Marco Njana | Forest Ecology | Most Cited Paper Award

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Dr. Marco Njana | Forest Ecology | Most Cited Paper Award

Researcher at Wildlife Conservation Society, Tanzania📖

Dr. Marco Andrew Njana is a distinguished forestry and natural resource management expert, serving as the lead personnel for Nature-Based Solutions at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Tanzania Country Program since 2020. He specializes in forest carbon accounting and large-scale forest carbon project development under Verra VCS and CCBS standards. His efforts focus on reducing deforestation in national forest reserves critical for biodiversity conservation. Previously, Dr. Njana worked with the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), where he played a pivotal role in developing Tanzania’s first Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL), successfully submitted to the UNFCCC.

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Njana has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed articles, served as a reviewer for over 30 international journals, and contributed to numerous consultancy assignments on ecology and natural resource management.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Education Background🎓

  • Ph.D. in Forestry (2015) – Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
    Dissertation: Biomass estimation and carbon storage in mangrove forests of Tanzania
  • M.Sc. in Management of Natural Resources for Sustainable Agriculture (2008) – Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
    Dissertation: Arborescent species diversity and stocking in the miombo woodland of Urumwa Forest Reserve and their contribution to livelihoods
  • B.Sc. in Forestry (2005) – Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
    Special Project: Impact of crop cultivation in the mangrove ecosystem – A case study of Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

Professional Experience🌱

Dr. Njana’s career highlights include his tenure as Assistant Director and Head of Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) at the NCMC (2016–2018), where he led the preparation and successful UNFCCC submission of Tanzania’s FREL, positioning the country among the pioneers in Africa for REDD+ result-based mechanisms. At TFS, he managed mangrove forest ecosystems, and as the lead Nature-Based Solutions personnel at WCS, he oversees partnerships with government entities to combat deforestation and foster sustainable forest management.

Research Interests🔬

Dr. Njana’s research interests encompass:

  • Forest carbon accounting and REDD+ mechanisms
  • Mangrove forest ecology and management
  • Sustainable natural resource management
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Author Metrics

  • Publications: 25+ peer-reviewed articles
  • Reviewer: Over 30 international journals, including Environmental Development, Ecological Indicators, and Journal of Environmental Management.
  • Citations: Acknowledged globally for contributions to forestry and carbon accounting research.
  • Consultancies: Led multiple high-profile ecological and natural resource management assignments across Tanzania.

Dr. Njana continues to shape sustainable forestry practices through cutting-edge research, impactful partnerships, and active contributions to global environmental initiatives.

Publications Top Notes 📄

1. Are miombo woodlands vital to livelihoods of rural households? Evidence from Urumwa and surrounding communities, Tabora, Tanzania

  • Authors: MA Njana, GC Kajembe, RE Malimbwi
  • Published in: Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 22(2), 124-140
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 56
  • Highlights: This study investigates the dependence of rural households on miombo woodlands for their livelihoods. It emphasizes the socioeconomic and ecological significance of these woodlands, particularly in supporting daily household needs such as firewood, building materials, and food.

2. Mixed method approaches to evaluate conservation impact: Evidence from decentralized forest management in Tanzania

  • Authors: JF Lund, ND Burgess, SAO Chamshama, K Dons, JA Isango, MA Njana, et al.
  • Published in: Environmental Conservation, 42(2), 162-170
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 52
  • Highlights: This paper employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the outcomes of decentralized forest management policies in Tanzania. It provides critical insights into how these policies impact forest conditions and rural livelihoods, offering valuable lessons for conservation strategies.

3. Above-and belowground tree biomass models for three mangrove species in Tanzania: A nonlinear mixed-effects modelling approach

  • Authors: MA Njana, OM Bollandsås, T Eid, E Zahabu, RE Malimbwi
  • Published in: Annals of Forest Science, 73, 353-369
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 49
  • Highlights: This research develops biomass models for mangrove species, enhancing the accuracy of carbon stock assessments in mangrove ecosystems. The study’s nonlinear mixed-effects approach addresses spatial and species-specific variations.

