𝐌𝐚π₯𝐚𝐒𝐭𝐚 π‘πšπ§π πžπ«π¬ π€π°πšπ«ππžπ π‚πžπ«π­π’πŸπ’πœπšπ­πžπ¬ 𝐒𝐧 π„π§π―π’π«π¨π§π¦πžπ§π­πšπ₯ π‚π¨π§π¬πžπ«π―πšπ­π’π¨π§

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 π‘πžπ₯𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
πŸπŸ’ 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐒π₯ πŸπŸŽπŸπŸ“
Local rangers from Malaita Province who received their certificates from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have been encouraged to share their knowledge with their communities and apply their skills to help protect the environment.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony held at Waisurione Community in West Are’are on Thursday 10 April, to recognise 14 local rangers who successfully completed their studies under SINU, Lecturer in Environmental Studies, Mr George Horoasia, encouraged the rangers to lead by example.
β€œApply the skills you have learned to protect our forests, reefs, and resources,” he said.
β€œShare your knowledge with your communities, empowering them to become active participants in conservation. This is more than just a graduation; it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our local rangers.You have persevered through rigorous training, demonstrating your commitment to protecting the natural treasures of Malaita.
This ceremony marks the culmination of nearly two years of hard work, a journey that has strengthened your skills and deepened your understanding of our environment.”
Mr Horoasia noted that the journey began in June 2022, with consultations held in Waihauβ€”a community deeply connected to its land and sea. β€œWe listened, we learned, and together, we crafted a program that reflects the unique challenges and opportunities facing our rangers,” he said.
He added that the program, vetted by SINU’s Quality Assurance Committee and approved by the University Senate, stands as a testament to the value placed on local knowledge and expertise.
β€œIt is a program built specifically for the needs of the rangers of Malaita and the country as a whole,” he added.
Mr Horoasia told the rangers that their certificates are a gateway, stating that SINU welcomes them to continue their educational journey, deepen their expertise, and become leaders in environmental stewardship.
He also encouraged them to be champions of conservation.
β€œIn a world facing increasing environmental challenges, you are our champions,” he said. β€œBe the voice for our natural resources, the protectors of our heritage, and the heroes our communities need.”
Mr Horoasia also commended the Waihau Conservation Group for playing a crucial role in the success of the program. He encouraged the group to continue investing in its rangers moving forward.
β€œOur land, our sea, our resources, they are our identity.Support your rangers in their efforts to protect them, ensuring they are preserved for generations to come. By protecting our environment, we protect our well-being.Support the work of your rangers, and together, we will build a sustainable future for Malaita.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating rangers, Mr Clifford Huta said the program offered by SINU was an eye-opener. He said those who participated were fortunate to undertake their studies close to home.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Mai Masina Green Belt and Waihau Conservation Group, Mr Max Totorea, thanked SINU for bringing much-needed programs to rural communities and equipping local rangers.
Mr Totorea expressed their commitment to continue supporting SINU in delivering knowledge and skills to local rangers.
Both SINU and the Waihau Conservation Group acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting the initiative.
The graduating rangers represented five conservation groups: Waihau, Leileigela, Aparoro Arata, Pooturi, and Haumane.
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