Forestry and Tropical Biodiversity Management Master's (USTM)
The Master's degree in Forestry and Tropical Biodiversity Management aims to train, within two years (2 years), forest engineers and managers capable of addressing the challenges of sustainably managing tropical forest ecosystems for their development and the protection of resources. The course consists of theory, practical laboratory work and visits to forest companies. The various levels of study are sanctioned by internships in various companies.
The Master's degree is open to all students and/or professionals with a bachelor's degree or equivalent in forestry, biological sciences, agronomy or related sciences such as environmental sciences within the limits of available seats according to the level of study (20 seats).
This master's programme has the technical and scientific support of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (University of Liège) researchers in the dissemination of certain modules.
ERAIFT graduate training programmes
ERAIFT aims to increase the national capacities of sub-Saharan African countries and Indian Ocean region countries for integrated tropical forest management. It aims to train new generations of young African managers in situ who are capable of adopting a multidisciplinary, innovative, systemic and participatory approach promoted by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
To achieve its ambitions and all its goals, ERAIFT’s activities particularly focus on: (i) graduate and continuous training courses; (ii) organising action-oriented research (research – action); (iii) scientific literature and publications in impact-factor journals; (iv) developing partnerships through collaborations; and (v) the provision of services for the benefit of governments.
Through a collaboration agreement with subregional institutions, namely the universities of Dschang and Yaoundé I, the Garoua Wildlife College in Cameroon, the School of Water and Forests in Libreville, the Masuku University of Science and Technology in Gabon and the University of Kisangani in the DRC, ERAIFT organises training programmes in the following various professions: (i) Professional Master's diploma in Management of Protected Areas (MPA); (ii) Professional Master's diploma in Forest Management Techniques (FMT); (iii) Research Master's in Integrated Management of Forests and Tropical Territories (IMFTT). In addition to sub-regional expertise, ERAIFT benefits from international expertise through the DYNAFAC collective for the dissemination of some training modules. These various courses are supported by several Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech professors (University of Liège).
Master's degree in Biodiversity Management and Sustainable Forest Management of UNIKIS
As part of the partnership between national universities (University of Kinshasa, Catholic University of Graben) and Northern universities and research centers (University of Cambridge, University of Liège, CIFOR, CIRAD, MRAC, etc.), the University of Kisangani is developing an applied research programme to implement sustainable forest management in the DRC and to train a new generation of researchers and forest experts at Master and PhD levels, in order to improve the management of the DRC’s natural resources. In this respect, it is supported by the FORESTS project, which aims to support and raise the awareness of scientific communities, but also to strengthen national capacities and human resources through formal university training programmes, including Master’s and PhD programmes. For instance, from 2008 to date, the UNIKIS-EU-CIFOR partnership has produced nearly 120 Master's graduates and some 30 doctors. Some thirty other candidates are in training or at the end of their training.
In response to persistent needs, the University of Kisangani will need to capitalise on and consolidate the achievements of the FORESTS project to train more managers who can ensure that Congolese forests and their biodiversity are managed sustainably.
Master's in Plant Biodiversity at the University of Bangui
The Master's in Plant Biodiversity at the University of Bangui aims to train managers in the field of plant science by teaching about (i) plant and fungal diversity and their uses and conservation, and (ii) sustainable ecosystem management and preservation, (iii) the control and implementation of mitigation measures against global changes and (iv) forest dynamics.
For the latter goal, the Master’s in Plant Biodiversity is supported by CIRAD researchers in the preparation and dissemination of certain training modules.
A new possibility that is being considered is to diversify research areas by addressing issues related to biomass estimation, local allometric equations, landscape restoration…
Training on the use of decision support software for companies integrating research results (DafSim)
As part of the DynAfFor project, a forest exploitation simulation tool has been developed, DafSim, which stands for DynAfForSIMulator. The goal is to provide an operational and usable software for all, to model the evolution of stands at the concession level and thus further provide a decision support tool for their development. In this respect, training on the use of this software regularly takes place among private sector partners, national administrations and higher education institutions in countries in the subregion. More information here.
Training of local communities in forestry techniques
The training is intended for staff from various types of organisations:
public administrations, forestry companies and village associations at the national level. Training is also organised at the international level in partnership with research organisations.