4. Carbon stocks for different land cover types in Mainland Tanzania

  • Authors: EW Mauya, WA Mugasha, MA Njana, E Zahabu, R Malimbwi
  • Published in: Carbon Balance and Management, 14, 1-12
  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 44
  • Highlights: The paper estimates carbon stocks across various land cover types, providing a comprehensive understanding of carbon distribution in Tanzania. It supports policymaking for climate change mitigation and sustainable land management.

5. Importance of tree basic density in biomass estimation and associated uncertainties: A case of three mangrove species in Tanzania

  • Authors: MA Njana, H Meilby, T Eid, E Zahabu, RE Malimbwi
  • Published in: Annals of Forest Science, 73, 1073-1087
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 42
  • Highlights: This work explores the role of wood density in improving the precision of biomass and carbon estimation models. It also addresses the uncertainties in biomass predictions, emphasizing the significance of species-specific parameters.

Conclusion

Dr. Marco Andrew Njana is an outstanding candidate for the Most Cited Paper Award. His extensive research, practical contributions to forestry and climate change mitigation, and leadership in conservation initiatives strongly support his nomination. While broadening international collaborations and adopting cutting-edge technologies could further enhance his research’s global impact, his existing work already stands as a remarkable contribution to sustainable forestry and livelihoods.

Vatis Christian Kemezang – Environmental economics – Best Researcher Award

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Vatis Christian Kemezang – Environmental economics – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vatis Christian Kemezang  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Environmental economics. He has also completed several professional development courses in scientific writing, statistical analysis, and the use of statistical software. Kemezang is a native French speaker, with a strong command of the English language, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Network of Young Economists of the ECA. He is a respected researcher and educator in his field, and is well-known for his expertise in economics and sustainable development. In his free time, Kemezang enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, and is passionate about finding ways to make a positive impact on the world.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He is currently pursuing his PhD in Economics at the University of Douala in Cameroon. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Science in Monetary and Banking Economics in 2018, also at the University of Douala. His undergraduate studies led to a Bachelor of Science in Money, Banking, and Finance from the University of Dschang in 2015. His academic journey began with earning his Baccalaureate A4 in 2012 from Lycee Bilingue de Bépanda in Douala, Cameroon.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

He has held various teaching positions in academia. Since 2019, he has been serving as a Lecturer at the Institut Universitaire des Grandes Écoles des Tropiques (IUGET), where his responsibilities include teaching courses in Banking and Finance, preparing and assessing exams, supervising students in their research projects, and participating in pedagogical projects and academic event organization.

In 2020, he also worked as a Lecturer at the Institut Catholique de Bafoussam (ICAB), where he taught courses in Capital Market and was involved in exam preparation and assessment.

Additionally, from 2020 to 2022, he served as a Part-time Lecturer at the Institut Universitaire de Technologie de Douala (IUT) in Cameroon. In this role, he taught courses in DUT, FI at the Department of GLT, facilitated seminars and practical work, monitored and evaluated students, and contributed to pedagogical projects and academic event organization.

 

CERTIFICATS

He has obtained several certificates covering a range of topics. In 2023, he completed a certificate on preparing an inventory of greenhouse gases under the Enhanced Transparency Framework by the FAO. In 2022, he earned a certificate from IDEP (CEA) on “The African Continental Free Trade Area: The Role Of Parliament and other non-state actors.” Further, he attended sessions on scientific article writing and scientific writing methodology and principles, including fraud detection tools, interpretation, and eliminating similarities. These sessions were conducted by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and the Transport and Applied Logistics Laboratory at the University of Douala, respectively.

