

Biodiversity
Download the Biodiversity program
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.
All conferences will be accessible remotely

October 4 - 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Soil, a poorly understood reservoir of biodiversity
The soil is the site of a very large number of interactions, among species of invertebrates and microorganisms, most of which are poorly known. The Tropical Ecology Field School (ECOTROP) has contributed to the study of soil biodiversity and trained many students in Africa.

October 4 11:25 AM - 3:20 PM
Life in the water (lakes, lagoons, the coast and the sea)
Along the aquatic continuum, from the sources of rivers and their courses, through freshwater lakes and wetlands to the seas and oceans, aquatic ecosystems are highly connected to each other and are all subject to human impacts.

October 4 4:10 pm - 5:00 pm?
Evolution of biodiversity over time - how the environment and the organisms have changed?
Paleontology and evolutionary history have provided insight into how the African environment has changed in the past and how organisms have adapted to it. This knowledge allows a prospective approach to predict risks and highlight the challenges of adapting organisms to ongoing climate change.

October 5 - 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Forest biodiversity and the impact of deforestation
The tropical rainforests in Africa are particularly renowned for their biodiversity, but other types of forests are also of great value. Deforestation in Africa in connection with economic development is also very much linked to international trade and we can speak of imported deforestation for consumer and importer countries of other continents. In addition to significant deforestation, some experiences of regeneration and the establishment of agroforestry are however encouraging.

October 5 2:00 PM - 4:10 PM
Living together with Nature to conserve Biodiversity
The coexistence of man with nature is important even within wilderness areas where indigenous peoples often live. In addition, many of the African territories often present a mosaic of natural ecosystems, mixed with agroecosystems, whereas animals also meet humans during their migrations. This has led to a co-evolution of some species with humans. To be effective today, nature conservation must take into account these human-society-nature links and also promote human well-being.

October 5 16:10 - 17:00?
Round table :
The major biodiversity issues in Africa
The major issues that emerge during the five sessions will be discussed with the objective of formulating recommendations for research and collaboration between Africa and France to contribute to human well-being and biodiversity conservation.