Agriculture & Environment
3rd GORILLA Conference Off to a Reflective Start
The 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) got off to a reflective start on Wednesday 4th December 2024 as delegates recognized that only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Officially presided over by the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar the opening ceremony was also graced by His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Inzu Ya Masaba.
Organised by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with the International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, the 3rd GORILLA Conference was aimed at contributing to the realization of the Global Development Agenda 2030. Specifically, the conference sought to provide a platform for conceptual, empirical, and theoretical conversations to address how science can help in bridging gaps and addressing sustainable development deficits.
Overview of the Conference
The National Organising Committee Chair and Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze and his Co-Chair Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noted that the 2024 Conference attracted participants from over 50 countries. Whereas the first edition of the conference in 2020 attracted 114 participants, the second edition in 2022 attracted 163 participants and this year’s attracted 375 abstract submissions.
The Conference featured twelve (12) themes namely: 1) Geographies of Climate Change, Climate Justice and Just Transition, Spaces and patterns; 2) Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People; 3) Green Growth and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 4) Water Governance and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 5) Interconnected Geo-hazards and Disasters in a Changing World; 6) Polycrisis: Migration, Displacement, Conflict and Humanitarianism; 7) The changing Geography of Agrifood Systems; 8) Nature Best solutions for inclusive and equitable development; 9) Emerging and novel technologies for societal resilience; 10) Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems in SSA; 11) Geographies of Energy and Energy Transitions; and 12) Environment and Health.
“What is quite striking is that the area of Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People attracted the highest number of submissions, and SDG 13: Climate action turned out to be the most attractive but, you also have issues to do with SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 14: Life Below Water” Prof. Bamutaze reported.
He noted that the Conference was desirous of taking stock of technologies, knowledge, innovations and all undertakings at local levels that are imperative in ensuring that the journey to achieving SDGs prioritizes safety. Staying with the SDGs, Prof. Bamutaze noted that despite the large volume of work published by scientists, there was a big gap regarding the utility of this work by policies.
Prof. Bamutaze shared that the Conference was preceded by trainings on how to harness Artificial Intelligence in ongoing work on biodiversity, a Hackathon aimed at tapping into Earth Observation data, a Summer School on Community Resilience and Geo-visualization with field visits to the Mt. Elgon catchment area as well as trainings on scientific writing.
Co-creation key to Social Transformation
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the glaring sustainable development deficits call for accelerated actions from institutions in Africa, especially since the continent’s contribution to global knowledge output stands at less than 5%.
“We have an obligation to co-create knowledge tailored to environmental and social contexts that is actionable at scale; provide key evidence to policy makers and practitioners to enable them undertake grassroots actions and interventions; as well as co-create innovations that can catalyse social transformation” he shared.
Prof. Buyinza informed conference participants of Makerere’s continued investment in building partnerships that advance national and global sustainability, with specific focus on PhD training so as to improve annual knowledge output from Africa. “Under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), we have defined core areas/disciplines in which we will collaboratively be churning out 1,000 PhDs annually.”
The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Systems
Addressing the conference, the Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma admitted that he was no stranger to academia, having been in research circles for the last 28 years as an environmental scientist. He therefore appreciated the opportunity to participate in the conference, especially at a time when the geographical area covered by his kingdom is in need of restoration to alleviate recurring natural disasters such as landslides.
The Umukhukha defined TEK as knowledge, beliefs and practices that indigenous people have developed over centuries to manage and conserve natural resources. “Our TEK is based on observations, experiments and spiritual connections with the natural world,” he noted, further adding “For example, our ancestors developed agroforestry systems that mimicked the natural forest ecosystem, promoting diversity and soil fertility.”
HRH Jude Mike Mudoma singled out rainwater harvesting techniques and extensive knowledge of medicinal plants that has been passed down through generations as other examples of TEK. He further outlined the Bamasaba Clan-based Governance that provides a framework for decision making, conflict resolution and resource management as well as the Council of Elders that provides guidance and oversight of matters related to natural resource management, cultural heritage and community development as traditional institutions that play vital roles in TEK. He equally singled out traditional ceremonies such as Imbalu (circumcision) as gatherings that promote cultural heritage and provide opportunities for community members to discuss pertinent issues.
