This PhD project will test and implement a citizen science approach as a low-cost strategy for monitoring water resources in two water towers of East Africa. This project will study the hydrological functioning of the Western and SW Mau and Mt Elgon, and how this is related to tree cover and land management. The research will support water resource use plans, developed by the communities and the institutions that are custodians of the forest and water resources. Studentship funding: Full studentship (stipend (£14,296 [tax free] and tuition fees) for 3 years. Excellent candidates from Kenya and Uganda are highly encouraged to apply. 

Deadline: 28-2-2017

Link here

The IUNCBD University Network selects news on the basis of the specific interest of each partner and university member

The CUT-IUNCBD Programme is directly linked to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (UN-CBD), the Work Programme of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) and the other complementary policy agendas of international agreements and organizations.  

The former Department of Wildlife and Safari Management and – since January 2014 – the School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation have developed significant activities in the field of biodiversity and have started communities oriented initiatives at the interface between cultural and biological diversity.

Field studies have been carried out in partnership with Umfurudzi Park. The photo gallery shows the training activities of the students in the 2013 and 2014 missions.  

The School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation showcases quite a diverse range of disciplines in the areas of aquatic ecology, conservation, freshwater and fishery sciences, natural resources management and conflict resolution, ornithology, terrestrial ecology and more.

The School offers two programs: degree in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation and degree in Freshwater and Fishery Sciences.

Projects include prestigious awards from research funders: the International Foundation for Science (IFS), the British Ecological Society (BES), the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and Oxfam GB, among others.

The School also collaborates with strategic partners: Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority, Birdlife Zimbabwe, Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe, Umfurudzi Park, Pioneer, Hurungwe Safaris, Ubuntu Unleashed, East African Lakes Observatory Network. Representatives of the School are part of several national boards such as Zimbabwe National Biodiversity Forum, the UNDP Equator Initiative Prize Technical Review Committee, the World Commission on Protected Areas (WPCA) and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB).

1. the Conference website : http://www.rce-network.org/portal/9th_Global_Conference

• Development models and their sectorial impacts;
• Inter-generational analysis of politics, leadership and governance;
• Perspectives of sectorial development (health, agriculture, education, transport and infrastructure, industry, business, entrepreneurship, oil and gas, housing, among others);
• Indigenous knowledge and development practices, tourism and heritage management;
• Environmental and natural resources management;
• Africa in the dynamic world of science and technology;
• Regional economic blocks, partnerships and education for sustainable development in Africa;
• Conflicts in pre-colonial, colonial and post- colonial Africa.

A rich panel of Invited international experts, scholars, researchers, and students presented a total of 84 papers, for an audience of over 180 participants, including researchers, development practitioners and students from USA, Italy, Finland, Ghana, and Nigeria. The summit concluded with policy recommendations with far-reaching implications for development practice and sustainable development solutions in Africa.

1. “Education in The Pre – Colonial, Colonial and Post – Colonial Africa” – Kola Babarinde Ph.D – Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CeTL)
2. “Perspectives of sectoral development in pre-colonial, colonial and post- colonial Africa (agriculture, education, oil and gas)”- Kenton Dashiell – Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Capacity Development, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
3. “Africa in the Dynamic World of Science and Technology” – Ayoade MJ. Oduola – University of Ibadan Research Foundation, University of Ibadan
4. “Environmental and Natural Resources Management-Pre-colonial, Colonial and Post – Colonial Africa”- Prof. A. Chidi Ibe Fas –  National Universities Commission (NUC) Distinguished Scholar in Diaspora
5. “Health Sector Development in Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post- Colonial Africa“- Dr. MC Asuzu, Professor Dept. of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Nigeria.
6. “Development Models and Strategies and Their Impact in Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial Africa”, T. Ademola Oyejide – professor of Economics, university of Ibadan. Nigeria.
7. “The Future of Sustainable Development: Linking Education Science Policy and Society”, Prof Pierluigi Bozzi – African Union Pan-African University (PAU) – Coordinator IUNCBD Network.
8. “Sustainable development in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Africa: Issues and Contexts” – Sola Olopade, Professor of Medicine, Clinical Director, Center for Global Health Director, International Programs, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago
9. ISDS 2014 – FINAL AGENDA

1. “Community and Cultural involvement on CBD: Opportunities and Challenges”, Agnes Yobterik, Ministry of Environment and Mineral resources (Kenya), Dr Mark Kiptu, Moi University (Kenya)
2. Linking Policy to Education, Science and Society”, Prof Pierluigi Bozzi, Antananarivo University, Coordinator of the International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity  (IUNCBD)
3. “The place of Biodiversity and Culture in African Institutions”, Prof J.B. Okeyo-Owuor, Moi University, School of Environmental Studies,  Department of Biology and Health
4. “Aspiration of the CBD center based at Chepkoilel University College”, Prof Odipo Osano, Moi University, School of Environmental Studies
5. “Use of Biotechnology in the Management of Biodiversity”, Prof. Augustino Onkware and Dr. Donald Otieno, Moi University, Department of Biological Sciences
6. “Biodiversity: Law and Institutions Biodiversity: Law and Institutions”, Prof Kiboyye Okoth-Yogo, Moi University

