Biological and Cultural Diversity: A Case Study of the Solomon Islands

This case study presents an overview of the biological and cultural diversity of the Solomon Islands. It begins by using the story of the kukuvoju—a bird from the island of Choiseul that has likely gone extinct in the last 100 years—to explore the various intersections between the islands’ unique wealth of biology and culture. The case study also examines current efforts to incorporate both biology and culture into conservation practice. The intention is both to build understanding of these concepts and their inter-related nature, and also to highlight the importance of considering both biology and culture when thinking about conservation interventions.

See also:
Valuing Ecosystem Services: A Qualitative Analysis of Drinking Water in the Solomon Islands
Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the Solomon Islands
Tetepare: Community Conservation in Melanesia



Case Study: Biological and Cultural Diversity: A Case Study of the Solomon Islands

Author: K.A. Landrigan, B.C. Weeks, E.B. Tupper


Recommended Resource: Explore21: Expedition to the Solomon Islands—The Expedition Begins

Date created: December 2014

Source: AMNH Science Bulletins, December 2014

The ocean waters surrounding the South Pacific’s Solomon Islands are home to diverse communities of fish, corals, and other animals. Many of these marine species can absorb light and emit it as another color, a process called biofluorescence. American Museum of Natural History scientists dove deep to investigate creatures that illuminate the ocean, and to better understand how and why they transform light. Explore21 is a new Museum initiative to support scientific exploration that integrates fieldwork with emerging technologies.