“I want to implore you people that we should help our scientists to document and preserve our TEK for future generations” appealed the Umukhukha to conference participants. “Secondly I want support for community-led initiatives. The whole of Mt. Elgon range is now declared a disaster area because we ourselves have destroyed the environment and recently we lost over 190 people who were buried and we have only recovered 25” added H.R.H. Mudoma.
He further appealed to participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to support the Mt. Elgon region in areas of disaster risk reduction and management as well as environmental conservation and restoration. “Another area is climate change adaptation and mitigation and of course when these are done, we cannot forget community-based initiatives for sustainable livelihoods, which I have seen is part of your discussions here and I want to benefit from your expertise.”
Timing of 3rd GORILLA Conference Key
Following the moment of silence observed in respect of the recent Mt. Elgon landslide victims, the Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar lauded the timing of the conference as befitting, especially as it coincides with ongoing local, regional and global efforts to address pressing sustainability challenges and transitions towards a green world.
Referring to the 29th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) she attended in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hon. Anywar took note of the reinforced global climate action through an annual commitment of US$300billion in climate financing. The funding, she added, will help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change and embrace renewable energy.
“As we sit here, I want us to think, how can we prepare as a country for the carbon credit and carbon markets? It is a new discovery, it is a new source of financing, how prepared are we?” Hon. Anywar asked her audience. “How do we have it clearly explained to our people the difference and benefits between organic agriculture and genetically engineered agriculture?” she further added.
The State Minister further urged the academia to always ensure that the community is brought on board during events where research is being disseminated. “In order to benefit them, they must be part of us, and they must understand what we are doing; they shouldn’t be suspicious” she added.
Hon. Anywar concluded by urging participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to use the platform to together cultivate a cohesive knowledge ecosystem that drives forward Agenda 2030, “and this should include the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as stipulated by H.R.H. the Umukhukha” she emphasised.
Insight into Remote Sensing in Africa
The opening ceremony was followed by a Keynote Address delivered by Prof. Moses Azong Cho, Professor at the University of Pretoria and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. His presentation titled Managing Remote Sensing Technology for Assessing Biodiversity sought to describe biodiversity in the context of remote sensing, illustrate some of the work that has been done in the field, and touch on the new era of space borne remote sensing for biodiversity assessment.
“I tell you my African colleagues, if you think that remote sensing in Africa is simpler, you’re mistaken. You’re dealing with a more complex environment; forests are more diverse, savannah landscapes are very diverse and rural areas are quite heterogeneous – the mosaic of different landscape forms and types is crazy on the continent. So, we rather need more complicated remote sensing tools to be able to provide the kind of information that’s required on the continent” narrated Prof. Cho of his experience.
He equally urged scientists and their teams to mind the way they communicate with stakeholders when they take remote sensing products to the communities. “Try to understand the stakeholders and ensure that you will sit down and have the language to convince them what you’re offering can actually help them improve on their services and decision making.”
Prof. Cho who earlier described himself as a Bio-Geoinformatician; one who combines knowledge of Biology, Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, and Geographical Information Science to understand biodiversity and ecological phenomena, found himself gradually becoming an Agro-Geoinformatician. This was after their rich biodiversity information and data maps could hardly attract any funding despite the well-articulated need to conserve the environment.
“Our people are dying of hunger, we need to produce food” prospective funders would respond, later adding “and you are saying we should conserve the rich landscape, with 60% of fertile uncultivated land present on the continent of Africa?”
This light bulb moment from this response led to the development by Prof. Cho and his team, of systems that can enable farmers to effectively use small parcels of land to cultivate food, as opposed to nomadic farming whereby exhausted soils are abandoned for opening of previously uncultivated lands, often rich in biodiversity. Smart farming, digital farming, satellite farming, conservation farming and regenerative agriculture are names that have come to define these systems.
