Solomon Islands students may have the chance to study botany in Japan.
This was revealed at a farewell dinner for well-known botanist from Japan, Dr. Tesuo Koyama at Mendana Hotel last Friday.Dr. Koyama said the Japanese government should be able to consider awarding scholarships for local students to study botany in their country.
Dr. Koyama commended Solomon Islanders for the various plants and hard work put into beautifying the country.
His visit is the second into the Solomons.
In response, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Forest, Edward Kingmele said the current government has great concerns for the nation's forest.
He said the government is embarking on looking after and re-planting the forest.
"We will be looking at planting different types which would be of value and be of benefit to the country," Mr. Kingmele said.
Meanwhile, the former Japanese Charge d' Affaires in Solomon Islands, Kiyoshi Takahama has described the 15 scholars of Solomon Islands studying in Japan as "very diligent, hardworking and doing their very best".
He said that Japan welcomes more scholarships for students in Solomon Islands and encourages those interested to apply.
Dr. Koyama and Mr. Takahama are part of a Japanese delegation who visited the country to discuss trade related matters with the government.