FAO Yearbook of Forest Products
UnasylvaIn the future, the living lab currently being built at the Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station, operated by the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry in Juupajoki, will be part of an international research and measurement network.
GENEOLOGIES SERVICE LIMITED
P: +255 763 018 901
E: jobs@geneologies.africa
A: Plot #0107A, Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam
Employment Opportunity
Field Auditor
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced field auditor to join our team in Tanzania. As a field auditor, you will be responsible for:
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- Conducting field visits to verify the authenticity of interviews conducted by our enumerators
- Meeting with interviewees to verify the accuracy of the information collected
- Verifying the implementation of quality assurance processes and standards
- Conducting equipment audit and inventory management
- Recommending areas of improvement and best practices for data quality
- Preparing and submitting field audit reports
To be successful in this role, you should have:
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- A bachelor’s degree in statistics, economics, social sciences, or a related field
- At least two years of experience in data collection, monitoring and evaluation, or auditing
- A person of integrity and professionalism
- Willingness to travel to remote places to visit interviewees
- Fluency in English; knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills
If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and cover letter to jobs@geneologies.africa by May 12th, 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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Forests
Forests cover 31 percent of the world’s land surface, store an estimated 296 gigatonnes of carbon and are home to the majority of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.
Forests are a source of fibre, fuel, food and fodder, and they provide livelihoods for millions of people, including many of the world’s poorest. Some 2.4 billion people use wood-based energy for cooking. Forests help mitigate climate change and improve soil, air and water quality. If sustainably managed, forests are also a source of renewable raw materials, making a crucial contribution to building circular economies.
Forestry Programme
Through its Forestry Programme, FAO seeks to have transformational impacts that benefit forests and forest-dependent people and help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. FAO’s approach balances economic, social and environmental objectives to enable the present generation to benefit from the Earth’s forest resources while conserving those resources to meet the needs of future generations. The Forestry Programme oversees more than 230 projects in 82 countries, with a total available project budget of USD 246 million (as of 2019). FAO is guided in its technical forestry work by the Committee on Forestry (COFO) and six regional forestry commissions.
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FAO’s work in forestry
FAO’s work in forestry is clustered around the following priorities:
1. Halting deforestation and forest degradation
- Building on the experiences of the UN-REDD Programme and collaborating with UN agencies and other members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
- Strong collaboration across sectors on transforming food systems to feed the planet without deforestation.
- Working on forest law enforcement, governance and trade to eliminate illegal logging and to promote the legal production and consumption of timber.
- Closely liaising with the private sector to support inclusive and sustainable value chains, including deforestation-free commodities in agriculture and forestry.
- Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in forest management in light of the adoption of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
- Supporting countries to manage forest fires and forest pests, including through the establishment of fire management networks at the global and regional levels to support exchanges and cooperation on forest fire.
2. Forest restoration, reforestation and afforestation
- Promoting a global restoration movement as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, led by FAO and the UN Environment Programme.
- Scaling up ground-level work on forest and landscape restoration, including through the Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism, the Action Against Desertification project and the Global Environment Facility-funded The Restoration Initiative.
- Engaging in a new UN initiative in support of the Great Green Wall.
3. Conservation and sustainable use of forests to enhance forest-based livelihoods
- Scaling up the work of the Forest and Farm Facility, supporting forest and farm producer organizations, and supporting community-based forest management and small and medium-sized enterprises, including through the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme and the Mountain Partnership Products initiative.
- Leading the Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable World initiative to strengthen the contributions of sustainable wood value chains to sustainable development, climate-change mitigation and circular economies.
- Promoting regional and international cooperation on the sustainable use, development and management of forest genetic resources.
- Improving forest communication and forest education to increase understanding and appreciation of forests and forestry, including for a new generation of foresters.
- Promoting the role of forests and trees in “building back better” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing awareness of the capacity of the forest sector to generate green jobs and livelihoods while helping conserve biodiversity and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
4. Improving forest-related data and information and capacities
- Assessing the world’s forest resources and developing national forest monitoring systems.
