Community-based rainforest protection through payments for ecosystem services

The Solomon Islands have low global carbon emissions, but 77% of their greenhouse gas emissions come from land-use change and forestry. The Babatana Region, owned by local tribal groups, has almost 300 hectares of intact rainforest areas threatened by logging and mining. To protect these areas, a project was developed together with indigenous communities using Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) projects. The Nakau Programme focusses on community-based forest protection and sustainable economic development, works with local partners to protect areas and develop PES projects. It also empowers women through training, capacity building, and Women Saving Clubs in partner tribes. The PES agreement lasts 30 years and also contributes to fulfilling NDCs and uses knowledge management for replicating in other island states. The organisation works closely with the Ministry of the Environment to designate protected areas.