The Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Workshop was hosted by FAR-LeaF fellows in the Environmental cluster in collaboration with Alliance for Progressive and Sustainable Environment (APSE) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State of Nigeria. The workshop aimed to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions in the field of environmental sustainability science.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including academia, environmentalists, researchers, students, NGOs affiliated with SDGs, and enthusiasts on environmental sustainability. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma, a FAR-LeaF Fellow and the Director of APSE, convened the event. Prof. Michael Heydenrych, from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, graced the occasion and was the keynote speaker. Prof. Heydenrych spoke on “Making your research count”. He enlightened the audience on the various applications of his research in solving home challenges. The session was practical and left the audience with thoughts on the impacts of their research work. Other FAR-leaf fellows in attendance included Drs Anna Msigwa from Tanzania, Kwame Adjei-Mantey from Ghana, and Seraphine Mokake from Cameroon. The program was highly educative and entertaining.
The workshop encompassed a wide range of environmental sustainability and conservation topics. Some of the presentations in the workshop were centred on renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, grants development and career progressions through research grants. Workshop presenters shared their insights and experiences, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas on environmental sustainability among participants.
Keynote speaker Prof Mike Heydenrych was addressing the audience.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues, empower participants with knowledge and skills to address sustainability challenges, and promote collaboration among stakeholders to drive positive change. The workshop employed a participatory approach, with multidisciplinary research papers and poster presentations, engaging participants and facilitating knowledge exchange. Participants were encouraged to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas and ask questions about advancing environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.
The workshop featured informative and thought-provoking presentations that gave participants valuable insights, inspiration and practical solutions. The venue at Window on America, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, provided a conducive environment for learning, networking, and collaboration, enhancing the overall experience for participants. The participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences and contributing to environmental sustainability and conservation dialogue. The workshop also facilitated networking and collaboration among participants, fostering partnerships and alliances to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.
Dr Kwame Adjei-Mantey served as a resource perspresentingtion on stakehostakeholders'g and engagement. His talk focused on the issues researchers want to solve, how to find the stakeholders needed for the project, and how to engage them. Additionally, he participated in the workshop section, centred on an empirical analysisGhana'sna's poverty and environmental consciousness, highlighting levels of environmental consciousness. Dr Seraphine Mokake presented her work during the workshop section. Her presentation covered various topics related to sustainable logging, such as deductive and selective tree felling, emphasising the necessity of preserving our trees.
Lessons Learned
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities is critical for the success of environmental sustainability initiatives. Empowering communities to take ownership of conservation efforts can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration across disciplines and sectors is essential for addressing complex environmental challenges. Combining diverse perspectives and expertise can lead to innovative solutions and more significant impact.
Education and Awareness: Education and awareness-raising efforts are vital to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and inspiring individuals to take action to protect and preserve our natural resources.
Stakeholder engagement: Involving Federal and State Stakeholders, Government Bodies, and Prominent Industries would ensure more tremendous success.
The Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Workshop was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The event catalyzed collaboration and action, inspiring participants to work together towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Cluster report by Emmanuel Chukwuma
