Press Release
4 November 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), successfully delivered a student seminar for SINU students and staff this morning at the Ranadi Campus.
The seminar, titled “iTina Protected Area: Science, Communities and Conservation on Guadalcanal,” explored the development of the iTina Protected Area, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess river health, and the role of scientific research, community livelihoods and institutional strengthening in conservation efforts.
During the seminar, ADB Senior Environment Specialist Dr Francesco Ricciardi delivered presentations on the origins of the iTina Project, ADB’s involvement in the project, and the vision for the proposed protected area.
Meanwhile, Dr Darko Annandale shared insights into river health research using environmental DNA (eDNA) and the application process for establishing a protected area.
The seminar attracted a strong turnout of SINU students and staff, who actively participated and listened to the presentations.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing participants with an opportunity to seek further clarification and engage with the presenters on various aspects of the project.
Speaking on behalf of SINU, Head of the Fisheries Department, Dr Kofi Apreku, thanked the students and staff for attending the seminar. He also acknowledged ADB and the facilitators for sharing valuable information about the iTina Project and its conservation objectives with the university community.
ENDS//