𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐆𝐄𝐎𝟕𝟎𝟏 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟖, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

SINU GEO701 students at the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden

Thirty-six Geography students from the Faculty of Education and Human Resources who enrolled in Geography GEO701-Biogeography have successfully conducted a field trip at the National Herbarium and the Botanical Garden on Monday this week.

During the trip, the students immersed themselves in plant biodiversity and the importance of species conservation in Solomon Islands.

The field trip which was led by the Head of Geography Whalter Lilo and Tutor Sharon Maedola, is aiming at giving students practical observation at the country’s plant specimens catalogued and conserved at the national herbarium.

The field trip is significant in a way that it complements classroom theories by allowing students to observe dry plant species at the herbarium and live plant species at the Botanical garden.

Director of National Herbarium Myknee Sirikolo and fellow staff Keith Moveni and Ruvi Pitavoga happily helped the students where they welcomed the students and offered a guided tour of the Herbarium.

At the Herbarium, students observed an array of dry plant specimens carefully preserved and catalogued, learning about how species are collected, dried, documented, and stored for future reference.

“Our work is not only about scientific preservation,” said Keith Moveni, “but also about educating Solomon Islanders on the value of our unique species and encouraging pride in our natural heritage.” And to conserve our natural habitat in the country for our future generation.

Following their tour of the herbarium, the students visited the nearby Botanical Garden where they explored a variety of native and invasive plant species and the plant distribution patterns in the area.

The hands-on experience helped to reinforce theoretical lessons and encouraged observation-based learning opportunities.

Geography student Joy Buka found the trip enriching. “It was interesting and exciting to connect what we’ve learned in class with real-life examples. It makes the concepts much clearer and more meaningful,” she said.

Mr. Lilo also praised the efforts of the Herbarium team, expressing gratitude for their valued insight, knowledge, and experiences shared during the field observation.

“This field trip gave our students valuable exposure and practical understanding. The experience not only strengthened the students’ academic foundation but also inspired greater awareness of conservation work happening locally—and the vital role that education plays in sustaining it.

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