East Rennell
Country
Solomon Islands
Inscribed in
1998
Criterion
(ix)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "critical" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
East Rennell makes up the southern third of Rennell Island, the southernmost island in the Solomon Island group in the western Pacific. Rennell, 86 km long x 15 km wide, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world. The site includes approximately 37,000 ha and a marine area extending 3 nautical miles to sea. A major feature of the island is Lake Tegano, which was the former lagoon on the atoll. The lake, the largest in the insular Pacific (15,500 ha), is brackish and contains many rugged limestone islands and endemic species. Rennell is mostly covered with dense forest, with a canopy averaging 20 m in height. Combined with the strong climatic effects of frequent cyclones, the site is a true natural laboratory for scientific study. The site is under customary land ownership and management. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Critical
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Exceptional stepping-stone for on-going speciation processes (particularly avifauna) in the western Pacific
Criterion
(ix)
East Rennell demonstrates significant on-going ecological and biological processes. It is an important stepping stone in the migration and evolution of species in the western Pacific and for speciation processes, especially with respect to avifauna. Of 43 breeding land and water bird species, four species and nine subspecies are endemic to Rennell Island, with a further seven subspecies endemic to Rennell and nearby Bellona (IUCN, 1998; World Heritage Committee; 2012). A 2018 survey of terrestrial vertebrates documented 56 species, including 15 squamates, 13 mammals, 38 birds, and four new vertebrate records for the island (Laverty et al., 2021). Further research will probably revise these figures (Filardi et al., 2007). In 2020-2021, there appears to have been a mass mortality of flying foxes, and the government confirmed the endemic flying fox appears to have become locally extinct pending additional information (State Party of Solomon Islands, 2024).
Important site for the study of island biogeography
Criterion
(ix)
One of the most natural, undisturbed oceanic islands in the Pacific region, where the impacts of humans, invasive predators and weeds on the native biodiversity have been relatively small, the site is an important site for the science of island biogeography. Combined with the strong climatic effects of moderately frequent cyclones, the property is a true natural laboratory (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
High levels of endemism
Criterion
(ix)
For its size, Rennell Island has a high number of endemic species, particularly among its avifauna and also harbours 10 endemic plant species. The wildlife includes 11 species of bat (one endemic) and 43 species of breeding land and water birds (four species and nine subspecies endemic respectively). The invertebrate life is also rich with 27 species of land snail (seven endemics) and approximately 730 insect species, many of which are endemic. Lake Tegano, the largest lake in the insular Pacific, has 78 species of animals recorded including 12 species and one subspecies endemic to the lake. The flora of Lake Tegano is dominated by more than 300 species of diatoms and algae, some of which are endemic. The endemic Sea Krait is the second record of a sea snake living in a brackish water lake (State Party of the Solomon Islands, 1997, IUCN, 1998, World Heritage Committee, 2012). A 2018 survey provided evidence that continued field studies combined with DNA analysis will continue to uncover even greater endemic biodiversity (Laverty et al., 2021).
Marine fauna
The property includes a marine area that extends 3km offshore. A marine survey was undertaken in 2012 with support of the World Heritage Fund, yet results are not available online. A September 2021 assessment in response to an oil spill found the coastal area to be not only rich in marine life but also highly diverse, including six main coral genera (Acropora, Hard coral (or Massive and Boulder), soft coral, mushroom coral, branching coral (or fire coral) and staghorn coral) (State Party of the Solomon Islands, 2021). Overall, there is little information on the marine area surrounding the World Heritage site and significant potential for future study.
Rich cultural values
The property has rich cultural values, including traditional knowledge some of which are still in practice, genealogies of tribes, and the local Rennellese language. Eg. it is difficult to find a word equivalent to “nature” in Rennellese (c.f. “taha taha” = surrounding environment, “mouku” = bush) - nature and culture are inseparable in Rennellese context. It has been proposed to explore a possible re-nomination of the property as a cultural landscape in the long term. Priorities include record and map local culture, traditional and living knowledge, customary governance, genealogies and language of the East Rennell communities (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019).
