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

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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 BollandsÃ¥s, 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.

Obed Asamoah – Forest resources management – Excellence in Research

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Mr. Obed Asamoah  distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Forest resources management. With over nine years of professional experience as a forestry researcher, he brings a wealth of knowledge and added value to the industry with expertise in several disciplines, including silvicultural adaptation treatment, climate change and harvesting, forestry bioresources management, business strategy, and financial planning. He has also developed techniques in the operation of LiDAR and Geode in harvesting. His current work is focused on evaluating the response at the tree and stand scale to the application of adaptive silviculture treatments to red maple stands in southern Quebec. He has developed this expertise through years of experience in the field, pursuing higher education, and leading collaborative research projects between industry, government, equipment manufacturers, and other stakeholders across three continents.

Eduvation

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology at the Universite du Quebec en Outaouais/ISFORT in Ripon, Canada, a program that commenced in October 2021. Prior to this, he was engaged in another Ph.D. program in Bioresources and Forest Science at the University of Eastern Finland since 2018. His academic journey includes a Master of Science in International Development Studies from Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, completed between 2015 and 2017. His undergraduate studies were undertaken at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from 2009 to 2013.

His educational background also features a Diploma in Education obtained at Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in Wiawso, Ghana, spanning the years 2003 to 2007. This diverse educational trajectory reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in the fields of ecology, bioresources, and international development.

Professional Profiles:

INTERESTS

  • Traveling
  • Watching football
  • Hiking and hunting

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Centre d’étude de la forêt
  • The Society of American Foresters
  • The Ecological Society of America (ESA)
  • International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN FINLAND   

In his role at Ari’s Lab, he is dedicated to meticulous research, beginning with the development of precise research specifications and work plans that fully meet project requirements. Actively participating in the planning and execution of research projects, he employs a comprehensive approach to data gathering, utilizing diverse sources such as books, journal articles, newspapers, questionnaires, surveys, polls, and interviews. Subsequently, he applies advanced techniques to clean and analyze the collected data, interpreting it to extract meaningful insights and readying it for paper publication.

Beyond data analysis, he actively contributes to project management by assisting with budgeting and time schedules, ensuring resources are efficiently allocated and projects adhere to set timelines. His role extends to identifying trends and patterns, conducting necessary fieldwork and tests, and utilizing tools like Q GIS and LiDAR to map trees before and after harvest, facilitating an accurate tally of harvested and remaining trees. This comprehensive approach enables him to prepare detailed scientific reports, synthesizing complex information into accessible formats. Overall, his expertise contributes significantly to the success of Ari’s Lab projects, ensuring a meticulous and timely execution of research initiatives.

Publications;

 

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