The 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems, and Livelihoods (GORILLA) commenced on December 4, 2024, in Kampala, Uganda. The event has brought together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from over 50 countries to discuss urgent global environmental challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the future. With a focus on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the intersection of geography and socio-economic systems, the conference sets the stage for critical conversations aimed at advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference was opened by the State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Atim Anywar, who stressed the urgent need for collective action to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. According to the latest UN data, only 17% of SDG targets are on track, underscoring the scale of the challenges ahead. Hon. Anywar highlighted the pressing need to accelerate efforts, particularly in the areas of climate action and biodiversity conservation.
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The opening ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, who offered a powerful reminder of the importance of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). In a poignant address, the Umukhukha called for greater recognition and preservation of indigenous practices that have sustained local ecosystems for centuries.
Organised by Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), in collaboration with several international bodies, including the International Geographical Union (IGU), the conference aims to contribute to the Global Development Agenda 2030. The event seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the intersection between geography, ecology, and socio-economic systems, providing a platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
A Rising Global Conversation on Sustainability
Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Chair of the National Organising Committee, remarked that this year’s event was the largest yet, attracting 375 abstract submissions, compared to just 163 in 2022. “This reflects the growing global concern for the environment,” he said. “The number of participants and the diversity of themes demonstrate a deepening commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.”
The conference is addressing 12 key themes, including climate justice, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, water governance, and energy transitions. Prof. Bamutaze noted that themes on biodiversity and climate action had garnered the most attention, with participants eager to explore practical solutions for mitigating environmental harm and ensuring resilient ecosystems.
“We are not just discussing these issues in an academic sense,” he continued. “We are exploring how we can bridge the gap between scientific research and policy to create real, actionable change.”
Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science
In his address, HRH Jude Mike Mudoma shared insights into the vital role of TEK in tackling environmental challenges. He pointed to practices such as agroforestry and rainwater harvesting as examples of indigenous methods that have long supported sustainable land management.
“Our ancestors understood the land,” the Umukhukha said. “Their knowledge is rooted in centuries of observation and respect for nature. We need to ensure that this knowledge is not lost, and that it is passed down to future generations.”
Mudoma’s comments were particularly poignant in the context of the Mt. Elgon region, where his community has faced devastating landslides. He called on delegates to support local efforts in disaster risk reduction and environmental restoration, particularly in the face of climate change.
Africa’s Role in Global Sustainability
The timing of the 3rd GORILLA Conference was particularly significant. It coincided with ongoing international efforts, such as the recent COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders pledged US$300 billion in climate financing for vulnerable nations. Hon. Anywar noted that these efforts, while encouraging, must be accompanied by local-level initiatives in Africa, where the challenges of sustainability are often more pronounced.
She also urged delegates to consider how Africa can tap into emerging global markets such as carbon credits. “We need to be prepared,” she said. “Carbon markets are a new avenue for financing sustainability efforts, but we must understand how they work and how they can benefit our communities.”
Bridging Science and Action
A key theme of the conference was the need to translate scientific research into actionable solutions. Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, highlighted the importance of co-creating knowledge that is both contextually relevant and accessible to local communities.
“We must break down the barriers between academia, governments, and civil society,” he said. “The solutions we need will not come from ivory towers; they will come from collaboration and collective action.”
The conference featured a series of workshops, including training on Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation data for biodiversity, as well as a summer school focused on community resilience and geo-visualization. These sessions reflect the growing emphasis on technology as a tool for sustainable development.
Remote Sensing and the Future of Biodiversity
The conference also featured a keynote address from Prof. Moses Azong Cho, a renowned expert in remote sensing from the University of Pretoria. His presentation focused on how satellite technology can play a crucial role in monitoring biodiversity, particularly in Africa’s diverse ecosystems.
Prof. Cho explained the unique challenges posed by Africa’s landscapes, from tropical forests to savannahs. “Remote sensing in Africa is not simple,” he said. “The diversity of our landscapes requires sophisticated tools to gather meaningful data. But these tools are vital for understanding the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems.”
He also urged African countries to invest in the necessary infrastructure and skills to harness the full potential of remote sensing technologies. “The future of agriculture, conservation, and climate adaptation in Africa depends on our ability to use these tools effectively,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The first day of the conference wrapped up with a panel discussion on the role of universities, civil society, and government in achieving the SDGs. Panelists discussed how academic institutions can contribute to sustainable development, the role of community-based organizations, and the importance of translating research into practical action.
As the conference continues, delegates are poised to build on these discussions, forging partnerships and creating new networks to accelerate the global transition to a more sustainable and resilient future. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the urgency for action has never been clearer.
The 3rd GORILLA Conference serves as a reminder that the solutions to the world’s environmental challenges lie in the collective efforts of communities, governments, scientists, and traditional knowledge holders—working together to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
