𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝟐𝟐 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) marked the 2025 International Day of Forests on Friday, 21 March, with a symbolic awareness initiative and a commitment to the Bloody Ridge Restoration Initiative. SINU’s Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (FAFF) led the commemoration under the theme “Forest and Food” by planting trees at Bloody Ridge.

The event brought together staff from FAFF, SINU students, and representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, and the Ministry of Forestry and Research.

Speaking at the event, Head of SINU’s Agriculture Department, Patterson Giza, emphasized that this global celebration serves as a reminder of the vital role forests play in sustaining life, securing livelihoods, and ensuring food security for communities.

“Forests are not just trees; they are the lifeline of our environment, supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential resources that sustain millions of people worldwide.Forests contribute significantly to food security by providing fruits, nuts, roots, and medicinal plants while also serving as habitats for pollinators and wildlife essential for agriculture.”

“In the Solomon Islands, our forests support traditional farming practices and agroforestry, ensuring a steady supply of food and water. However, deforestation, land degradation, and climate change threaten these ecosystems, making forest conservation and restoration more critical than ever.”

He said this year’s celebration highlights the Bloody Ridge Forest Restoration Initiative, a commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, preserving biodiversity, and securing a sustainable future.With its rich World War II history, he said Bloody Ridge is not only a cultural and historical landmark but also a key site for conservation and tourism efforts in the Solomon Islands. Restoring the Bloody Ridge forest will help safeguard natural resources for future generations. As we mark this day, let us recognize our collective responsibility to protect and restore our forests, he urged.”

“Government Ministries, NGOs, Learning Institutions, communities, and individuals must work together to promote sustainable forest management through agroforestry, reforestation, and

conservation efforts.”

He said these actions will ensure a balance between environmental sustainability and food production, stating “on this International Day of Forests, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.”

With that, he said, “the health of our forests is directly linked to the well-being of our people, our food systems, and our future. Together, let us forge a sustainable path where forests continue to nourish both the land and our communities.”

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