One of the largest raised coral atolls in the world
Rennell Island is the second largest raised coral atoll in the world, covering an area of 87,500ha at 86km long and 15km wide. A prominent feature of the property is Lake Tegano, the former lagoon of the atoll, which at 15,000ha is the largest lake in the insular Pacific. The lake contains many rugged limestone islets and the surrounding karst terrain has a dense cover of indigenous forest.
Assessment information
Logging and bauxite mining have loomed over the World Heritage site since 2008. Thanks to local communities and national government there has been no commercial logging and mining inside the World Heritage site to date, yet the possibility continues to exist as long as there is no permanent legal mechanism such as protection under the 2010 Protected Areas Act. Logging and mining operations have approached the World Heritage boundary up to 200 meters, with likely negative effects on forest habitat underpinning East Rennell's biodiversity (birds and bats in particular), the flow of groundwater from the forested west into natural freshwater springs in the east, as well as invasive species. The established presence of black rats in the World Heritage site has negatively impacted native species and endemic birds, as well as local agriculture. Locally-led rat management options are underway (with support of BirdLife International) and a Biosecurity Plan will hopefully prevent further introduction of invasives onto the island. The narrowly avoided oil spill in 2019 and 2021 grounding of a barge destroying 30ha of corals underscored the threat of disasters.
Fishing, Harvesting & Controlling Aquatic Species
(Unsustainable use of native wildlife, including crabs, other aquatic resources, and possibly birds and bats)
Other targeted species names
Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Previous sustainable use of the Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) and other aquatic resources appears to have become unsustainable, and logging activities appear to have increased poaching of endemic, rare and threatened species of biota (IUCN, 2012).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive alien species)
Invasive/problematic species
Rattus rattus
Wasmannia auropunctata
Lissachatina fulica
Oryctes rhinoceros
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The absence of many invasive species supported the inscription of East Rennell under criterion (ix). A 2018 BirdLife study confirmed black rats (Rattus rattus) and little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) were present on Rennell (Puia, 2018), and confirmed that introduced rats now prevail on the entire island (State Party of Solomon Islands, 2023) in areas of habitation along coastlines and roads (UNESCO and IUCN 2019). The 2018 study by BirdLife also suggested that Rattus rattus were probably introduce on the island around the time mining & logging began in West Rennell. They have been observed in the vicinity of log ponds and jetties and adjacent log storage areas (IUCN, 2012). BirdLife identified a number of native and endemic species particularly susceptible to rats, such as small ground birds and those that nest in holes or the crowns of coconuts or roost at heights of less than 1.5m (including Rennell Starling, Rennell Shrikebill, Rennell Whistler, Rennell Fantail, Bronze Ground Dove, and Australasian Little Grebe). In addition, the black rat is a known predator of land snails of which Rennell has many endemic species, as well as invertebrates and reptiles. Black rats also destroy local agricultural produce. In 2022 BirdLife started a project in which community rangers set up 1km2 rat control plots in each of the 4 village forest areas, and bait stations were setup along transects within the control plots. The aim was to suppress the rat population and therefore reduce impact on agricultural crops/produce and biodiversity. There are also concerns for the potential introduction of the giant african snail which is already widespread in Tigoa Government Station and moving slowly West. The snail is well present in Honiara, as is the coconut rhinoceros beetle (IUCN 2012; UNESCO and IUCN 2019). If GAS is established in East Rennell, it would compete with the 27 species of native snails.
Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge systems that result in negative impact, Identity/social cohesion/ changes in local population and community that result in negative impact
(Changes in local population and community)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
The development of a cash economy and the demand for modern conveniences are forcing residents to find sources of income, which in turn increases pressure on local resources (IUCN, 2012). The sustainability of the customary governance system is in some doubt. For example, the Council of Chiefs has not met formally in many years, as the Paramount Chief lives on Guadalcanal Island (IUCN and UNESCO, 2019). A thorough socio economic assessment must be done to ascertain the changes (since 2012), and the level of threat.
