Tiwai was identified as a special biosphere for wildlife conservation in the late 1970’s and later, on the request of the Barri & Koya peoples, who recognized Tiwai’s value, gained official status as a wildlife sanctuary.

Community Conservation Initiative
Tiwai is a community conservation programme, managed by the Tiwai Island Administrative Committee (TIAC), which represents both communities, government, Universities & conservation organizations. All funds raised go towards running the project as well as supporting the Community Development Fund, to help finance community initiated programmes.

Nature Research
In order to better understand Tiwai’s special environment, the Department of Biological Sciences, Njala University College (NUC), is coordinating a wide range of biological research on Tiwai, including a full inventory of all plants living on the island.