Presentations | 6 & 8 July

Information provide by Namibia Scientific Society

Monday, 6th July at 19h00:

English presentation by Prof. Dr. Martin Terry, Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Sul Ross State University

In the Trenches of Cactus Conservation in Mexico and Texas
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) has been used by humans for at least 6000 calendar years, and is currently consumed as a ceremonial sacrament by several indigenous groups, as well as being widely used for medicinal purposes by both indigenous and non-indigenous segments of the human population.  Starting in the 1970s, as a result of increasing consumption in the absence of any cultivation to replenish supplies, the plant has developed classic signs of a hunted species in decline.  Here I discuss the major causes of the observed scarcity of peyote (including some relevant anatomical peculiarities of the plant), outline the views of the various stakeholders regarding conservation efforts, and provide a rough sketch of the elements of a path that could lead to the restoration and recovery of the over harvested wild populations.

Wednesday, 8th  July at 19h00: 

English presentation by  Dr. Henri Mwima, Executive Director Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and adaptive Land Management Windhoek, Namibia, SASSCAL

THE Southern African Joint Initiative aimed at mitigating the impacts of Climate Change
The exploratory and consultative discussions for the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) joint initiative started in 2009 with the participation of the Federal Republic of Germany and five Southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. In 2010, the SASSCAL Coordination Team and five National Nodes in the Southern African member countries were established. Between 2011 and 2012, the Integrated Science Plan and the Business Plan were developed through a number of consultative workshops held in the five Southern African partner countries with support from the Federal Republic of Germany through the Ministry of Education and Research.  The Integrated Science Plan contains a portfolio of 90 research priorities and capacity development tasks. The research priorities were selected from some 300 proposals to address research needs in the five thematic areas: Agriculture, Biodiversity, Forestry, Water and Climate.
On 18th April, 2012, Ministers representing the six SASSCAL participating countries (Angola, Botswana, Germany, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) gathered in Windhoek, Namibia and signed the Joint Declaration which – among other provisions – affirmed political and financial commitment to share responsibility to promote, establish and sustain the SASSCAL joint initiative. The overall objective of the SASSCAL joint initiative is to improve the livelihoods of people and to enhance adaptive land use and sustainable economic development in Southern Africa under global change conditions. With the active involvement of researchers and institutions, 77 research tasks are being implemented in the five thematic areas while 8 capacity development tasks are being implemented. Six Namibian institutions and 2 institutions based in South Africa are working in collaboration with the Namibian SASSCAL National Node in the implementation of 18 tasks.

All events are open for public – everyone welcome! Venue is Namibia Scientific Society, Robert Mugabe Ave 110,
opposite National Theater. Safe parking in yard – Love street entrance.
Please note: The opinions expressed during any presentations, films or events are not necessarily in accord with ours.