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Commercial logging)
Outside site
On its own, the East Rennell World Heritage forest is insufficiently large to ensure the long-term survival of endemic birds (IUCN, 1998). Since 2008 logging commenced on West Rennell that has directly and indirectly impacted East Rennell, in particular birds, (lake) water quality (groundwater is flowing from the forested west into the east), as well as socio-economic and cultural ramifications. It is worrying that logging has been approved within 200 meters of the boundary of the World Heritage site (IUCN and UNESCO, 2019). There are also serious concerns logging will bring (more) invasive species, possibly increase the unsustainable use of native species, have further cultural ramifications, and generate other negative impacts as the Kangava Bay oil spill demonstrated (IUCN, 2012; UNESCO and IUCN, 2019).
Remote sensing data suggests that logging has not impacted forest coverage in the site up to 2020, although logging did occur in West Rennell (HIST 2016; Huo et al. 2021). Although national government as well as local communities have so far refused commercial logging in the site (despite occasional applications being made by individuals), the possibility of commercial logging inside the property exists as long as there is no permanent legal mechanism such as protection under the Protected Areas Act 2010. In 2024 three-quarters of the “tribal groups” submitted interest to apply for this act. Under Solomon Islands law, consensus is to be obtained from all customary landowners before the Protected Areas Act 2010 could apply.
Remote sensing data suggests that logging has not impacted forest coverage in the site up to 2020, although logging did occur in West Rennell (HIST 2016; Huo et al. 2021). Although national government as well as local communities have so far refused commercial logging in the site (despite occasional applications being made by individuals), the possibility of commercial logging inside the property exists as long as there is no permanent legal mechanism such as protection under the Protected Areas Act 2010. In 2024 three-quarters of the “tribal groups” submitted interest to apply for this act. Under Solomon Islands law, consensus is to be obtained from all customary landowners before the Protected Areas Act 2010 could apply.
Mining & Quarrying
(Commercial bauxite mining)
Outside site
Bauxite mining is happening in West Rennell, up to 12km away from the boundary of the property (UNESCO, 2017; UNESCO and IUCN, 2019). The operations are targeting only bauxite pocket soils deposits. The large scale of mining on a small island ecosystem will have substantial impacts to the integrity of the Rennell Island ecosystem. The assessment of impacts presented for one of the operations (UNESCO, 2017) argues that confining the operation to only the west of the island will limit ecosystem impacts. However, there is likely to be a degradation of the overall ecosystem health in the absence of appropriate planning. Furthermore, as the 2019 Kangava Bay oil spill demonstrated, the economic activities associated with mining (e.g. shipping) may also have a negative impact the property (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019). Although national government as well as local communities have so far refused commercial bauxite mining in the site (despite occasional applications being made by individuals), the possibility of a mining permit exists as long as there is no permanent legal mechanism such as protection under the Protected Areas Act 2010. There are reports of a bauxite mining exploration proposal but the current status is unclear (UNESCO, 2024). However, it is also the responsibility of the international community to ensure that other benefits, e.g., tourism, alternative livelihood generation are enabled for the local community to ensure that they have alternatives to mining.
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Oil spills, marine pollution and ship groundings)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
In February 2019 a cargo ship ran aground in Kagava Bay, just outside the boundary, and began leaking the 770 tons of heavy fuel oil onboard (Williams, 2019). Thanks to international assistance and quick action, particularly from Australia and New Zealand, a catastrophe was averted. The Bay is in constant use for transhipment of bauxite, and there are few disaster response mechanisms in place, thus another accident is a high risk (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019). In 2021 a grounded barge damaged 30ha of the site's reefs, causing an estimated damage of USD 1,6 million (State Party of Solomon Islands, 2021). No compensation of the ecological, cultural and socio-economic impacts of the grounding on local communities has been made to date.
