From July 14 to 18, 2024, a delegation from Tanzania, including postgraduate students, researchers, educators, and conservation practitioners, attended the 60th Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Representatives from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), the University of Dodoma, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology and the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, went aboard on an adventurous bus journey from Tanzania to Kigali, cruising a 1500 km road drive, adding an exciting element to the participation.
The conference focused on critical issues related to science, conservation, development, and environmental policy in tropical regions. A highlight of the event was the recognition of Professor Pantaleo K.T. Munishi from Sokoine University of Agriculture, who received an honorary fellowship from the ATBC. This prestigious award acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the fields of ecology, biology, and conservation
The ATBC promote scientific understanding and the conservation of tropical ecosystems by supporting research, collaboration, capacity building, and communication among tropical biologists and conservationists. Notably, the conference was organized by Tanzanian professors Felister Mombo and Alfan Rija from Sokoine University of Agriculture, showcasing Tanzania’s commitment to advancing science in tropical biology and conservation.
As a conservationist, attending and participating in events and conferences is essential for learning from others and sharing knowledge. The next ATBC conference will be held in Mexico in 2025. I hope you will plan and organize yourself to attend this upcoming event. See you in Mexico—this time, we won’t be traveling overland by bus, but air bus!
