The overarching goal of the project is the strengthening of skills and knowledge in the conservation of biodiversity through our partnership with existing community-based conservation groups within the Green Belt Initiative area in Malaita Province.

Objectives:

1. Capacity building in biodiversity conservation, forestry and agriculture for conservation for practitioners at community level

2. Increase awareness in conservation of biodiversity for both practitioners and non-conservation practitioners in the communities

3. Linking conservation practitioners, work and SINU (Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ? Environment and Conservation Dept)

4. Provide recognized certification to conservation practitioners at community level.

5. Increase value, and recognition to local conservation groups

Formulation of a training programme with 8 Units which are:

1. Integrated Land Resource Management
2. Village Mix Agriculture,
3. Community Forestry,
4. Basic GPS and Mapping,
5. Financial Literacy and basic Bookkeeping,
6. Protected Area Processes,
7. Eco-tourism & Hospitality,
8. EIA, Sampling and Data Collection

The 8 units programme will lead to a Certificate in Environment and Natural Resources Programme issued by SINU

The project intends to graduate 15 tribal men & women who are involved in conservation work.