Invasive plants in tropical forest ecosystems
A training workshop was held at
Amani Nature Reserve, 12-16 June 2006
The workshop formed part of the Defra Darwin Initiative Project called "Combating Invasive Alien Plants threatening the East Usambara Mountains." This is a collaborative project investigating the ecology and distribution of alien invasive plants in the Amani Nature Reserve.
The workshop: The target group was plant ecologists and conservation scientists whose work was relevant to the study and management of alien plant species. Participants increased their understanding of the ecology and management of invasive plant species and learnt up to date field methods in surveying and monitoring alien plants. Much of the teaching was field-based, while lectures provided information on current concepts in this field.
Trainers came from established research and academic institutions in Tanzania and the UK. Click here for a full programme of the workshop, including the list of teachers and participants
Aim: The workshop taught Tanzanian conservation biologists up to date techniques in the understanding and management of invasive alien plant species. Specifically, the workshop:
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taught practical skills in surveys and monitoring, including use of GPS and mapping techniques;
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provided instruction in the use of software for the analysis and display of species distribution data;
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boosted attendees' understanding of the invasive plant species ecology and control;
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built institutional capacity as new skills were transferred after the workshop;
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catalysed links between forest biologists nationally and internationally.
Funding: The workshop did not pay per diems. However, full costs (travel, tuition fees, teaching/writing materials, meals and accommodation, etc.) were covered and an incidentals allowance was given.
Applicants were required to:
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have either first degree in environment, forestry, ecology OR at least two years experience in natural resource management, forestry, conservation;
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have basic computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Excel;
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be prepared to undertake practical exercises in a range of habitats;
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be involved in management or research as part of their work;
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preferably, be interested in invasive alien plant species management and control.
"The combination of lectures and field-related exercises is an excellent approach that enhances understanding." Workshop teacher, 2006
Invasion risk assessment in tropical ecosystems
A training workshop was held at
Amani Nature Reserve, 14-18 May 2007
This was the second workshop of Defra Darwin Initiative Project called Combating Invasive Alien Plants threatening the East Usambara Mountains, a collaborative project investigating the ecology and distribution of alien invasive plants in the Amani Nature Reserve.
 Aim: The workshop was to teach Tanzanian conservation biologists up to date techniques in the risk assessment of invasive alien plant species. Specifically, the workshop was to illustrate the concept of risk assessment, provide instruction in the use of software to analyse the different types of risk posed by invasive plants, assist in developing priority lists and management goals boost attendees' understanding of the invasive plant species ecology, build institutional capacity as new skills are transferred after the workshop, catalyse links between ecologists nationally and internationally.
Applicants: had ideally been in the previous workshop carried out in Amani Nature Reserve, though this was not essential.
Click here for a full programme of the workshop, including the list of teachers and participants
"I will share my new skills with other students, collaborate with institutions dealing with natural resources, use some examples acquired from the workshop." Workshop participant
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