From January 18 to February 19, 2016, the finalist student NDAYISABA Nadine Nadine from the University of Burundi, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology completed a training course at the Burundian Office for Environmental Protection (OBPE). The supervision of this internship was provided by Dr. NDAYISHIMIYE Joël, professor at the University of Burundi and NZIGIDAHERA Benoît from OBPE.

The objective of this internship was to determine the plant species preserved in the OBPE herbarium, coming from the Kibira National Park (Rwegura sector and Musigati sector) and the Bururi Forest Nature Reserve, collected monthly during habitat dynamics monitoring activities.

The student sorted the undetermined species by ranking them according to the localities of origin and the respective families. During the determination, the works of the flora of Rwanda such as Troupin (1979, 1983, 1985, 1988) and the other works were consulted. A comparison with the species in the OBPE herbarium was made.

On February 10, 2016, the intern carried out a field visit to the Rusizi National Park, Delta sector in the Kayobera site where she was able to collect some samples of plant species on the permanent ecological trails. It was also an opportunity to learn about the content of the LEM sheets and to create your own herbariums.

After drying the collected samples, the intern moved on to determining them. It is with this in mind that the herbarium of the University of Burundi was also consulted. The internship was of great scientific interest and made it possible to reinforce the knowledge acquired in theoretical courses and to better integrate into professional life.