Milestones
- Yato Protected Area: 2025
Yato's rainforest is the largest legally protected land area in Solomon Islands. Now, Yato customary landowners are developing a sustainable carbon project to support people and protect forests.
The Yato Conservation Project is made up of members from the Atawa and Amwea Tribes who reside in the communities of Bagarai, Napuamarewa, Kereapena, Nasuahu and Hariga. They have been working together since 2016 to gain protected area status for almost 10,000 hectares of rainforest.
Makira’s rainforests are under constant threat from logging operations with timber concessions still encroaching onto the Yato forest in recent years. Protected Area Status declared in 2025 now protectes this incredible ecosystem for the long term.
9,555 hectaresof rainforest legally protected
2,500+ hectaresof forest eligible for carbon
700+ community membersparticipating in the project
"We have experienced disadvantages of logging since it is the only available development on our shores. The alternative to engage in carbon trade is where our future hope lies besides other environmentally related benefits from our natural ecosystems."
Plants and animals
The Yato forest area includes lowland rainforest and high mountain ranges with unique cloud forests. There are caves with cultural significance and many important Tabu sites.
Forests of Makira are home to 32 bird species, including the rare Yellow-legged pigeon, and 21 animals which are endemic to the island. There are also more than 100 recorded flora in the Yato forest area, with 21 plants only found on Makira.
