The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) participated in the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) 2023 IALE World Congress that took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 10 to 15th, 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 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 theme of the World Congress theme was ‘Transboundary Resource Management, Climate Change, and Environmental Resilience’. The World Congress included plenaries, symposiums, oral sessions, poster sessions, a social dinner, and field trips. It was jointly hosted by Kenyatta University (KU), the Regional Center for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation Institute, University of Nairobi (UON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the African-Chapter of IALE (Africa-IALE).
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 congress 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.
The theme of the World Congress theme was ‘Transboundary Resource Management, Climate Change, and Environmental Resilience’. The World Congress included plenaries, symposiums, oral sessions, poster sessions, a social dinner, and field trips. It was jointly hosted by Kenyatta University (KU), the Regional Center for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation Institute, University of Nairobi (UON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the African-Chapter of IALE (Africa-IALE).
RCMRD Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza made a key note presentation at the congress. His remarks are in the below video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzumn5ICBYc
About IALE:
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 flagship event of IALE is the World Congress, held every four years, which brings together landscape ecologists from across the globe to discuss the latest advancements in the field.
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.