Photo Gallery
International Biodiversity Day>>

• Water Resources Management
• Watershed Management and Restoration
• Aquatic Biodiversity
• Inland Water Biodiversity 

Theme 2: Ecosystem and Biodiversity

• Ecosystems Analysis, Protection & Remediation
• Biodiversity Conservation & Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Terrestrial Biodiversity
• Wetland Biodiversity
• Agro-biodiversity 

Theme 3: Alternative Energy Sources

• Energy Resources Management
• Bio-fuels Technology
• Renewable Energy Production 

Theme 4: Climate Modeling & Natural Resources

• Climate Change & Natural Resources Management
• Biodiversity in a Changing Climate
• Carbon Trading 

5: Societal Challenges

• Gender and Natural Resources Conservation
• Human Population Growth Vis-à-vis Biodiversity
• Social and Cultural Issues in relation to Biodiversity and Natural Resources
• Biodiversity Conservation Vis-a-Vis Poverty Reduction
• Economics of Biodiversity
• Intellectual property, Biogenetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge
• Biodiversity and Tourism Development

1. “Threats, Economic Value and Management Interventions for Restoration of Lake Chitu”, Girum Faris, Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity – Microbial Biodiversity sub Directorate Algae case team
2. “Lake Chamo and its Biodiversity at Cross Roads: implications of letting business as usual”, Misikire Tessema (PhD), Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (Ethiopia)
3. “The Role of Exotic Fish Species: Carp and Catfish in Lake Ziway Ecosystem”, Mathewos Hailu, Ziway Fisheries Resources Research Centre
4. “Determining the Assimilation Capacity of Lake Tana: Focusing on Anthropogenic Activities”, Hailu Sheferaw
5. “Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of Jatropha curcas (Linn.) seed cake for production of bioethanol: a biotechnological approach”, Abebe G. Demissie, Prof. Smita S. Lele, Institute of Chemical Technology (Deemed University), University of Mumbai
6. “Transdisciplinary Science/New Approach and Methodology for Integrated Water  Resources and Sustainable Development”, Yohannes Zerihun, Ministry of Water and Energy (Ethiopia)- link1 - link2
7. “Towards Sustainable Management of Chamo Lake-Wetland Biodiversity Resources: Geospatially Supported Approach”, Alemayehu Hailemicael Mezgebe (PhD) and Professor A.J. Solomon Raju
8. “Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Brebra (Millettia ferruginea) Seed Oil”, Berhanu Andualem, University of Gondar (Ethiopia)
9. “Biomass and Production of Major Zooplankton in Lake Kuriftu”, Eshete Assefa, Arba Minch University (Ethiopia)
10. “The International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD) The Action Plan “Biodiversity 2020, Linking Education Science Policy and Society” – The Role of Arba Minch University, Prof. Pierluigi Bozzi, University of Antananarivo, – Coordinator  “International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity”

1. discuss the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, in particular as it relates to health issues;
2. discuss regional best practices in terms of incorporating biodiversity and health considerations in national and regional biodiversity conservation and health programmes;
3.  identify possible joint activities to achieve health and biodiversity co-benefits for consideration in national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and in national health strategies;
4. strengthen capacity and identify further capacity needs for the implementation of the Strategic Plan; and
5. promote transboundary/regional cooperation and support networks on health and biodiversity issues and strategies.

In total 52 participants from 25 countries from South America, Central America, the Caribbean and North America gathered for the workshop in Manaus, Brazil.

