NGO raises awareness towards environmental preservation in Temotu

In relation to the ongoing community concerns over bauxite mining and logging in the Temuto province of Solomon Islands, an environmental NGO proposes conservation over the destruction of their natural resources.

Oceans Watch has warned the people of Temotu over the possible hazards brought by bauxite mining and logging projects in the said province. Part of their drive is to send people to Rennell Island in the neighbouring province of Rennell and Bellona to study the impact of bauxite mining.

"They can make quite a lot more money from their forests, with sustainable development, than they can from logging and mining. So we are working hard to inform people about for example about the REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Plus scheme for carbon trading. They can earn more money for just protecting their environment and signing it for a carbon-trading scheme, than from logging," said Chris Bone, co-director of Oceans Watch.

The lack of awareness and concern over the potential impact of bauxite mining continue to pose peril in the booming province of Temotu. With the case of logging, however, Bone explained that local people could earn a little from their trees due to transfer pricing and middle men.

"The place is absolutely gorgeous. It's a very, very special and very treasured place, and one of the last places in the Pacific that has this wonderful primary rainforest," Chris Bone said.