29 January 2019
US Park in dialogue with the SIG to create a bird sanctuary to help preserve endemic bird populations in the Solomons.
It was reported in the Solomon Star newspaper today that the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology is in exchange of ideas with the Teledo Park in USA to put up a facility for endemic bird species in the country.
The idea came about following Teledo Park’s involvement in rehabilitating Santa Cruz ground doves in the country, after evacuating them from the threat of volcanic activity on Tinakula Island in Temotu province.
The exciting and encouraging news read (quote)
“Senior staff of Conservation Unit under Environment Division of MECDM, Mr. Josef Hurutarau revealed this in a recent interview with this paper.
“He said since the rehabilitation of Santa Cruz ground dove in a facility at Henderson, Teledo Park had played important roles in the programme.
“Hurutarau said they supported a specialist with resources to care for the facility as well as assisting government in the Santa Cruz ground dove rehabilitation programme.
“However, he said seen the importance of protecting endemic bird species in the country, Teledo Park decided to assist the government to establish a facility or sanctuary locally.
“Hurutarau said discussion is steaming between the two on the matter as the ministry is in operation on necessary work on the programme.
“He said government also identified the idea as part of its long term plan to have a facility to care for endemic bird species in the country.
“Hurutarau said with Teledo Park’s initiative, government thanked them for the initiative and they are collaborating on the programme.
“He said in pursuant of the programme, government has eyed and is working with the Botanical Garden on a targeted site to establish the facility.
“Hurutarau reiterated that they are working on the project and further development on the work will make known to the public.
“He said having the facility is very important, as it will allow the country to care and protect its own endemic bird species rather than sending them outside for protection.
“He said the plan has begun with setting up a facility for birds and as time goes on the government will look at creating facility or park for protection of local endemic species of flora and fauna.”
Source: Solomon Star News.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