1. To continue collaboration between Convention on Biological Diversity and the World Health Organization to develop joint activities that will encourage inter-sectoral communication and support the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets;
2. To incorporate the relationships between human health and biodiversity in the updating of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and national health strategies as a means for fulfilling the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020;
3. To update, publish and distribute widely the draft discussion paper sent to participants in preparation for the regional workshop on the inter-linkages between biodiversity and health;
4. To strengthen collaboration between the Convention on Biological Diversity and international bodies that deal with food and food security, given their important links with health and biodiversity;
5. To include the role of communities, particularly indigenous and local community women as managers, protectors and transmitters of traditional knowledge, on health and food security;
6. To emphasize the issues of health and traditional knowledge in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity, taking into account the objectives of the Convention, Article 8(j), Article 10(c), Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Distribution of Benefits, Akwé: Kon voluntary guidelines, Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, as appropriate;
7. To carry out national and regional workshops like this one, as well as national workshops, with all relevant stakeholders, including indigenous and local communities, for the continuing promotion of information exchange and collaboration on key issues relevant to biodiversity and health;
8. To share national and regional experiences that support the development of linkages between biodiversity and health through the exchange of information with the aim of developing a regional observatory to facilitate networking and decision-making;
9. To strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems that also consider ecological and biodiversity indicators;
10. To create and/or strengthen surveillance systems that include indicators to measure the benefit of biodiversity protection and conservation relating to the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases through water, soil, air, and/or food;
11. To encourage communication and intersectoral collaboration in this area, especially between Ministries of Health and Ministries of Environment and other key stakeholders;
12. To develop communication tools and culturally appropriate information to share experiences and practices in health and biodiversity which can be assessed, disseminated and implemented;
13. To incorporate the issue of indigenous and traditional health taking into account stakeholders from indigenous and local communities;
14. To recognize traditional knowledge, among other valid systems of knowledge, for information on biodiversity and health.
15. To promote the exchange of information, knowledge and experiences among countries to develop integrated tools of territorial planning and the management of hydrological basins;
16. To include health and biodiversity variables in environmental impact assessments;

To promote the characterization of ecological risk zones for zoonotic diseases transmitted by vectors and invasive species.

1. “Background Paper for the Regional Workshop on the Inter-Linkages between Human Health and Biodiversity in the Americas”, CBD (English)
2. “Documento e antecedentes para el Taller Regional sobre Interrelaciones entre la Salud Humana y Biodiversidad en las Américas”, CBD (Español)

Presentations Download Area:

1. “Water security, health and biodiversity”, Buss D. F., FIOCRUZ/Brasil (English)
2. “Taller Regional de las Interrelación de la Biodiversidad y la Salud Humana”, Larrandaburu M., Ministerio de Salud Pública del Uruguay (Español)
3. “Seguridad Alimentaria y Conocimiento Tradicional”, de Corque M., Choque Quispe M. E., Red de Mujeres Indígenas sobre Biodiversidad (Español)
4. “Suelo, Aire y Enfermedades no Infecciosas”, Riojas H., INSP, Mexico, CENTRO COLABORADOR Ops/oms (Español)
5. “Health, Biodiversity and the Future we Want”, Corvalan C., Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (English)
6. “Biodiversidad de Reservorios y Vectores de Zoonosis Emergentes de Importancia en Salud Pública”, Sánchez-Cordero V., Instituto de Biología, UNAM (Español)
7. “Interrelación Biodiversidad y Salud Humana – Perspectivas en el Perú”, Galarza Silva M.V.G., Representante de DIGESA- Ministerio de Salud, Comisión Nacional de Diversidad Biológica – CONADIB, Presidido por el Ministerio del Ambiente (Español)
8. “Biodiversidad, Salud y Pueblos Indígenas”, Terán Maigua Y., (Español)
9. “Bolivia Pluricultural” (Español)
10. “Cuban Archipelago: Biodiversity”, Zequeira M.F., Institute of Ecology and Systematic (IES), Environmental Agency (AMA), Ministery of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) (Español)
11. “Taller sobre las Interrelaciones entre Biodiversidad y Salud Humana”, Moreno R., Instituto de Investigación de  Recursos Biológicos “Alexander von Humboldt” – Colombia (Español)
12. “Taller Regional sobre interrelaciones entre la Salud Humana y Biodiversidad en las Américas”, Dra. Daisy Corrales Ministra de Salud, Costarica (Español)
13. “Taller Regional sobre la Interrelación entre la Salud Humana y la Biodiversidad en las Américas”, Mateo Féliz J.M.,  República Dominicana (Español)
14. “Taller Regional sobre Interrelaciones entre la Salud Humana y Biodiversidad en las Américas”, Vargas M., Ministerio de Salud – Ecuador (Español)
15. “Dirección General de Biodiversidad”, Honduras, (Español)
16. “Seguimiento del Taller de Biodiversidad y Salud Estrategia de la Red Internacional Universitaria sobre Diversidad Cultural y Biológica”, Sánchez L., Bozzi P., International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD), Universidad San Buenaventura (Español)
17. Deep Forest – Local Conservation, Glogal Health”, EcoHealth Alliance (English)
18. “Land use change, Biodiversity and Infectious Diseases”, Jonathan Patz, Professor & Director Global Health Institute,  University of Wisconsin–Madison (English)
19. “Organización del Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica”, Sánchez Otero F., Coordinador Programa Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Ambiental para la Región Amazónica,  OTCA-BID (Español)
20. “Taller regional sobre las Interrelaciones entre la Salud Humana y la Diversidad Biológica en las Américas”,  Aber A. (Español)
21. “Iniciativas  Productivas Locales  y Tecnologías Sociales como Estrategias de Implementación de la Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinales y Fitoterápicos”, Carvalho Costa J., Ministéro da Saúde, Brazil, Fiocruz (Español)