- FAO’s work on national forest monitoring is driven by innovation, capacity development and partnership.
- Data and statistics on the production and trade of forest products.
- Data and statistics on the contribution of forests and trees to livelihoods and better lives, eradicating poverty and hunger.
https://www.fao.org/forests/en/
Samuli Junttila raps about his PhD thesis and finds his way into the hearts of an international judging panel: Scan the trees! Scan the trees! – Junttila explains on his rap video what is meant by scanning the trees.
Forest scientist Samuli Junttila’s innovative depiction of how laser scanning can be utilized in the detection of declined trees got international recognition in Science’s ’Dance Your Ph.D’ competition by winning the physics category. This is the first time the award came to Finland.
A musician since he was young, Junttila has produced videos as a side job at his own company while pursuing a doctorate in forest sciences. ”I wanted to bring the results of my doctoral thesis into the knowledge of the public and for me, a music video seemed like the most natural way to do it”, says Junttila, who is now a postdoc at the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki. ”This was also an ingenious way to combine my own interests and have fun while doing it.”
This is the 12th year of Dance Your Ph.D. hosted by Science, where the best videos get awarded that accomplish in communicating science through arts and creativity. The contest covered four broad categories: biology, chemistry, physics, and social science. The overall winner of the contest was neuroscientist Antoine Groneberg from Portugal with her video about zebrafish brain development.
These are the four winners selected by the judging panel:
Overall winner and Social Science category winner
Antonia Groneberg
Early life social experiences shape social avoidance kinematics in larval zebrafish
Champalimaud Research (Portugal)
Current affiliation: Charité Berlin (Germany)
Physics category winner:
Samuli Junttila
Utilizing multispectral lidar in the detection of declined trees
Current affiliation: University of Helsinki
Biology category winner:
Katharina Hanika
Impairing disease susceptibility genes to obtain resistance to Verticillium wilt in tomato
Current affiliation: Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands)
Chemistry category winner:
Jackie Zorz
An integrated approach to improving efficiency in microbial bioenergy systems
Current affiliation: University of Calgary (Canada)
Together with two international partners, the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry has established a new kind of research collaboration network. Included in the network as partners who will share information gained from the living laboratories, or new mass timber buildings, are Oregon State University, a leader in forestry from the United States, and InnoRenew CoE, a young and dynamic research institute in Slovenia. Additional members are welcome to join the network in the future.
The sustainability of construction and materials, energy solutions as well as the climate-related, environmental and health effects of construction affect every consumer and society on the planet. The Sustainable Development Goals of the UN encourage a transition towards increasingly sustainable construction and housing. In Finland, the use of wood in construction is also on the rise in urban environments and apartment building construction.
“We wish to be a strong player and contribute to the creation of a unique and multidisciplinary research environment where researchers from a range of disciplines and universities can collaboratively lay the research-based groundwork needed to solve future challenges. In this, international cooperation holds a key role,” Dean Ritva Toivonen says.
What are living labs?
In particular, the collaboration will utilise new mass timber buildings built for the universities, also known as living laboratories. A living laboratory comprises a multidisciplinary research platform provided by the building, which generates continuous measurement data flow on timber structures and the changes taking place in them over time with the help of, for example, an automated sensor network. Among other purposes, shared data can be used when establishing field-specific standards.
The goal of the collaboration is to make it possible to combine datasets and conduct international comparative research, for example, between North and South Europe as well as Europe and North America. The network is aimed at developing a data repository and a website that contain information on projects, datasets and research findings which utilise living lab platforms and data produced by them.
The partnership offers opportunities in multidisciplinary research and teaching as well as in co-creation and innovation activities according to the special characteristics of individual living labs. At the same time, entirely new opportunities and contexts are provided for international education and innovation efforts.
Four new buildings are currently being constructed at the Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station with cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures and walls as well as flooring and roofs based on laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The buildings have one to two floors. One of the buildings houses a large dining and study/conference hall, while the three accommodation buildings serve as both overnight lodging and workspaces. In two of the buildings, research data will be collected on, among other things, indoor air quality and the properties of building materials.
