He says it'll also make the rules transparent, instead of depending on knowledge kept only by a few tribal elders.

Mr. Nori told the Solomon Island Broadcasting Corporation that the research project is in line with the Government's policy to codify customary land laws and have them elevated to statutory status. The research will target all ethnic groups and regions in the country.

Researchers will have specially prepared questionnaires and will be interviewing and holding meetings with customs' experts, community and women leaders and tribal chiefs.

They will cover on rules of customary tenure relating to land ownership, boundaries, tribal membership and leadership.