Highlight on Education and Training Program in Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation (18th July-10th September 2010) conducted by the Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania

Participants (30) were drawn from the Albertine Region covering five countries namely Tanzania, DRC Democratic Republic of Congo), Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. A number of course modules have been covered under specific sessions:

• Climate systems and greenhouse effect
• Climate projections for the future
• Climate change in the recent and distant past
• Biodiversity in a changing climate
• Implications of climate change on human well-being
• Ecosystem concepts and processes
• Mechanisms by which climate affects ecosystems and observed impacts
• Modeling climate change impacts
• Ecosystems goods and services

We have also conducted a field learning trip to various sites around Dar es salaam City as follows:
• Manzese Bridge and surrounding slum area (under UN-Habitat program for
Vertical expansion)
• The famous Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Independence House in Magomeni
• First World War Monument
• Coral reef/stones built house (one of the oldest buildings in Dar es Salaam)
• National Museum and Culture Centre of Tanzania
• Kivukoni Fish Market (largest fish market in Africa)
• Makumbusho Village Museum and Culture Centre

A lot was learnt more importantly in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. For purposes of collaboration, I’ve had an opportunity to interact with some of the top brains at the University and from outside, including experts in Modeling Climate Change impacts like Dr. Marchant from University of York, Dr. Lejju from Mbarara University of Science and technology in Western Uganda.

Beginning with today Monday 9th August 2010, we’ll visit the communities and protected areas - Morogoro, Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks where climate change, variability and adaptation related projects have been implemented. As BCRD-Uganda, we’ll integrate Climate Change, Variability and Adaptability or Mitigation strategies in the main stream program, since it has become a global issue due extremely increased climatic instabilities (droughts, floods and mud-slides) as a result of global warming.

Watch this space for fantastic photos and more updates about the exciting program.

Natwijuka Seth Kayombo
Assistant Team Leader
BCRD-Uganda