The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) held its highly anticipated World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 10th to the 15th of July 2023. This international gathering of landscape ecologists, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers aimed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and address critical challenges related to landscape ecology.
The IALE 2023 World Congress provided a platform for professionals from various backgrounds to discuss the latest advancements in landscape ecology and their applications for sustainable development. The chosen location, Nairobi, proved to be an ideal setting due to its rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and the pressing environmental issues faced by the African continent.
The congress featured a diverse range of activities, including keynote lectures, symposia, panel discussions, workshops, and field excursions. Renowned experts from around the world presented their research findings, shared innovative approaches, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on topics such as landscape planning, conservation biology, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, and urban ecology.
One of the key highlights of the IALE 2023 World Congress was the emphasis on the integration of traditional ecological knowledge and local community participation in landscape management. Recognizing the vital role of indigenous communities in preserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems, the congress explored ways to incorporate their wisdom and practices into contemporary landscape planning and management strategies.
The Congress also addressed pressing global challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Participants discussed the role of landscape ecology in mitigating these issues and developing sustainable solutions through innovative research, policy frameworks, and conservation initiatives.
In addition to the scientific program, the IALE 2023 World Congress provided ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and form collaborations. The event facilitated interactions between academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry representatives, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting the transfer of knowledge and expertise.
The choice of Nairobi as the host city for the congress allowed participants to witness firsthand the unique landscapes and diverse ecosystems of East Africa. Field excursions were organized to iconic sites such as Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, and the Great Rift Valley, providing an immersive experience and an opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The IALE 2023 World Congress saw active participation from Tanzania through esteemed institutions such as the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). These institutions and their representatives played a crucial role in sharing their expertise, research, and experiences in landscape ecology. The Sokoine University of Agriculture, one of Tanzania’s premier institutions in agricultural sciences, was represented by Prof. Pantaleo K.T. Munishi, Dr. Paulo J. Lyimo, and Ms. Hadija A. Mchelu from the Department of Ecosystems and Conservation, College of Forestry Wildlife and Tourism (CFWT). Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) was represented by Dr. Cecilia Leweri, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) was presented by Mr. Jovine Nachihangu and Dr. Grace Malley was representing the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
The participation of these Tanzanian institutions and their representatives added valuable perspectives to the discussions at the IALE 2023 World Congress. Their expertise, research findings, and experiences in managing landscapes in Tanzania enriched the overall dialogue and contributed to the broader understanding of landscape ecology and its practical applications. The collaborations and knowledge exchanges fostered during the congress have the potential to inform and shape landscape management strategies in Tanzania and other regions facing similar challenges.
Overall, the IALE 2023 World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, proved to be a resounding success. It served as a catalyst for advancing the field of landscape ecology, promoting sustainable land use practices, and strengthening global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the congress made significant contributions to the understanding and management of landscapes worldwide.
Tanzania’s participation in the IALE 2023 World Congress through the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, and the University of Dar es Salaam significantly contributed to the exchange of knowledge, sharing of experiences, and fostering collaboration in the field of landscape ecology.
About IALE in summary
The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) is a global organization dedicated to promoting landscape ecology as a scientific discipline and fostering its application for the sustainable management of landscapes. Founded in 1982, IALE has grown into an influential network of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world.
The primary goal of IALE is to advance the understanding of landscape patterns, processes, and functions and their interactions with human activities. It seeks to integrate natural and social sciences to address complex landscape issues and promote sustainable land use practices. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, IALE aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
IALE operates through a network of national and regional chapters, which organize conferences, workshops, and other activities at the local level. These chapters serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering collaboration among landscape ecologists and practitioners in specific regions. They also play a vital role in promoting landscape ecology research and its application in addressing regional environmental challenges.
The flagship event of IALE is the World Congress, held every few years, which brings together landscape ecologists from across the globe to discuss the latest advancements in the field. The congress features a diverse range of activities, including keynote lectures, symposia, workshops, and field excursions, providing a platform for sharing research findings, best practices, and innovative approaches to landscape ecology.
IALE’s scope encompasses a wide range of topics related to landscape ecology, including landscape planning, conservation biology, ecosystem services, urban ecology, climate change adaptation, and social-ecological systems. The association encourages collaboration between academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry to address pressing environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
IALE also promotes the use of landscape ecology in policy and decision-making processes. It advocates for the integration of landscape principles and approaches into land use planning, environmental management, and conservation strategies. By bridging the gap between science and policy, IALE aims to ensure that landscape ecological knowledge informs effective and sustainable decision-making.
Furthermore, IALE plays an active role in capacity building and knowledge dissemination. It supports education and training initiatives in landscape ecology and provides resources and publications to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices. Through its various activities, IALE aims to empower individuals and organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to address landscape-related challenges in their respective contexts.
For more information please contact
Prof. P.K.T. Munishi
Department of Ecosystems and Conservation,
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism,
PO Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
munishi@sua.ac.tz
+255 754 591 849
