More than twenty-five thousand (25,000) dried plant specimens’ – flora and fauna belonging to Solomon Islands have safely returned after decades of safe keeping at the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH), Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS), at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Lower Campus, Laucala, Fiji.
Relocated to Fiji in the late 90’s, the arrangement was agreed to and signed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Solomon Islands Government together with the South Pacific Commission (SPC) under the South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG) project, giving the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH), at the University of the South Pacific (USP) the role for their safe keeping since.
These dried plant specimens are collections since the establishment of the Solomon Islands National Herbarium during the Solomon Islands British Protectorate (SIP).
Its relocation was solely because the building accommodating these specimens was partially destroyed in the 90’s and the dried plant specimens were not properly maintained and stored under the required herbarium storage conditions.
That is the reason these dried specimens were taken to Fiji for safe keeping, until such time that Solomon Islands now have the proper herbarium and the facilities available.
Welcoming the specimen’s arrival in an issued statement, Forestry Permanent Secretary Richardson Raomae commended the successful repatriation of the dried plant specimens, noting the very significance these specimens have for the country in terms of academic and research purposes; and most of all to keeping accurate track record of the country’s flora and fauna as indeed very important.
He also acknowledges the commitment shown by the responsible officers especially the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden staff within the Ministry of Forestry and Research since undertaking this very important national initiative, making sure that all processes from the start until the specimen’s arrival in the country runs smoothly.
“This is a milestone achievement as one of the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government under Ministry of Forestry and Research, and I must commend those whom have played significant roles on their part in both countries – Fiji and Solomon Islands.
“It’s no easy feat maintaining specimens to a certain required standard, and also preparing to moving such highly fragile specimen back and forth; that cooperation shown through shared knowledge and understanding is indeed invaluable.
“From initial consultation and work planning, verification and equipment purchase, specimen processing, packaging and data-basing, container loading and fumigation to the actual repatriation by shipping,” added the Forestry Secretary.
Mr Raomae says it has not been an easy task bringing back the country’s very own dried plant specimens after decades, but it is also a relieve to see them safely back to the sole custodians to this unique plant specimens.
Thus, the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Forestry and Research with in-depth gratitude to the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH), Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS), at the University of the South Pacific (USP) sincerely acknowledge their tremendous commitment since.
And the South Pacific Commission (SPC) under the South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG) project for stepping in the dire times Solomon Islands faced as a country back then, acknowledges the Forestry Secretary, Richardson Raomae.
Source: MoFR Press
