To date, actions taken to improve the participation of local landowners in Soga conservation include preparing a register of landowners of all known remaining Soga sites and involving these landowners in formal and informal consultative discussions to understand their interest or use of Soga. In 2008, NFMV drew up Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines for Soga which were translated into the vernacular
and circulated to each community and freehold landowner. These guidelines were well received and have since been endorsed by all stakeholders including the Department of Environment and the National Environment Council. The guidelines have been officially adopted by the Serua Provincial Council which took charge of all commercial dealings for Soga thatch in late 2010 however, they
have not always been used in the field. The Trust Deed for an Association of Soga palm landowners is close to being accepted and this should enable the landowners to largely control the marketing of Soga thatch and ensure a better financial return.