species in the world at the Three Sisters”.
Deputy Premier Hon. Steve Ngara and Members of the Provincial Assembly also attended to witness the first Protected Area Launch for the Province.
As the lead supporting local NGO, ESF, represented by Ms. Hensllyn Boseto, said “We have gone through an awfully extensive period. Despite that, the passion and commitment shown by the tribal community eager to see this through has come to fruition. This must truly be celebrated in some big ways.”
The FAO IFM Project has supported the process financially for the community to meet its legal requirements. The project’s Chief Technical Advisor to the IFM Project, Mr Dicken Bueno Sande, thanked the Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area Management committee for their wisdom and leadership, to not just conservation, but also the vision they have for the generations to come.
He said, “Today we experience so much pressure on the use of our natural resources for sustenance but there is also the future, especially that of our children and their children to come, that we need to make resources available for”.
Mr. Josef Hurutarau, Director of the Environment and Conservation Division, in handing over the official certificate of the Protected Area (signed by the Minister of MECDM), thanked the Community (PTFPA), Chiefs, leaders, and their partners for their dedication and commitment to accomplishing the Protected Area (PA) status.
It is a milestone achievement for PTFPA, MUP, MECDM-IFMP, and all their partners. The Director also assured the community of the legal protection of the site under the Protected Areas Act 2010 due to its biological significance.
He calls for more collaboration and partner support as this is only the beginning of the implementation of this protection. He assures PTFPA of his Ministry’s support as the site is now protected under the law administered by his Division (Environment & Conservation Division).
With this declaration, the Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area Management Committee will be supported as it becomes a legal body to manage the site. They will be supported by a team of PA Rangers who will be trained and reminded of their roles and responsibilities under the law and their management plan. They will also be issued with formal identification insignias.
The ceremony ended on a high note with celebration and feasting. MECDM, MUP, IFMP, and ESF are looking forward to a few more celebrations soon to mark the official legal protection of the sites in the Province, with WCPA becoming the second site to be officially launched.
Source: Government Communication Unit