“Remote sensing can play a vital role in these systems and so we actually changed the name of our research group from Earth Observation Group to Precision Agriculture Research Group and suddenly, we started getting lots of traction with both Government and Private Sector because we packaged the information that we generate using our remote sensing models into a software called the Precision Agriculture Information System” Prof. Cho shared.
The software enables farmers to access information on soil conditions and the health of their crops on a weekly basis. “We have developed models that can very accurately predict soil organic content, soil nitrogen content, pH of the soil, and soil moisture, because we have taken time to interpret the spectral information” Prof. Cho triumphantly shared.
On the new era of space borne remote sensing that is upon us, Prof. Cho shared that this will provide even higher resolution imagery that can monitor crop stress and relatedly, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. “NASA is working on new programmes; there’s the PANGEA programme, where I am a Committee Member, where we want to deploy these new sensors within tropical forests in Congo, Cameroon and Ghana to see how we can assess tropical forest biodiversity and change with respect to global changes.”
Furthermore, developments such as the new synthetic radar signal that is not sensitive to clouds enables acquisition of reflected microwave energy both during the day and night, which is critical for the humid tropical regions that experience a lot of cloud cover.
“We need to prepare so that we are not left behind, particularly those of us on the African continent. We need to develop our infrastructure, and cloud computing platforms. We need to develop the capacity amongst our youth when it comes to big data analytics” concluded Prof. Cho.
Summing it all up
The captivating keynote address was followed by a panel discussion that debated; what academia is doing to ensure that it breaks free from the “Ivory Tower” mentality, and how academia and research institutions can contribute to processes that lead to the attainment of SDGs. Furthermore, the panel discussed; what universities can learn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), what CSOs can do to support Government’s drive to achieve SDGs, and the communities’ experience of progress made on SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG13: Climate Action.
Panelists included Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa- Head Department of Environment Management, CAES, Mr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority (NPA), Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda- Executive Director ECOTRUST – the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya- Director of Operations Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) and Mr. Moses Nadiope-Chairman/Coordinator Kasubi Parish Local Community Development Initiative.
To learn more about the GORILLA Conference, please visit: https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University, Global Partners Strengthen Biodiversity Education & Research Through Innovation & Field-Based Learning
*****Through a project titled “Strengthening Education and Research Capacity for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Use,” Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), has achieved significant milestones in advancing biodiversity conservation education, research capacity, and sustainable natural resource management. The project team disseminated their findings and achievements on 31st July 2026.
Purpose of the project
Biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and the unsustainable use of natural resources continue to pose significant threats to ecosystems, livelihoods and sustainable development worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires a new generation of professionals equipped with scientific knowledge, practical skills, interdisciplinary perspectives and the ability to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
In response to this need, Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), in 2023 launched a project to strengthen higher education and research capacities to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 – Life on Land, the project focused on developing innovative teaching and learning approaches, promoting experiential and field-based learning, strengthening international research collaboration, and generating evidence-based knowledge to address complex environmental challenges.
Beyond its primary focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land), the project contributed to a range of interconnected Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening education and research capacities, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Furthermore, the project supported SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
The project was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnerships Programme, and led by Prof. John Tabuti from the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, and Ms. Nele Vahrenhorstfrom Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences.
End of Project Workshop
On 31 July 2026, the project team convened key stakeholders at Makerere University for a dissemination workshop aimed at sharing the achievements, lessons learned, and experiences gained throughout the three-year implementation period. The workshop provided a platform to reflect on the project’s contributions to strengthening biodiversity conservation education and research, while also discussing strategies for sustaining collaborations and building on the progress achieved.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti, who provided an overview of the project journey, highlighting the major milestones, achievements, challenges encountered, and valuable insights gained during implementation. His presentation underscored the importance of continued partnerships, innovation, and capacity strengthening in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Achievements Registered
- Strengthening Education Through Innovative Teaching Approaches
One of the major achievements of the project was the integration of real-world conservation and natural resource management challenges into university teaching through the development of case studies.Three Makerere University scientists – Drs. Vincent Muwanika, Josephine Esaete and Kenneth Balikoowa – received specialized training and certification from The Case Centre in the United Kingdom on the development and use of case studies in university teaching and learning. Building on this training, they developed three case studies in collaboration with local small and medium enterprises involved in natural resource value chains.
