| Maiden Scientific Conference – 2008 report |
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Oasis Hotel, Morogoro, Tanzania, 22 – 23rd May 2008 - A brief report. Introduction The eastern African region has diverse landscapes and ecosystems as well as a high diversity of flora and fauna. The region, also known as the cradle of mankind, has been shaped by natural evolutionary processes and long history of human influence. Prominent ecologists from all over the world have been attracted to eastern Africa to study its natural resources and the processes that have maintained its rich biological diversity. The region’s biodiversity is an asset of regional and global significance. However, trends in global climate change and pressure from rapidly growing human population and the associated socio-economic development activities are posing serious threats to landscapes and biodiversity therein. Taking this into account the Ecological Society for Eastern Africa (ESEA), through support from the British Ecological Society (BES), held its First Scientific Conference that addressed ecological issues in the Eastern African Region and beyond on 22nd – 23rd May 2008, Morogoro Tanzania. The conference explored the challenges associated with the science and practice of ecology within the eastern African region - problems, challenges and opportunities for managing ecological systems were also discussed in details. The conference was open to all professionals who have been involved with science and practice of ecology within the eastern African region. Students were particularly encouraged to use this forum to showcase their work and network with other scientists in the region. Theme of the conference Integrating Environmental Sustainability and Development in East Africa Sub-themes The Sub-themes for the Conference were 1. Climate change, species and ecosystems in eastern Africa 2. Protected area systems and trans boundary conservation 3. Biodiversity conservation 4. Conservation and society 5. Economic growth and environmental conservation The conference The conference started on 22nd May 2008 and was officially opened up by guest of honour Hon. Ezekiel Maige (Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism). The conference was divided into two sessions given the papers to be presented were many and the time was not sufficient. So there were two separate groups and each group had to be in a separate hall and various papers were presented followed by discussion. The time tables guided the conference are attached as appendices 2, 3, 4 and 5. Students had also good time to present their work and a small panel of scientists was compiled to evaluate the presentations and the best 3 students were awarded prizes. (Hilary Bakamwesiga has more details on that). During the conference participants had an annual general meeting towards the end of the conference and among other things leaders for the society (ESEA) were selected of which majority of selected leaders were from the former leadership. Also, during the conference the ESEA membership concept was introduced where by two types of membership was put in place (ordinary and supporting membership). Attendance The arrival date was the 21st of May 2008 and more than 70 participants from USA, Norway, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia Malawi, Ethiopia and the host Tanzania attended the conference. |