Mining & Quarrying
(Lack of alternative income generating alternatives to commercial logging and mining)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The 2019 reactive monitoring mission found that the real long-term threat to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage site is the lack of alternative income generating alternatives to commercial logging and mining. Without sustainable livelihoods, local support for the World Heritage designation (and as such the temporary ban on commercial logging and mining) will erode. Tourism, albeit not a magical solution, is one alternative due to the splendid nature of the site and the very basic tourism-infrastructure already present. Currently almost no tourists visit the property and COVID-19 worsened the situation; a limited number of tourists could generate a flow of cash sufficient to counterbalance the allure of commercial logging and mining to the ~1,000 residents of East Rennell (IUCN and UNESCO, 2019; Buckwell et al, 2024). However, the rising fuel and transportation costs on the island may hinder this, as experienced by BirdLife in their recent work on Rennell. Fuel and transportation costs have tripled over the 3 year duration of the project. To determine the most viable income-generating alternative, market access and local capacity & resources to manage it must be assessed.
UNESCO received a petition to withdraw the customary land of one tribe from the World Heritage site (UNESCO, 2018). The petition may not have been authorized and has been retracted, but points to the precarious state of local support (UNESCO, 2019).
UNESCO received a petition to withdraw the customary land of one tribe from the World Heritage site (UNESCO, 2018). The petition may not have been authorized and has been retracted, but points to the precarious state of local support (UNESCO, 2019).
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Rising lake levels, salinity, droughts, storms)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2013 including because of climate change impacts. A 2012 Reactive Monitoring Mission reported rising lake levels affecting key agricultural lands (the brackish lake is connected to the sea) and increased cyclone intensity (IUCN, 2012). Recent droughts and storms impacted the local community's food and water security, and can isolate the island for extended periods. Devastating cyclones are known to have occurred in the past, hence the need to build resilience in view of likely future events which may cause massive die-offs, pollution from ships, or destroy local livelihoods. East Rennell World Heritage Site's coral reefs have experienced bleaching stress in the period 2014-2017. It will experience annual severe bleaching, and thus will cease to host functioning coral reef ecosystems, by the end of the century unless CO2 emissions are reduced (Heron, et al. 2017).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Land in Rennell is owned under the traditional customary system, limiting the ability of the national government to protect the site, recognizing the rights and responsibilities of tribal groups and the local management authority, the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association. However, competing and contested claims of customary rights among tribes and individual households are a challenge for the customary governance (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019). Meetings took place with customary landowners to apply the Protected Areas Act 2010 in East Rennell with support from the Global Environment Facility GEF-6 funded project ‘Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems and Representative Protected Areas in Solomon Islands’ led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM). As a result, the State Party indicates that twelve “tribal groups” submitted their Expression of Interest (EOI), while four are yet to submit theirs. It is essential that the consultations continue to obtain full consent from all the customary landowners to ensure legal protection for the entire property, in particular, against existing and potential threats of mining and commercial logging in the area adjacent to the property (UNESCO, 2024).
Legal framework
Almost thirty years after inscription on the World Heritage List, the property still lacks an adequate legal mechanism to protect the Outstanding Universal Value (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019). Nevertheless, significant progress has been made since 2019, through national government facilitated workshops and dialogues in obtaining consensus from the customary landowners to apply the Protected Areas Act 2010. This has so far resulted in the initial agreement from three-quarters of the “tribal groups” (State Party of Solomon Islands, 2023). Work continues, and once completed will include the development of a Management Plan.