Moreover, he has engaged in online learning through platforms like OpenClassrooms. He completed courses on various subjects such as initiating R language programming, creating clear and impactful statistical reports, inferential statistics, analyzing and modeling time series, and mastering the basics of probability. These certificates demonstrate his commitment to continuous learning and skill development in diverse areas related to his field.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Climate mitigation technology for holistic resource management in sub-Saharan Africa:
Impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Energy and Climate Change
2024-04 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1016/j.egycc.2024.100135
CONTRIBUTORS: Ivette Gnitedem Keubeng; Vatis Christian Kemezang
2. An insight on non-standard asset pricing: does COVID-19 matter in the crypto-asset
market?
SN Business & Economics
2024-02-07 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00616-z
Part of ISSN: 2662-9399
CONTRIBUTORS: Prince HIKOUATCHA; Guillaume Tchoffo; Vatis Christian Kemezang;
Jules Roger Feudjo
3
3. Balancing short-term costs and long-term benefits: an analysis of the impact of
hydroelectric power generation on electricity prices volatility in Cameroon
Sustainable Energy Research
2024-02-05 | Journal article
DOI: 10.1186/s40807-024-00099-y
Part of ISSN: 2731-9237
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
4. Measuring market risk with GARCH models under Basel III: Selection and application
on German firms
SN Business & Economics
The revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Vatis Christian Kemezang ; Djou Ilaire, Ivette Keubeng Gnitedem
5. How energy transition and FinTech influence the income inequality in Sub-Saharan
Africa: Evidence from panel-corrected standard errors approach
Next Energy
The second revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
6. Balancing environmental sustainability and international trade: A dynamic analysis of
factors influencing renewable energy generation in Cameroon
Environment, Development and Sustainability
The revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Vatis Christian Kemezang
7. Reducing price volatility in Sub-Saharan Africa through agricultural productivity:
Evidence from a panel data analysis
Next Energy
The second revised manuscript is currently being under review
CONTRIBUTORS: Etienne Bienvenu Akono; Ivette Keubeng Gnitedem; Vatis Christian

Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

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Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tizita Endale Elcho  distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Soil Science. She is a seasoned researcher specializing in the fields of land degradation, soil quality, and soil erosion, boasting over a decade of expertise in conducting thorough research, crafting insightful analyses, and publishing findings in reputable academic journals. Moreover, she brings more than six years of valuable experience in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students, guiding them through the complexities of their theses.

During her tenure from 2014 to 2017, she assumed the role of laboratory coordinator at the College of Agriculture Science, Arba Minch University. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, facilitating lecture demonstrations, and managing monitoring and evaluation processes.

Her proactive nature allows her to excel independently, showcasing a remarkable ability to stay motivated and meet deadlines even in demanding situations. With a practical mindset and a logical approach to problem-solving, she demonstrates a strong capability to perform efficiently, ensuring successful outcomes even under significant pressure.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Doctor of Bioscience Engineering (PhD) degree from KU Leuven and Ghent University in Belgium, earned between 2018 and 2023. Her doctoral research focused on assessing the soil degradation status and processes of agricultural fields across an elevation gradient in the Southern Ethiopian Rift, culminating in her PhD thesis.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master of Science (MSc) in Soil Science at Haramaya University in Ethiopia from 2012 to 2014, graduating with a commendable CGPA of 3.64 out of 4.00. Her commitment to academic excellence was evident during her undergraduate years at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Natural Resource Management from 2006 to 2008, graduating with distinction and achieving a CGPA of 3.46 out of 4.00.

Employment History

She served as a Soil and Water Conservation Expert at the Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office in Arba Minch from 2008 to 2010. In this role, she played a crucial part in scheduling and conducting training sessions for local communities, particularly farmers, on the implementation of soil and water conservation practices. Additionally, she supervised developmental agents across various Kebeles within the Arba Minch district agriculture and rural development office, ensuring the effective dissemination of knowledge and practices. Her responsibilities extended to mobilizing communities to embrace innovative technologies such as water harvesting, watershed management, and integrated soil fertility management, contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Lecturer and laboratory coordinator at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch  University, Arba Minch (2014 – 2023)

Achievements and responsibilities:

  • Conduct basic and applied research with several teams on soil-related issues.
  • Advise both undergraduate and postgraduate students on their final-year research.
  • Train developmental agents and natural resources management experts with the collaboration of Mercy Corps.
  • Lecture several courses such as Fundamental Soil Science, Integrated Soil Fertility Management, Land Degradation and Rehabilitation, Integrated Watershed Management, Research Methodology, Biodiversity Conservation, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Organize and facilitate research symposiums at the university level.
  • Coordinate all laboratory activities of the college.
  • Prepare laboratory guidelines for the relevant bodies of the colleges including departments.
  • Prepare activities and financial plans as well as reports for the college laboratory office.
  • Arranging laboratory equipment and supplies, guide and follow up technical assistance in laboratory activities.
📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Md. Ataur Rahman – Aquatic Biodiversity – Best Researcher Award

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Md. Ataur Rahman distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Aquatic Biodiversity. As a Research Associate at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Bio-Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, I was involved in a project titled “Sustainable development of indigenous fisheries in Baors of southwestern Bangladesh through multiple-functions for ensuring food security,” funded by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council. The goal of the project was to establish food security by improving indigenous fish production and upgrading the livelihoods of the fisher community through sustainable management of Baors fisheries in Bangladesh

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a Master of Science in Fisheries Management (2018) from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.91 out of 4.00. His thesis focused on the management of Barred spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton, 1822) in the Gajner Beel wetland ecosystem, employing length-based indicators and fisheries reference points. Prior to his master’s degree, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (2016) from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.52 out of 4.00. His undergraduate thesis investigated the growth pattern and condition index of Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819) in the Baronoi River, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

 

Research Experience

Under the guidance of Dr. Md. Abdus Samad and Md. Habibur Rahman, I played a key role in planning, executing, and evaluating various aspects of the research initiative. My responsibilities included conducting independent studies with approval from the principal investigator, developing and testing approaches relevant to the research scope, and proficiently analyzing and organizing collected data. Additionally, I actively contributed to increasing public awareness through seminars, workshops, and field schools, and I participated in the dissemination of project results through publications in collaboration with the principal investigator.

Conference

  1. Population parameters of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake, Southwestern Bangladesh
    Presented by M.A. Samad, M.A. Rahman, M.S. Islam, M.S.E. Mahfuj, M.H. Rahman, and M.Y. Hossain at the Fisheries Society of Bangladesh 2nd Biennial Conference on December 25-26, 2021.
  2. Management of Barred spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton, 1822) in the Gajner Beel, wetland ecosystem using length-based indicators and fisheries references point
    Presented by M.A. Rahman, M.A. Sultana, and M.Y. Hossain at the 8th International Conference on Agriculture, Animal Science, and Rural Development, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey, on December 24-25, 2021.
  3. Stock assessment of three different unit stocks of Hilsha shad Tenualosa ilisha in Bangladesh through length-based model
    Presented by M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, M.A. Rahman, M.R. Hasan, Z. Mawa, M.A. Rahman, S. Tanjin, M.A. Bashar, A. Nima, M.A. Alam, and Y. Mahmud at the Fisheries Society of Bangladesh Biennial Conference on December 27-28, 2019.
  4. Sustainable management of small indigenous fishes in the Padma River considering the emerging climate change
    Presented by M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, and M.A. Rahman at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.
  5. Life-history traits of long whisker catfish Mystus gulio (Siluriformes: Bagriddae) of the coastal water of southern Bangladesh
    Presented by O. Rahman, M.Y. Hossain, M.A. Islam, M.A. Rahman, M.R. Hasan, and Z. Mawa at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.
  6. Seasonal (dry- and wet-season) variations of fish diversity, water quality, and phytoplankton abundance in two wetland ecosystems, northwestern Bangladesh
    Presented by S. Khatune, M.A.S. Jewel, M.A. Islam, and M.A. Rahman at the 8th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum in Dhaka on March 30-31, 2019.

 

📝🔬Publications📝🔬