The George W. Peavy Forest Science Center (PFSC) in Corvallis, Oregon, completed in 2019, is a three-story building that utilises elements of mass timber construction.
The InnoRenew CoE building, the largest wooden building in Slovenia, combines timber, concrete and steel. It was designed according to state-of-the-art principles of contemporary sustainable construction following the principles of REED (Restorative Environmental and Ergonomic Design) based on research outputs from the InnoRenew CoE.
Are you passionate about pursuing a career in academia and research? Do you dream of studying in a world-class research university with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research community? Look no further than Radboud University, Nijmegen in the Netherlands.
Radboud University, Nijmegen is offering fully-funded PhD degree scholarships in 11 different fields of study for the 2023/2024 academic year. These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the program.
As a PhD student at Radboud University, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, top-notch research supervision, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in your field. You will also have the chance to participate in conferences and other academic events, as well as collaborate with researchers from around the world.
The following PhD programs are currently available for the upcoming academic year:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Behavioral Science
- Biomedical Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Law
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Social and Cultural Sciences
- Theology
To be eligible for these scholarships, you must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and meet the admission requirements for the program you are applying to. so don’t hesitate to apply and take the first step towards an exciting and fulfilling career in academia and research.
Apply now and seize the opportunity to join Radboud University’s vibrant community of scholars and researchers!
follow the below link to apply
https://www.ru.nl/en/home-basis-seo
Tanzania is taking a step towards green energy by distributing free 100,000 gas cylinders in rural areas through the Rural Energy Agency (REA) project. This initiative is expected to have significant environmental, health, and economic benefits for Tanzanians.
The government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), plans to distribute a total of 100,000 free gas cylinders in rural areas across the country by July 2023 as a way of promoting the use of clean energy.
This initiative comes after the government allocated Tsh. 3.2 billion for the 2022/2023 fiscal year for the distribution of clean cooking gas.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, the Director of Marketing and Technology Promotion at REA, Engineer Advera Mwijage, said they have already started collecting feedback forms from stakeholders in the gas sector since April 19, and the process will end on May 10, 2023, to identify the beneficiaries of the free gas cylinders.
He added that clean energy is one that does not pollute the environment, protects the health of citizens, and provides opportunities for people to enjoy cooking without any problems, unlike when they use traditional cooking methods that produce smoke.
unfriendly cooking using firewood in rural areas, Tanzania
Mwijage also stated that the government has various plans to ensure that all citizens have access to clean energy and will ensure timely delivery to those who need it.
The use of gas as a cooking fuel in rural areas has been a significant contributor to deforestation and indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses. The distribution of free gas containers will encourage a shift towards cleaner energy, reducing the reliance on firewood and charcoal, which will lead to reduced deforestation and cleaner air in homes.
Strugling with fire wood, a wastage of time for performing productive activities
Furthermore, the distribution of free gas containers will provide economic benefits to rural communities. The REA project will create employment opportunities in the gas distribution sector and reduce the cost of cooking fuel for rural households. The reduced cost of cooking fuel will result in increased disposable income for rural households, improving their standard of living.
In conclusion, the distribution of free gas containers in rural areas through the REA project will not only lead to a reduction in deforestation and indoor air pollution but will also have economic benefits for rural communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable development in Tanzania, promoting a healthier and greener environment for future generations.
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Scholarship opportunities
Biodiversity is crucial for the health and productivity of our agrifood systems. It includes the vast array of living organisms, from bees and earthworms to coral reefs and rainforests. Unfortunately, biodiversity for food and agriculture is declining at an alarming rate.
Forests are a critical component of this biodiversity, and their protection is essential to support sustainable agriculture and a healthy economy. Forests provide important ecosystem services, including soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, all of which are essential for agriculture.
Moreover, forests are a source of food, medicine, and other resources that are essential to human life. They are also home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are essential for pollination and pest control.
By protecting forest ecosystems, we can ensure the continued provision of these critical ecosystem services and resources. This will not only support sustainable agriculture but also promote economic growth and development. Forests are a significant source of income for many rural communities, providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic development.