Governance arrangements
Although there is an increasingly functional governance arrangement between national/provincial governments, the local management authority (Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association) and customary stewards, many challenges persist. Roles and responsibilities are still being finetuned under the process towards designation under the 2010 Protected Areas Act, while a lack of resources and capacity often prevents outreach and communication, particularly on increasing community awareness and understanding on the value of the property. With the development of the LTWHSA's first Strategic Plan, it is imperative that national/provincial government provides financial and technical support to implement the 3-year plan.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Although the site is increasingly integrated in provincial and national planning systems, and impact assessments are conducted to conform with national processes, there continues to be a lack of prioritized support to address conservation issues and generate sustainable socio-economic development. Almost no tourists visit the site, there is no government funding for rangers or management activities, and local communities need more support to develop alternative income generating mechanisms for unsustainable practices, such as logging and mining. A Cabinet Paper was prepared (State Party of the Solomon Islands, 2017) and directed the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) to consult with landowners including the LTWHA and relevant stakeholders to register East Rennell World Heritage site as a protected area under the Protected Area Act 2010. That work remains unfinished, and a new commitment and new Cabinet Paper are called for in recent World Heritage Committee decisions (World Heritage Committee, 2019, 2024). The Renbel Biosecurity Plan (currently being finalized by BirdLife International) must be endorsed by provincial and national government, to ensure biosecurity priorities for East Rennell are integrated into local, national and regional planning.
Boundaries
Almost thirty years after inscription, there remains confusion on the actual boundaries of the World Heritage property, both in terms of geographical coordinates and customary ownership, and both the actual boundary and land ownership within the property. Registering and surveying all lands in the World Heritage property under the Registration of Customary Lands Act is recommended (UNESCO and IUCN, 2019).
Overlapping international designations
No overlap
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Despite the continued efforts from the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association (LTWHSA), in close cooperation with local communities, there has been little commitment by the National and Provincial Government, on fulfilling World Heritage Committee recommendations. International partners, such as through the GEF 6 EREPA Project, BirdLife International and Live & Learn SI have all played important roles in addressing issues such as invasive species and climate change awareness. Hopefully this will see the eventual removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Climate action
Although the site partially benefitted from a GEF-6 funded project "Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems and Representative Protected Areas in Solomon Islands", more support is needed, including to conduct an integrated vulnerability assessment of the property or start essential monitoring (UNESCO, 2024). BirdLife has funding to support the IVA Assessment on East Rennell, however support and commitment from the Climate Change Division of the MECDM has not been forthcoming. This needs to be prioritized by the State.
Management plan and overall management system
Although a draft management plan has been developed since the 2010s (building on customary and religious traditions and arrangements) and progress has been made towards a management plan (as part of the process toward designation under the 2010 Protected Areas Act), the site still has no approved management plan.
Law enforcement
Since there is no management plan yet and no paid rangers by the State, there are no patrols or enforcement activities. However, paid local rangers from each of the 4 villages currently conduct biodiversity monitoring at the ERWHS. These trained Rangers will be involved in the EREPA project, and since they are now skilled and trained in the management and monitoring of the site, the onus is on the State to employ/support these local rangers to conduct enforcement activities/patrol at the site.
Land boundary disputes are resolved through the Local Customary Court, and other disputes through the judicial system. Land tenure rights and access to natural resources are dealt with through customary governance arrangements.
Land boundary disputes are resolved through the Local Customary Court, and other disputes through the judicial system. Land tenure rights and access to natural resources are dealt with through customary governance arrangements.
Sustainable finance
The only available government funding supports workshops and stakeholder dialogues toward the designation of the site under the 2010 Protected Areas Act. The community receives no financial support from the national budget of the Solomon Islands government, and only a small annual contribution from the province. Essentially, it relies for its funding on the World Heritage Fund and on other external sources, especially donor funding from international governments and non-government organisations. This funding is not sustainable, it is short-term only and comes in pulses, and it is tagged to specific programmes and projects (IUCN, 2012). Long-term sustainable funding is required to assist the customary owners of East Rennell to manage the site to World Heritage standards. There is a widely held, mistaken belief within the communities that the State Party receives funds from UNESCO to manage the site (IUCN and UNESCO, 2019). International funding supported small scale livelihood activities and monitoring of birds and invasive species. There is no sustainable finance mechanism. In order to ensure long-term, sustainable allocation of budget for the property, the Committee has reiterated its request to adopt, as a matter of urgency, a new Cabinet Paper with the commitments and associated budget of the respective ministries (World Heritage Committee, 2024).
A carbon financing project is being implemented led by “Live & Learn Environmental Education” in collaboration with local communities and national and provincial governments to support forest conservation and community development through the sale of carbon credits (UNESCO, 2024).
