ENVIRONMENTAL students at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have been encouraged to work hard and be vigilant in their studies.
An expedition team that recently explored Solomon Islands’ only in-land lake, Lee’s Lake, spoke to students on the importance of environment and scientific work in the country.
Expedition team leader, Edgar Pollard encouraged SINU students to strengthen their scientific skills and to seek out internship with various environmental and conservation organisations in the country.
The inspirational talk covered different career paths that environmental students could take up, upon leaving university.
The expedition team was made up of members from the Tina Hydro Project Office, The Nature Conservancy, Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership, Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI), Solomon Islands National University, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology and the University of South Pacific.
Team members shared their experiences on what it was like working on the ground during the expedition including the physical challenges they faced, during their eight hour trek to the site.
The Lee’s Lake expedition was funded by the Tina Hydro Project Office and included a preliminary scientific study of the area.
Robson Hevalao of IKI said the environment of the lake was unique due to its location and high elevation, evolution of the environment contents overtime and the diverse biota ecosystem, which should be further studied and protected.
Tina Hydro Project, Community Liaison Officer, Brally Tavalia says the study will provide important data for the Tina Hydro Project.
A major international expedition to Lee’s Lake is being planned for next year.
