Biodiversity

The African continent is particularly rich in biodiversity which is however strongly threatened by human activities, both directly (for example, deforestation, urbanization, overexploitation of ecosystems) and indirectly by climate change. This is an important research subject for MUSE in Montpellier, for which its research units collaborate closely with their partners from different African countries. During these thematic days, studies on emblematic species and ecosystems of Africa (for example, the African elephant, tropical rainforests, savannas) will be presented by its African partners, while its biodiversity less known, such as life in water and soil, will also be discussed. The presentations will focus on the role of biodiversity both for the functioning of wild ecosystems and for agroecology. Biodiversity is not limited to so-called wild areas, where most reserves have been created in the past, sometimes to the detriment of indigenous populations. The coexistence between humans and biodiversity will be addressed in the difficult context of integrating conservation, sustainable development and human well-being. It also raises important questions about the impact of international relations and trade on biodiversity in Africa. Its conservation obviously also depends on equity and therefore comes under ecological solidarity at the global level.

​Session 1· Soil, a poorly understood reservoir of biodiversity

Session 2 · Life in the water (lakes, lagoons, the coast and the sea)

Session 3 · Evolution of biodiversity over time – how the environment and the organisms have changed?

Session 4 · Forest biodiversity and the impact of deforestation

Session 5 · Living together with Nature to conserve Biodiversity

Session 6 · Round table : The major biodiversity issues in Africa