A carbon financing project is being implemented led by “Live & Learn Environmental Education” in collaboration with local communities and national and provincial governments to support forest conservation and community development through the sale of carbon credits (UNESCO, 2024).
Staff capacity, training and development
There are no management assets or paid staff to conduct management activities including community relations and biodiversity conservation. National and international support has strengthened staff capacity on issues such as invasive species management, bird monitoring, and even financial management/bookkeeping. However more support is needed to enable the infrastructure, equipment and staff capacity to effectively manage this World Heritage site.
Education and interpretation programmes
Education and interpretation programs have been project-funded activities on issues such as the 2010 Protected Areas Act (with support of national government), bird monitoring / invasive rat management (with support from BirdLife), and environmental education (with support Live & Learn Environmental Education). BirdLife is working with the UNESCO National Commission Desk/MEHRD to produce a Bird Guide for Rennell.
Tourism and visitation management
There is no tourism/visitation plan, the site is not actively promoted by the national tourism promotion agency, and tourists rarely visit the site despite its outstanding appeal. A major factor to this is the appalling road condition to the East Rennell WHS (where the real tourism destination lies). A limited number of tourist lodges are available and operating families have received basic training (as part of nation-wide programs) to accommodate international visitors however the state of some of the lodges now are not in good conditions, and yet locals are charging hefty prices for below-standard services. There needs to be a plan or an agency/body that oversees tourism activity/management on Rennell, which must also include a price control on services provided.
Sustainable use
No assessments and baselines on sustainable resource use overall are available. It would appear that customary activities have so far ensured mostly sustainable resource use although limited data available points to unsustainable harvesting of coconut crabs. Planning of livelihood activities is underway with support of the UNESCO/Netherlands and UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust, including consultation meetings planned for May 2024 (UNESCO, 2024).
Monitoring
Values for which the site was inscribed are not systematically monitored, except for a recent program to monitor the state of birds and biodiversity, including endemic snails of East Rennell. Cooperation programmes with national and international academic and/ or research centers are urgently needed, and must be prioritized by the State.
Research
No targeted research programme is in place. Cooperation programmes with national and international academic and/or research centres and/or traditional and local knowledge holders are urgently required. There is little knowledge, baselines and up-to-date data to support planning, management and decision-making.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
There is no management system and governance to address threats outside the site. Mining activities have been conducted up to 12 kilometers of the site boundaries, and logging activities within 200 meters. Although some impact assessments were conducted, mining and logging activities outside the site were initiated without fully evaluating impacts on eg. hydrological flows or birds.
A Biosecurity Plan is being developed for Renbel Province, and with the support of national/provincial govt, it is anticipated this will provide an effective mechanism to address threats of incursions or new introductions of invasive species outside the site (on the island).
A Biosecurity Plan is being developed for Renbel Province, and with the support of national/provincial govt, it is anticipated this will provide an effective mechanism to address threats of incursions or new introductions of invasive species outside the site (on the island).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Although the ecosystems of the inscribed property appear to remain largely intact, key issues that need to be resolved include: creating a legal instrument to protect the integrity of the property in the long term; develop opportunities to enhance livelihoods and food security for the local communities, and to establish a good data management system to effectively monitor species abundance within the property.
Almost 30 years after inscription, there is still no legal mechanism that protects the property from commercial logging and mining, that clarifies management arrangements, or recognizes how customary practices provide protection. There is a draft management plan that is yet to be finalized, and the property still lacks the basic infrastructure and support to effectively manage the property. It appears that, despite the fact that the property has no dedicated management capacity and no paid staff, most of the values of the property are still intact and this is primarily because of the traditional / customary management in place, the property’s isolation, and the general goodwill of the communities of East Rennell. The resident population in the site is steadily declining and experiencing significant social change. Significant progress has been made in recent years and almost all tribal groups have expressed interest to move forward with the Protected Areas Act, a key component of an action plan to remove the site from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Once that is complete, sustainable financing to cover management activities and livelihoods for local communities will be essential. Options to explore include a World Heritage trust fund; carbon or biodiversity credits if conflicting land claims can be resolved internally; ecotourism if the site can be promoted in national tourism products; or a mechanism to valorize the genetic materials which have been sourced from the property (including the Rennell Island Tall coconut). International support is essential to protect the site and ensure local managers have the necessary resources and capacity.