Therefore, it is essential that we prioritize the protection of forest ecosystems for the sake of our agriculture and economy. We must work together to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and promote sustainable land-use practices that protect and enhance forest ecosystems. By doing so, we can ensure a healthy and prosperous future for ourselves and future generations
Looking to take the next step in your academic career? Consider joining the University of Copenhagen’s vibrant academic community as a postdoctoral fellow!
We are currently offering 19 postdoctoral fellowships across a wide range of disciplines, providing an exciting opportunity to advance your research and develop your academic profile.
As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive community of scholars and researchers. You will work alongside leading experts in your field, with ample opportunities for collaboration and networking.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and we welcome applications from scholars of all backgrounds. Our goal is to provide an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and fosters innovation, where your ideas can flourish and your research can have a meaningful impact on society.
In addition to a competitive salary, our postdoctoral fellows enjoy a range of benefits, including access to career development programs and opportunities to present their research at international conferences.
If you are passionate about your research and eager to take the next step in your academic journey, we invite you to apply for one of our postdoctoral fellowships today. Join us at the University of Copenhagen and discover the possibilities!
Cities play a crucial role in shaping the health and productivity of the environment for all. With more than half of the world’s population living in urban areas, cities have become centers of economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. However, rapid urbanization, poor planning, and lack of infrastructure have led to a range of environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, waste management, and climate change.
Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasized the need for cities to play a vital role in ensuring healthy and productive environments for all. As the world’s population continues to grow, cities must find ways to sustainably produce and distribute food, while also reducing their environmental impact.
One key approach to achieving this goal is through urban agriculture, which involves cultivating crops and raising livestock within the city limits. Urban agriculture not only provides fresh, nutritious food for city residents, but also helps reduce the carbon footprint of food production and distribution. It also creates jobs and strengthens community ties.
Cities must also invest in green infrastructure, such as parks, green roofs, and rain gardens, which can help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and provide habitats for biodiversity.
In conclusion, the position of cities in the world is critical in ensuring a healthy and productive environment for all. With the recent emphasis by the FAO on this issue, it is clear that sustainable urban development must become a top priority for governments and city planners worldwide. By investing in urban agriculture, green infrastructure, and other sustainable practices, cities can create healthier and more livable environments for their residents while also reducing their environmental impact.
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has partnered with the University of Copenhagen to tackle the challenge of excessive salt in the soil, which has been a major hindrance to productivity in the forestry and agriculture sectors in Tanzania. As a leading institution in agricultural innovation and knowledge delivery, SUA is well positioned to take on this challenge.
To combat the excessive salt problem, SUA and the University of Copenhagen will be implementing a number of strategies. Firstly, they will conduct research to better understand the causes of the problem and develop appropriate solutions. This will involve studying the types of crops that are most affected by salt, as well as identifying the most effective methods of preventing or mitigating the effects of salt on soil quality.
The two universities will collaborate on the development and testing of new agricultural practices that can increase productivity in salt-affected areas. These may include the use of salt-tolerant crops, the use of organic fertilizers, or the application of special irrigation techniques to reduce salt levels in the soil.
SUA and the University of Copenhagen will work to build the capacity of local farmers and agricultural professionals to implement these new practices. This may involve providing training and education programs, as well as developing networks and partnerships with local communities.
The two institutions will engage with policy makers and other stakeholders to advocate for the adoption of policies and programs that support the development and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices in salt-affected areas.
SUA and the University of Copenhagen will continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of their interventions, to ensure that they are effective and sustainable in the long term. This may involve conducting regular surveys and assessments of soil quality, crop yields, and other key indicators of productivity.
In conclusion, the partnership between SUA and the University of Copenhagen represents a significant opportunity to address one of the major challenges facing the agriculture and forestry sectors in Tanzania. By combining their expertise and resources, the two institutions can develop innovative solutions and best practices that can increase productivity, build resilience, and improve livelihoods in salt-affected areas.