Press Release
4 February, 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MFR), and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop the Bloody Ridge National Historical Park (BRNHP).
The historic MOU was officially signed this morning in Honiara, establishing a framework for collaboration among the four parties to sustainably manage, conserve, and develop BRNHP as a protected area and globally recognized heritage and visitor attraction.
Under the agreement, the Parties have committed to promoting cooperation in tourism, recreation, conservation, restoration, and research for the benefit of both Solomon Islanders and international visitors.
The scope of collaboration under the MOU covers the following areas;
- Joint environment and conservation initiatives, including reforestation and restoration biodiversity and invasive species management.
- Promotion and development of sustainable tourism opportunities.
- Facilitation of academic research, training, and awareness programs related to BRNHP.
- Integration of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into park management.
- Inclusion of local communities in the parkโs management and development and implementation of suitable benefit-sharing mechanisms
- Monitoring, compliance and enforcement to address illegal activities within BRNHP.
Under the MOU, SINUโs responsibilities are as follows;
- Facilitate research and academic programs on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
- Provide access to technical expertise and engage students and faculty in practical training and fieldwork within BRNHP.
- Develop educational materials and programs to raise awareness of BRNHPโs ecological and cultural importance.
- Share research findings with all Parties to enhance evidence-based management of the park.
Speaking at the MOU signing, the SINU Acting Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai said BRNHP is a place of profound national significance it is a site that carries our World War II history, hold important biodiversity values, and continues to serve as a place of learning, reflection, and identity for our people.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor said the MOU recognises that such as site requires coordinated stewardship – one that balances heritage protection, environmental conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism.
โFor SINU, this partnership affirms our mandate as the national university to contribute through research, teaching, and capacity building.โ
โWe are committed to supporting evidence based-environmental management, engaging our students and staff in applied learning and research, and sharing knowledge that strengthen decision-making and long-term sustainability for Bloody Ridge.โ
โI commend the Ministries for their leadership in bringing this agreement together and for recognizing the value of collaboration.โ
โThis MOU provides a strong framework for joint action- through the proposed taskforce, shared responsibilities, and a collective commitment to conservation, climate resilience, and community participation.SINU looks forward to working closely with all parties to ensure that BRNHP is protected, respected, and sustainably managed for current and future generation.โโ
The MOU was signed by MCT Permanent Secretary Bunyan Sivoro, MECDM Permanent Secretary David Hiba Hiriasia, MFR Acting Permanent Secretary Wilfred Atomea, and SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai. The signing was witnessed by officials from all parties, including representatives from BRNHP.
ENDS//