Star Vision Limited has been hired by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct a significant project, mapping and zoning of demonstration land/seascapes in the Solomon Islands.
This project, part of the SAFE initiative, involves spatial planning and zonation across twelve identified landscapes and seascapes spanning five provinces: Malaita, Choiseul, Isabel, Temotu, and Western. We are proud to undertake this assignment, which seeks to provide essential geospatial analysis and decision-support tools.
These tools will guide integrated land and marine resource management, enhance biodiversity conservation, and promote sustainable livelihood development across key economic sectors, including forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and aquaculture.
Sr Thomas Lee, MHKIS, MRICS, a Chartered Land Surveyor and team leader of this project, holds a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems. With over 30 years of experience in GIS projects, he has contributed to Belt and Road initiatives in Kazakhstan and Pakistan under PASS projects funded by the HKSAR, bringing valuable expertise to this endeavor.
Our team was performing a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) survey over the coastal waters of Auki in Malaita Province.
The drone, expertly piloted by Thomas, hovers above or at an oblique angle, capturing high-resolution imagery of inland and coastal water bodies, including the shoreline and nearby residents.
This aerial perspective allows for efficient mapping of marine environments and socio-economic values, providing critical data for zonation and prioritization efforts. The clear blue waters and distant horizon emphasize the vast scope of the seascape analysis being undertaken.
Thomas engaged in participatory mapping with local indigenous communities. Thomas and Vice Team Leader Sawaid are collaborating with community members to identify areas for sustainable natural resource management and conservation. The engagement reflects the inclusion of socio-economic data, capturing the interaction between our experts and locals, who share valuable insights on ecosystem services and land degradation indicators. This collaborative approach ensures the project aligns with community needs and enhances the overall effectiveness of the mapping and zoning process.
Aerial Insights: Vibrant Coral Reefs of Lau Lagoon, Malaita
This UAV photograph captures the vibrant coral reefs of Lau Lagoon in Malaita, Solomon Islands, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity. Taken as part of our surveying efforts, the image reveals intricate coral formations thriving beneath the clear turquoise waters, highlighting the ecological significance of this region. The detailed aerial perspective aids in mapping and zoning efforts, supporting sustainable management and conservation strategies for these critical marine ecosystems.
Strategic Mapping Session: Advancing Conservation in Solomon Islands’ Western Province
In the heart of the Western Province’s administrative hub in the Solomon Islands, Thomas engaged in a focused meeting with officers from the Ministry of Forest, Agriculture, and Environment to advance the initiative. Clutching a comprehensive map of the land and seascapes, Thomas meticulously outlined the delineations, highlighting critical areas for marine conservation, community forestry, and sustainable land management, while encouraging input from the officers to ensure alignment with local policies and sustainable practices.
Tubi Leaves as Living Maps: Safeguarding Solomon Islands’ Timber Heritage and Community Rights
Thomas holds two Tubi tree leaves, their broad, dark-green and orange surfaces are like hand-drawn maps. Tubi tree is a high-value timber species targeted by over-logging and a cultural anchor for Solomon Islands communities.
Accurate UAV mapping and clear land-ownership records are essential to resolve disputes, define restoration zones, and protect remaining Tubi groves. The leaves are a tangible reminder of the need for precise spatial planning to secure biodiversity, livelihoods, and customary rights. At the same time, women play a critical role in Tubi tree conservation.
Empowering Communities: Thomas Champions Tree and Soil Protection in Temotu Province
In a discuss on field, Thomas underscores the vital role of environmental stewardship, spotlighting the tree and soil conservation are important to Solomon Islands, especially good environment can attract tourist, and soil protection is very important to the survival of fishes in river.
During a high-level engagement in Temotu Province, Thomas met with the Provincial Premier, political group leaders, and senior officials to align geospatial strategies with local governance.
During a high-level engagement in Temotu Province, Thomas met with the Provincial Premier, political group leaders, and senior officials to align geospatial strategies with local governance.