Good practice examples
East Rennell is notable as the first natural property inscribed on the World Heritage List with customary ownership and management. At the time of inscription, approximately 1,200 people of Polynesian origin occupied four villages within the boundaries of the property, living mainly by subsistence gardening, hunting and fishing.
Exceptional stepping-stone for on-going speciation processes (particularly avifauna) in the western Pacific
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The threats caused by logging operations on the island outside of the inscribed area (e.g. loss of habitat, changes in soil erosion and run-off, introduction of Black Rats (IUCN, 2012; UNESCO & IUCN, 2019) indicate that the conditions required for on-going speciation processes appear to be compromised. However, recent studies (HIST 2016; Wang, et al., 2018; Huo, et al., 2021) indicate that at least the forests and forest cover is largely intact in the site. Contamination of the World Heritage site from the 2019 oil spill was prevented by a quick response Australia, New Zealand and salvage operators (IUCN and UNESCO, 2019). Yet a stranded barge destroyed 30ha of corals in 2021. Ongoing efforts to reduce the black rat population (by BirdLife International) is expected to demonstrate an increase in abundance in endemic birds within the property.
Important site for the study of island biogeography
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Any banalisation of the native flora and fauna due to invasive species and unsustainable practices will reduce the importance of the site as an important site to study island biogeography. However, as this will require long-term change, the current trend for this value remains stable.
High levels of endemism
High Concern
Trend
Stable
Although detailed information about the state of many endemic species is absent, there appears to be a localized extinction of endemic flying foxes, an attribute of OUV, first reported in 2021 and confirmed by the State Party (State Party of Solomon Islands, 2021, 2023).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
There is no current field based information to evaluate the current status of the conditions for the site to remain “an important stepping stone in the migration and evolution of species in the western Pacific and for speciation processes, especially with respect to avifauna”. Even less research has been conducted to assess "the unmodified forest vegetation", or the status of the many endemic plants (including 10 plant species, bat, water bird, diatoms and algae, and insects). Relatively recent studies indicate that the forests and forest cover are largely intact within the site. While there are some concerns of component parts of its ecosystem in decline, more monitoring is needed to determine the overall trend. However, the reported localized extinction and dwindling numbers of one or more species of flying foxes (a bat species) is alarming.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Deteriorating
Important biodiversity values which include birds, plants, bats, corals and marine species, and aquatic fauna and flora require monitoring to determine trends.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
High Concern
Deteriorating
Important cultural values (traditional knowledge about customs, genealogies, language) and potentially cultural sites urgently need to be recorded and mapped, as those values risk being lost in a context of profound social change.
Additional information
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks,
Traditional agriculture
Resources from the World Heritage site, including introduced tilapia, clams, trochus (sea snail), reef fish, coconut crabs, coconuts and yams which provide subsistence and some cash income to 4 small villages of approximately 350 people residing in the site, a high proportion of which are women, older men and children (IUCN, 2012).
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Very limited benefits from tourism have been realised given lack of infrastructure and management. However, benefits from tourism were expected once the site was inscribed as World Heritage, and the potential is there.
Soil stabilisation
Natural forest protects slopes and groundwater from erosion and sedimentation.
Importance for research
Rennell Island has been the subject of eight international scientific expeditions, with numerous descriptions of new species and seminal work on island biogeography (e.g. Diamond, 1984).
