In April Assoc. Prof. Ing. Johana Rondevaldová, Ph.D., from the Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ), Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, visited Fiji National University (FNU) as part of an academic mobility programme. The visit was made thanks to the Erasmus+ KA171 programme.
The visit was centered around the Koronivia Campus of the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, located on the island of Viti Levu. During the stay, Johana Rondevaldová delivered two lectures - “Potential of neglected and underutilized crops for improvement of nutrition security and agricultural sustainability” within the course Horticulture Vegetables & Flowers, and „Cryptogams - Edible mushrooms and ferns“ within the course Non-Timber Forest Products - to the students, focusing on topics related to tropical underutilized crops and sustainable agricultural systems. The lectures were well-received and raised discussions.
In addition to the teaching activities, several strategic meetings were organized and aimed at fostering future collaboration between FNU and FTZ:
- Dr. Pragya Singh (School of Public Health and Primary Care) – Discussions revolved around traditional Fijian cuisine, local dietary habits, and the ongoing changes brought about by globalization. The meeting highlighted shared research interests in traditional knowledge, local crops, and nutrition.
- Dr. Apaitia Macanawa (Director of Research and Innovation) – to explore potential avenues for joint research projects, especially focusing on underutilized or lesser-known crops native to Fiji and their potential in sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
- Prof. Jimaima Lako (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching) – The meeting focused on opportunities for academic mobility, student and staff exchanges, summer schools, and other forms of collaborative learning. Assoc. Prof. Rondevaldová presented an overview of FTZ and CZU’s international programmes, research activities, and possibilities for institutional cooperation. Discussions also included initiating a formal partnership agreement between the two institutions.
The mobility program also offered the opportunity to explore the cultural and natural heritage of Fiji – visit of the Fiji Museum in Suva, which showcases the history of the Fijian people as well as other Pacific cultures. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful botanical park featuring typical Fijian plants, offering both educational and relaxing experiences.
There was a possibility to taste several traditional dishes, including the iconic Kokoda – raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with local vegetables, and served in coconut milk – a true highlight of Fijian cuisine.
The experience also included a visit to a local fruit and vegetable market with several familiar tropical fruits, such as pineapples, papayas, watermelons, and various banana cultivars, but surprisingly, not many other typical fruits of this region.
Part of the stay was also a hike through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, a national rainforest reserve offering scenic trails, tropical biodiversity, and natural freshwater pools ideal for a refreshing swim. Another unforgettable experience was a full-day boat trip to a nearby deserted island – Schooner Island – a small tropical paradise roughly the size of the FTZ campus, offering pristine beaches and impresive marine ecosystem.
This visit not only deepened academic ties between the two institutions but also offered valuable insight into the culture, biodiversity, and traditional practices of the South Pacific.