The cases provide practical learning materials that enable students to engage with real-life challenges, strengthen problem-solving abilities and move beyond theoretical learning towards applying knowledge in real-world contexts. A case development workshop held at Esella Country Hotel brought together more than 30 participants from industry and academia to promote collaboration in curriculum development and product innovation.
Through these initiatives, the project strengthened university-industry linkages while supporting the development of graduates equipped with creativity, innovation and practical skills required to address emerging environmental challenges.
- Building International Collaboration and Academic Capacity
The project created opportunities for staff and students from Makerere University and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences to participate in exchange programmes, fostering intercultural learning and strengthening academic networks.
Junior staff members Drs. Kayendeke, Juuko, Erima, Ssekuubwa and Mugizi travelled to Germany, where they received training in interactive and digital teaching approaches and developed new teaching materials. The knowledge gained continues to enhance learner-centred teaching practices at Makerere University.
The project also facilitated participation in international SDG workshops in Tanzania and South Africa, while stakeholder engagements held in Uganda strengthened collaboration between universities, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations and local communities. These engagements created opportunities for future research partnerships, joint funding proposals and continued collaboration in support of sustainable development goals.
To support modern teaching and research, the project improved institutional infrastructure through the acquisition of three laptops and video conferencing equipment to enhance e-learning and academic collaboration. Plans are also underway to install a weather station to support student research and data collection.
- Field Courses Transforming Students into Emerging Conservation Researchers
A key highlight of the project was the implementation of interdisciplinary field courses at Kibale National Park, which provided students with hands-on experience in biodiversity research and conservation practice.
Two joint graduate field courses were conducted in June 2024 and June 2025, bringing together 98 students, including 90 from Makerere University and eight from Rhine-Waal University. Working in intercultural teams under the guidance of lecturers from both institutions, students identified conservation challenges, developed research ideas, designed data collection tools, conducted fieldwork and analyzed data.
The field courses equipped students with advanced tropical biodiversity data collection skills while strengthening teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration and scientific communication. Students gained first-hand experience studying ecosystems, including forest regeneration, indigenous tree species, primates, birds, insects and human interactions with protected areas.
- From Field Experience to Advanced Research: Students Share Their Success Stories
The field experiences also generated valuable research ideas and conservation insights, with some students developing their field course projects further into postgraduate research.During the dissemination workshop, two students shared how their field experiences shaped their research interests, strengthened their professional skills and inspired them to contribute to biodiversity conservation.
For Makerere University student Vincent Mbahinzireki, the Kibale field course was a transformative experience that connected classroom knowledge with real-world research. Through collaborative research activities, community engagement and field data collection, he gained practical skills in research design, data analysis and scientific communication.
The experience also broadened his understanding of conservation as a complex relationship involving ecosystems, wildlife and human communities. Through interactions with local communities, including household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, Vincent gained valuable insights into human-wildlife conflicts, community reliance on natural resources and the importance of inclusive, community-centred approaches to conservation.
Similarly, Oweka Jenifer, a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management student at Makerere University, shared how the field course became the foundation for her ongoing research on human-wildlife coexistence around Kibale National Park.
During the field course, Jenifer and her colleagues identified conservation challenges within the landscape and developed research proposals addressing issues emerging from their observations and community interactions. Her initial field study on community coexistence strategies in Kanyawara Ward later evolved into a broader MSc research project titled “Assessing Locally Driven Strategies for Human-Wildlife Coexistence around Kibale National Park, Uganda.”
