The Premier of Guadalcanal province in Solomon Islands says he won't allow individual landowners to sell their properties.
Waeta Ben Tabusasi says people who wish to sell their land on Guadalcanal will need to get permission from the various houses of chiefs beforehand.
Mr Ben says the consent of the councils of chiefs will stop individuals from selling to settlers.
He says getting the consent of local chiefs will help to avoid a repeat of ethnic tensions five years ago.
Members of the former Guadalcanal Liberation front had forced settlers to flee.
The Solomon Islands prime minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, has announced the formation of a three-member commission of enquiry into the sale of Guadalcanal land.
