Makira Forest

The Makira Forest is a dense tropical rainforest located on Makira Island, part of the Solomon Islands archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its high level of biodiversity and endemism, it represents one of the most ecologically significant habitats in the region. The forest supports numerous species of plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Its preservation is vital not only for regional ecology but also for the cultural and economic well-being of the island’s indigenous communities.

Geographic and Ecological Context

Makira Island, also known as San Cristobal, is the largest island in the Makira-Ulawa Province of the Solomon Islands. The island’s terrain is rugged, with steep mountain ranges, lowland plains, and numerous river systems that sustain lush rainforest vegetation. The Makira Forest extends across much of this terrain, from coastal lowlands to upland regions exceeding 1,200 metres in elevation.
The climate is typically tropical and humid, with heavy rainfall distributed throughout the year, supporting a diverse and layered forest structure. Tall canopy trees dominate the upper layer, while ferns, orchids, palms, and lianas thrive in the understorey. The forest plays a critical role in regulating the island’s water cycle, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining fertile conditions for both wildlife and human use.

Biodiversity and Endemic Species

Makira Forest is recognised as one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the Pacific. It supports a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic to the island or the Solomon Islands region. The isolation of Makira over millions of years has allowed unique evolutionary pathways to emerge.
Key species groups include:

• Birds: The island is home to several endemic birds such as the Makira Thrush (Zoothera margaretae), Makira Starling (Aplonis dichroa), Makira Honeyeater (Meliarchus sclateri), and Makira Fantail (Rhipidura tenebrosa). These species are of global conservation concern and attract ornithologists from around the world.
• Mammals: The forest supports small bat populations and marsupials, including endemic species of flying foxes that are essential pollinators.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Several skinks, geckos, and frogs found in the forest are yet to be fully described by science.
• Plants: The flora includes native hardwoods, pandanus, orchids, and medicinal plants used by local communities.

This exceptional biodiversity contributes to the forest’s designation as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by international conservation organisations.

Cultural and Community Significance

The Makira Forest is deeply interwoven with the cultural identity and livelihoods of the island’s indigenous inhabitants. Local communities depend on the forest for food, building materials, traditional medicine, and spiritual practices. Many clans maintain customary land ownership, and stewardship of forest areas is governed by traditional laws that emphasise balance and respect for nature.
Hunting, fishing, and small-scale shifting cultivation are common subsistence activities. The forest also serves as a place of ancestral connection, featuring sacred sites and cultural rituals associated with life, death, and fertility. Community-based resource management systems have traditionally ensured the sustainable use of the forest’s resources.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

Although much of the Makira Forest remains relatively intact compared with other Pacific islands, it faces growing environmental pressures. Logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change pose serious threats to the ecosystem. Commercial logging, in particular, has led to habitat fragmentation and soil degradation in some coastal and lowland areas.
Conservation efforts focus on community participation, education, and sustainable resource use. Several initiatives have been established to protect biodiversity and promote local stewardship, including:

• Makira Forest Conservation Programme, which supports community-managed protected areas.
• Collaborations with international NGOs, aiming to enhance conservation capacity and develop sustainable livelihoods.
• Environmental education projects designed to inform younger generations about biodiversity and forest ecology.

Reforestation and eco-tourism are also emerging as viable alternatives to unsustainable logging. Controlled eco-tourism allows visitors to experience the island’s natural beauty while generating income for conservation projects.

Ecological Importance

The ecological functions of Makira Forest are essential to both the island’s environment and its human population. The forest acts as a carbon sink, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of global warming. Its dense vegetation stabilises soil, reducing landslides and sedimentation in rivers. Moreover, forest streams and catchments provide clean freshwater for villages and agriculture.
The forest’s pollinators—bats, insects, and birds—support the regeneration of native plants, maintaining ecosystem resilience. The interdependence between species ensures the stability of food webs and helps preserve genetic diversity, a crucial factor for adaptation to environmental change.

Research and Scientific Interest

Makira Forest has drawn attention from scientists for its evolutionary and ecological uniqueness. Research expeditions have revealed new and undescribed species of birds, reptiles, and insects, demonstrating that the island remains one of the least scientifically explored regions in the Solomon Islands. Studies of Makira’s flora and fauna provide insights into island biogeography, species adaptation, and conservation genetics.
Collaborations between local communities and international researchers have helped document traditional ecological knowledge, merging scientific and indigenous perspectives to guide sustainable management.

Future Prospects and Sustainable Management

The long-term protection of Makira Forest depends on balancing human development with environmental conservation. Community-led forest management offers a model for sustainable use that integrates cultural values with modern conservation practices. Initiatives promoting agroforestry, renewable energy, and non-timber forest products are helping reduce dependence on logging.
International support remains vital in providing technical expertise, funding, and policy frameworks to assist local authorities. Strengthening environmental governance and enforcing forest protection laws will be essential to preserve this globally significant ecosystem.