The expanded study, which involves 333 households and key informants from conservation organizations and local leadership structures, aims to generate evidence that can strengthen community-driven conservation initiatives, support policy development and promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
Jenifer’s research journey highlights the value of experiential learning in nurturing independent research, building scientific capacity and preparing the next generation of conservation professionals to develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Appreciation from Mak’s Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships
In his remarks, Makerere University Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, for the generous financial support provided to the project. He noted that the investment had significantly strengthened research capacity, fostered international collaboration, and contributed to efforts aimed at conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity and natural resources.
Prof. Wamala also commended the implementing partners, highlighting the value of cross-border and interdisciplinary collaborations in generating knowledge and innovative solutions that address challenges affecting both local and global communities.
Emphasizing the importance of the project, he observed that for Uganda, where livelihoods and economic development are closely linked to natural resources, protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and social necessity. “Universities therefore have a critical role to play in generating evidence, developing innovative technologies, training highly skilled professionals, and informing policies that advance sustainable development. The project has made significant contributions towards fulfilling this mandate by going beyond research outputs to strengthen postgraduate education, enhance research capacity, promote international academic partnerships, and equip emerging researchers with the knowledge and practical skills required to address evolving environmental challenges. These achievements align with Makerere University’s commitment to producing graduates and research outcomes that respond to national priorities and global development needs.”
Prof. Wamala further noted that the knowledge generated, partnerships established, and capacities built through the project provide a strong foundation for future collaborative research, innovation, policy engagement, and community outreach. “As biodiversity conservation challenges continue to evolve, collective efforts must remain dynamic, innovative, and sustained. There is need for continued efforts to identify practical pathways for sustaining partnerships, scaling successful interventions, mobilizing additional resources, and translating research findings into policies and practices that enhance environmental stewardship and improve livelihoods.
He re-affirmed the Directorate’s commitment to supporting multidisciplinary research, strengthening international partnerships, promoting research excellence, and ensuring that research undertaken at Makerere University delivers meaningful and lasting impact for society.
Remarks from the Head, Department of Environmental Management
Addressing participants, the Head of the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, appreciated the funders and project team for their unwavering commitment, which culminated in the successful implementation of the project.
“It is one thing to start a project and another to complete it successfully,” she said, explaining that many projects begin with great enthusiasm but require sustained commitment, teamwork and effective leadership to achieve their intended outcomes.
Prof. Namaalwa paid special tribute to Prof. John Tabuti for his exemplary leadership throughout the project, describing him as a dedicated researcher who has consistently spearheaded several impactful initiatives within the Department. “Such leadership has strengthened the Department’s research profile, expanded collaborations, and contributed to addressing critical environmental and biodiversity challenges.”
Highlighting the Department’s contribution to Makerere University‘s research agenda, Prof. Namaalwa noted that although the Department has a relatively small number of academic staff, it continues to make a remarkable impact through high-quality research, innovation and community engagement. She attributed this success to the commitment, resilience and collaborative spirit of the staff, who continue to attract competitive research funding and implement projects that generate knowledge and inform policy and practice.
She also briefed the project team on Makerere University‘s Safeguarding Policy, emphasizing its importance in fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all staff, and project partners. She encouraged all staff to familiarize themselves with the policy and uphold its principles, reaffirming the University’s commitment to ethical conduct, accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Issues Arising from the Dissemination Workshop
The dissemination workshop provided an opportunity for participants from Makerere University and representatives from partner institutions to reflect on the project’s achievements while identifying priority areas for strengthening biodiversity conservation education, research and practice. The following key issues emerged during the discussions:
- Strengthen Field-Based Learning and Practical Training: Participants emphasized that universities need to be more deliberate in increasing opportunities for fieldwork and practical learning. While classroom instruction provides essential theoretical knowledge, field experiences expose students to real conservation challenges, strengthen problem-solving skills and improve their ability to apply scientific concepts in diverse ecological settings. Participants further recommended that practical components should be integrated into all academic programmes through structured in-semester field activities rather than being limited to occasional field courses.