East Rennell provides a global environmental service by protecting a unique store of island biodiversity. It is an exceptionally well-preserved island ecosystem conserving unique, endemic species that has contributed to global scientific theory. Yet traditional owners are bearing the cost of maintaining these values, through forgoing other economic opportunities, i.e. logging and mining, that although environmentally negative would provide more household income and wealth. It is important that other benefits can be provided to those local communities that forgo these opportunities. Investments are urgently required in infrastructure, economic activities and tourism to ensure that some benefits accrue to communities protecting the Outstanding Universal Value of the site.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live & Learn Environmental Education | A carbon financing project is being explored, led by “Live & Learn Environmental Education” in collaboration with local communities and national and provincial governments to support forest conservation and community development through the sale of carbon credits. |
https://livelearn.org/resources/carbon-financed-community-forest-conservation-in-solomon-islands/
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| 2 | BirdLife International, Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association | BirdLife International, in collaboration with the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association (LTWHSA) are working with the East Rennell communities to strengthen climate resilience through invasive species management (as a nature-based solution), improved livelihoods and food security. The project has established rodent control (treatment) plots in each of the four villages to demonstrate the impacts of invasive species, particularly Black Rats on biodiversity and crops. Local Rangers recruited from each village have been trained in the monitoring of the plots; these included the use and understanding of a GPS; the ability to monitor bird & biodiversity trends relative to bait uptake; ensuring sufficient bait replenishment; and proper data collection and reporting. Primary analysis during the 1st year showed an increase in crop productivity in the demonstration plots, compared to non treatment plots. A full analysis of the impacts of the rodent control program will be shared at end of project. In partnership with Live & Learn SI and Local SI Consultants, capacity development programs have been conducted with the LTWHSA, increasing their capacity to fulfil their role as the ERWHS management authority. The 1st LTWHSA Strategic Plan has since been developed and will provide a strong guiding document to fulfilling management actions for the LTWHSA. The women of East Rennell have been empowered through their involvement in the project, participating in the monitoring of the rodent control plots, and with the successful establishment of the Women's Savings Clubs in each of the 4 villages. SIG agencies including MECDM, Climate Change Division (CCD) and the Biosecurity Division of MALB have been involved in community consultations, workshops and a PRA to source climate-related vulnerabilities and gather community perceptions on climate change impacts (exacerbated by invasive species). Recommendations from communities for adopting climate-smart agricultural farming methods are expected to be supported by local partners like Kastom Garden Association. An IVA assessment will be conducted by the CCD, ensuring East Rennell is included in any climate change and disaster risk programs by local/national government. The Renbel Biosecurity Plan has been drafted for submission to the Renbel Provincial Govt - the first for any Province in the SI, and is key to managing the establishment of new IAS on both Rennell and Bellona islands. Learnings from the project will be shared nationally, regionally and globally through established BirdLife forums and platforms (SPREP, PIP, PRISMSS, etc.) |
https://iucn.org/blog/202407/birdlife-international-teams-east-rennell-villagers-overcome-environmental-challenges
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| 3 | SPREP, MECDM, IUCN | Meetings took place with customary landowners to apply the Protected Areas Act 2010 in East Rennell with support from the Global Environment Facility GEF-6 funded project ‘Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems and Representative Protected Areas in Solomon Islands’ implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and in close coordination with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As a result, the State Party indicates that twelve “tribal groups” submitted their Expression of Interest (EOI), while four are yet to submit theirs. A new Management Plan will be developed following the finalization of a land use map. |
https://iucn.org/our-work/projects/ensuring-resilient-eco-systems-and-representative-protected-areas-solomon-islands
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| 4 | Japan | Towards disaster-resilient communities supporting local indigenous communities in East Rennell, the only natural World Heritage site in the Pacific on the list of World Heritage in Danger. Project made possible through the cooperation between Japan and UNESCO. |
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/culture/coop/unesco/page24e_000384.html
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| 5 | UNDP | The Small Grants Programme is being implemented by the UN Development Programme and executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project provided support to four selected activities: focusing mainly on food security, including fishery, piggery and beekeeping, but also on sustaining livelihoods and improving water security and sanitation. |
https://www.undp.org/pacific/news/preserving-world-heritage
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References
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