Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher | Laboratory of Applied Ecology of the University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is an esteemed agronomist and forester specializing in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. With a PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity, he has an extensive career focused on the impact of climate change on ecosystems and their relationship with human communities. Avakoudjo has contributed to several international research projects and consultancies, and his expertise spans across agroforestry, non-timber forest products, and dendrochronology, among others. He is dedicated to integrating climate adaptation strategies into national biodiversity policies and advancing sustainable resource management in West Africa.

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Education:

Avakoudjo holds a PhD in Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture from the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire (2020). He earned his MSc in Forestry with a focus on Natural Resources Management from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (2015). His academic journey began with a degree in Agronomy, specializing in Natural Resources Management and Planning from the same institution in 2013. He also holds a Baccalaureate D in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the Office of Baccalaureate in Benin (2016).

Experience: Avakoudjo has gained extensive professional experience, including his current role as a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Applied Ecology at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Here, he leads research projects, trains students, and collaborates with local communities. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Researcher, he implemented a project on the climate influence on plant growth. He has also held roles as a consultant for organizations like the African Forest Forum, where he contributed to the development of agroforestry systems and land management strategies. His leadership has extended to environmental volunteering and advisory roles in various NGOs.

Research Interests:

Avakoudjo’s primary research interests include the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in West Africa. His work examines the role of climate-induced biodiversity loss, adaptation strategies, and ecosystem resilience. He is particularly focused on the conservation and valorization of non-timber forest products and sustainable agroforestry practices. His expertise also extends to tropical dendrochronology, quantitative ethnobotany, and biodiversity informatics, all aimed at developing solutions for sustainable natural resource management in tropical regions.

Awards: Throughout his career, Avakoudjo has received recognition for his contributions to environmental science and climate change adaptation. Notable accolades include his involvement in the African Tree-Ring Network and his role in advancing the understanding of climate-growth relationships in tropical trees. His research on the impact of climate change on indigenous species like Strychnos spinosa has been acknowledged for its scientific rigor and its practical implications for biodiversity conservation in West Africa.

Publications:

Avakoudjo has authored several influential peer-reviewed publications, including:

  1. Degila J., et al. (2023). “Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9192.
  2. Degila J., et al. (2023). “A Survey on Digital Agriculture in Five West African Countries.” Agriculture, 13(5), 1067.
  3. Kochoni B. I., et al. (2023). “Contribution of mangroves ecosystems to coastal communities’ resilience towards climate change.” GeoJournal.
  4. Coulibaly A., et al. (2022). “Impact of climate change on the distribution of Bombax costatum Pellegr.” Trees, Forests and People, 100359.
  5. Atindehou M. M. L., et al. (2022). “Old Sacred Trees as Memories of the Cultural Landscapes of Southern Benin.” Land, 11(4), 478.
  6. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Effects of climate and protection status on growth and fruit yield of Strychnos spinosa Lam.” Trees, 1-13.
  7. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Wood anatomy and vessel characteristics of spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa).” Dendrochronologia, 72:125941.

These works are widely cited for their contributions to climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical ecosystems.

Conclusion:

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is a leading expert in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture with a rich academic and professional background. His research continues to shape the understanding of climate-induced biodiversity changes and their impact on ecosystems and human communities in West Africa. Avakoudjo’s commitment to practical solutions for sustainable land management, agroforestry, and the conservation of natural resources reflects his dedication to fostering resilient ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship. His ongoing contributions to the scientific community and local communities make him a valuable asset in the global effort to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Goitom Tesfay | Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Goitom Tesfay | Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change | Best Researcher Award 

PhD Fellow at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Goitom Tesfay Mareke is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Agrometeorology and Climate Change. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in both teaching and research, he has established himself as a notable figure in the field. Currently pursuing a PhD at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his work focuses on climate risk assessment and developing innovative climate-resilient technologies for agriculture. His career reflects a commitment to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture, particularly in his native Ethiopia, and his ongoing research aims to enhance crop production and resilience to climate variability.

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Education

Goitom Tesfay Mareke’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Education in Geography and Environment from Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia. He furthered his studies with a Master of Education in Geography and Environmental Education at Addis Ababa University. To complement his academic qualifications, he pursued a Higher Diploma in Teaching in Higher Education from Wollo University. His current doctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in agrometeorology and climate change, supported by a series of specialized certificates in climate science and disaster risk reduction from esteemed institutions worldwide.

Experience

Goitom Tesfay Mareke has accumulated extensive experience in academia and research. He has served as a lecturer and head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Wollo University, where he has been involved in teaching, curriculum development, and departmental administration. His roles have included guiding undergraduate students, participating in community services, and contributing to various academic committees. His current position as a PhD scholar at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences involves in-depth research on climate risk and agricultural resilience. His diverse experience highlights his leadership skills, dedication to education, and active engagement in advancing his field.

Research Interest

Goitom Tesfay Mareke’s research interests are centered on agrometeorology and climate change, specifically focusing on climate risk assessment and the development of climate-resilient technologies for agriculture. His work aims to understand the effects of climate variability on crop production and to devise innovative solutions to enhance agricultural resilience. He explores topics such as climate adaptation strategies, carbon stock potential, and the integration of climate risk information into agricultural planning. His research contributes to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Awards

Throughout his career, Goitom Tesfay Mareke has been recognized for his contributions to research and academia. His dedication to advancing knowledge in agrometeorology and climate change has been acknowledged through various certifications and training programs. These awards and recognitions reflect his commitment to excellence and his continuous efforts to enhance his expertise in the field of climate science and agriculture.

Publication

Goitom Tesfay Mareke has published research in several reputable journals, demonstrating his active involvement in the scientific community:

  1. “Adaptation Potential of Current Wheat Cultivars and Planting Dates under the Changing Climate in Ethiopia”
    Published in Agronomy, 2022. Link to publication
    Cited by: 10
  2. “Carbon stock potential of Sekele Mariam forest in North Western Ethiopia: an implication for climate change mitigation”
    Published in Model. Earth Syst. Environ., 2021. Link to publication
    Cited by: 15

Conclusion:

Goitom Tesfay Mareke demonstrates significant strengths that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His expertise in climate change and agriculture, extensive experience in teaching and research, commitment to professional development, and international exposure are notable assets. To further enhance his candidacy, focusing on high-impact publications, expanding his grant experience, increasing international collaboration, and strengthening public engagement would be beneficial. Overall, his achievements and ongoing contributions to the field of climate science and agrometeorology make him a commendable candidate for the award.