Participants during the training
The National University of Rwanda (NUR) through the department of Biology is hosting a training workshop of the Regional Network for Conservation Educators in the Albertine Rift (RNCEAR).
Participants in this training will be introduced to the Geographic information Science training and using of the R software which is important in analyzing statistical data.
The training brings together 30 individuals from 20 institutions in five countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
According to Beth A. Kaplin, the technical Advisor of RNCEAR, the training is very important for the developing countries to cope with the climate change adaptation.
Kaplin encouraged the members of the network to call upon their colleagues to join the network in view of sharing experience and opportunities.
The Acting vice Rector for Academic Affairs of NUR, Prof. Herman Musahara thanked the organizers of this training. and urged the participants to do their best to build capacity and research in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and environmental protection.
“We believe that you will gain important skills which will help you contribute more effectively and efficiently to environmental problems and environmental change. These skills should assist you in analyzing and processing environmental data using the tools you are going to learn in the coming days”. T
Mushahara indicated that it is very important for participants to bear in mind that this training is an opportunity to gain skills which help to respond to the current numerous environmental challenges such as climate change, ecological degradation, over-exploitation of natural resources through over-grazing, pollution, deforestation, poaching and illegal trade in flora and fauna.
This training intends mainly to enable participants to get familiar with the use of R software for statistics, Advanced GIS, and Social Science Research Methods to respond to biodiversity conservation and climate change research and teaching needs.
The training is being facilitated by the organization Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training (START) based in the USA. It is devoted to capacity building for climate change adaptation.
According to organizers, the aim of these trainings is not only capacity building oriented but also to bridge existing strengths in the Albertine Rift (AR) region within a framework of linkages between academic institutions and other professionals and practitioners in the Albertine Rift and Great Lakes region.