The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Hou has signed a pledge to ban logging, mining and other commercial activities at and above the 400 metre contour line.

Photo: RNZ/Pacific Koroi Hawkins

The Solomons Business Magazine reports the pledge is a demonstration of the government's commitment to protect the well-being of customary communities, sacred places and pristine ecosystems.

A trust will be created to provide long term funding for customary guardianship and the development of other commercial opportunities for landowning communities.

These could include tourism and the use of medicinal plants.