A powerful, First Nations-led ranger exchange spanning the lush rainforests of the Solomon Islands to the blue waters of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) is celebrating and sharing island wisdom between Australia’s far north and its Pacific neighbour.

The unique First Nations-to-First Nations International Knowledge Exchange began in February 2025 with a visit by Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Rangers to the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) in South Malaita, Solomon Islands – with a focus on long-lasting environmental outcomes and cultural ties.

This year (11-30 August 2025) the TSRA – one of Australia’s most remote, unique and culturally strong public service agencies – returned the island hospitality by hosting SIRA Rangers for three weeks in the Torres Strait.

The reciprocal visit of the Solomon Islanders further strengthened the relationships formed and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge shared in the first phase of the exchange.

This growing partnership has inspired the rangers and communities involved and strengthened capacity across ranger networks in both the Torres Strait and Solomon Islands.

Visiting rangers were welcomed on Waiben (Thursday Island) with a traditional gift ceremony,  Welcome to Country by Traditional Owner Aunty Enid Tom and performances by Eip Karem Beizam – Meriam Cultural Group at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre – the region’s cultural heart for Torres Strait Islander arts and heritage.

During the exchange rangers visited Horn Island and Boigu Island, meeting local communities, exchanging conservation practices and learning about TSRA’s world-class, Indigenous-led environmental management approach – where Traditional Knowledge meets western science to care for land, sea and culture.

TSRA, a statutory body and lead Commonwealth agency for Indigenous Affairs in the Torres Strait, operates under the guidance of a community-elected board.

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the exchange was a powerful, global example of Indigenous collaboration and unity.

“We are proud to share TSRA’s world-class ranger program led by our people, for our people, with our brothers and sisters from the Solomon Islands,” Mr Nona said.

“This exchange is more than a learning opportunity – it’s a celebration of our shared values and a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting our lands, seas and cultures.

“This is a significant step in strengthening ties between communities across Australia and the Pacific, building resilience through shared knowledge and honouring the deep ties between island communities.

“When we walk together, combining traditional wisdom and western science, we strengthen our ability as First Nations people to care for Country.

“United by common challenges, connected by cultural values and driven by opportunity, this exchange reflects the strength of working First Nations to First Nations, side by side together.”

Hosted by TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU), the local and visiting rangers learnt about, and shared lived experiences in environmental activities including:

• Community-led turtle and dugong management
• Seagrass monitoring
• Invasive species management strategies
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) product development
• Island monitoring and cultural site visits.

One of the highlights on Kaiwalagal Country was a day spent with Traditional Owners Aunty Enid Tom and Barbara Miskin at Irrki on Muralag, alongside Kaurareg Junior Rangers from Tagai College Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh.

On Boigu Island, families including TSRA Ranger Ethel Anau – who participated in the February exchange to the Solomon Islands – welcomed the delegation, sharing stories of local conservation and community leadership.

On Waiben (Thursday Island), Rangers connected with respected culture leader, Uncle Gabriel Bani to learn about local language conservation and revival and joined local yarns on TSIMA Radio 4MW and sessions with Biosecurity Queensland.

Founding Member of SIRA Albert Kwatelae said the connection between community and ranger groups was inspiring.

“It’s been so impressive to see the respect in the community and amongst the people,” Mr Kwatelae said.

“Connectivity with nature and wildlife is a paramount thing and the Torres Strait people are so proud of it and take ownership of it.”

SIRA’S Admin and Finance Officer Christina Raenaitoro said the exchange highlighted new and different opportunities to share back home.

“Big eso (thank you) to the LSMU team for the wonderful experience and learning environment,” Ms Raenaitoro said.

“You have truly shared with us how a well-structured team works together to achieve its outcomes.

“You’ve shown us that there will always be challenges, but that by working together it’s possible to maintain focus and momentum for community outcomes.”

This exchange builds on last year’s momentum, when SIRA hosted TSRA Rangers in four remote communities in the South Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands (pictured) as part of Indigenous Pathways, an Indigenous-led component of the Australian Government-funded Australian Volunteers Program. The TSRA Rangers visited Takataka, Apunepara, Waihau and Nasi with additional conservation sites joining at each location.

Indigenous Program Manager at the Australian Volunteers Program, Alice Tamang, says: “One of the things that made this exchange so successful was the way knowledge was shared: through cultural protocol, mutual respect and relational learning.  The bonds formed between Torres Strait and Solomon Islands Rangers will carry forward efforts to conserve the environment and safeguard Traditional Knowledge for future generations.”

The exchange will feature in an upcoming eight-part documentary series for the ABC about Australians collaborating with people in the Asia-Pacific regions to improve lives.

Background

About the TSRA

Established on 1 July 1994, TSRA is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of a community-elected board.

As one of the most remote Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, TSRA supports programs across the region, including for 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.

This federal government statutory body of 150-plus staff includes a strong local workforce with 84 per cent of staff identifying as Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

About TSRA Rangers

TSRA’s Environmental Management Program – delivered by its Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU) – aims to protect the ecological complexity and biodiversity of the Torres Strait region and recognise the strong and enduring connection of people to their islands and sea.

This program supports job opportunities for local people to combine traditional knowledge and Western science to care for land, sea and culture, including as rangers.

The TSRA Rangers started in 2009 with one ranger group on Mabuiag and has grown to 13 Ranger groups across 14 Torres Strait communities (13 islands).

About Indigenous Pathways

Indigenous Pathways is an Indigenous-led component of the Australian Volunteers Program that aims to expand and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in international volunteering, by providing culturally safe, flexible and tailored support.

International volunteering is a life-changing opportunity for Australians to share their knowledge and skills, and learn new perspectives while connecting with another culture. Assignments can range from one month to two years in duration and can be completed in-person or online. The program works with community, government, and not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors, in countries across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government initiative.