- Integrate Learners’ Perspectives into Curriculum Review: The workshop highlighted the importance of giving students a stronger voice in curriculum development and review processes. As the primary beneficiaries of university education, learners can provide valuable insights into emerging skills gaps, learning experiences and industry expectations. Their participation would help ensure that curricula remain relevant, responsive and better aligned with contemporary conservation challenges.
- Address Political Dimensions of Conservation: Participants noted that biodiversity conservation is often affected by political interests, competing development priorities and governance challenges. Political interference can undermine conservation initiatives and limit effective management of natural resources. The workshop therefore recommended integrating political economy perspectives into conservation planning and strengthening collaboration between political leaders, policymakers and conservation managers to ensure that conservation decisions are supported by sound governance and long-term sustainability objectives.
- Generate Evidence to Influence Policy: The workshop underscored the need for research to produce credible, well-packaged and policy-relevant evidence capable of informing decision-making. Participants observed that meaningful policy change can only be achieved when research findings are communicated in ways that clearly demonstrate their practical value. Universities and researchers were therefore encouraged to strengthen knowledge translation efforts so that scientific evidence effectively informs environmental policies and conservation strategies.
- Promote Community-Centred Conservation: Participants emphasized that successful conservation initiatives must take into account the livelihoods and interests of communities living around protected areas and biodiversity hotspots. Conservation interventions should provide alternative livelihood opportunities where access to natural resources is restricted and actively involve local communities in planning and implementation. Such inclusive approaches are essential for fostering community ownership, reducing conflicts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation programmes.
- Harness Digital Technologies for Conservation Education: Drawing from his training experience in Germany, Dr. Charles Juuko highlighted the growing availability of digital resources that can transform conservation education. He encouraged universities to make greater use of online learning platforms, automated analytical tools and open data repositories to enrich teaching and research. He also recommended strengthening Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training at the master’s level and expanding student exposure to emerging technologies such as drone applications, air-quality monitoring sensors and geospatial data analysis for environmental monitoring and decision-making.
- Strengthen Practitioner Engagement in Teaching and Learning: According to Tumwebaze Adson, Environment Innovations Officer at NEMA, practitioners should play a greater role in developing case studies and practical learning experiences for students. He noted that involving professionals from government, industry and conservation organizations would expose learners to real-world environmental challenges and improve the relevance of university training. He also encouraged students to design research projects that respond directly to contemporary environmental and conservation issues.
- Foster Stronger Academia-Industry Partnerships: The workshop reaffirmed the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities, government agencies, conservation organizations and the private sector. Such partnerships can enhance research, facilitate knowledge exchange, provide internship opportunities, support innovation and improve the application of research findings to address biodiversity conservation challenges.
- Strengthen Environmental Law Education: Participants expressed concern that many students graduate with limited knowledge of environmental legislation, conservation policies and regulatory frameworks. They recommended integrating environmental law and policy more comprehensively across relevant academic programmes to equip graduates with the legal and institutional knowledge required to support sustainable natural resource management.
- Prioritize Solution-Oriented Research: Participants called on universities to place greater emphasis on research that generates practical solutions to conservation challenges rather than focusing primarily on academic publications. While scholarly outputs remain important, research should increasingly translate into innovations, technologies, management practices and policy interventions that create measurable environmental and societal impact.
- Through strengthened teaching approaches, international partnerships, experiential learning and applied research, the project has laid a strong foundation for producing a new generation of professionals committed to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Sustaining the Achievements
While the project recorded significant achievements, implementation was not without challenges. The team navigated disruptions associated with the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, which affected planned activities, including the cancellation of the 2026 joint field course due to an Ebola outbreak reported in some parts of Uganda.
As the funding period comes to an end, partners expressed commitment to sustaining the collaboration. Future areas of cooperation include joint research projects, student co-supervision, continued academic exchanges and pursuit of additional funding opportunities.
Pictorial of the workshop:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHmVkq8Hl-g1QQJwR6IieqrBzoijLqHK?usp=sharing
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