Over 70 global experts have converged at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for the 8th International Symposium on Environment, Natural Resources, and Ecological Conservation (ISENREC 2025). The four-day forum is focused on advancing environmental conservation strategies and fostering global research collaborations.

The internationally recognized scientific gathering brings together leading academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to deliberate on sustainable approaches to safeguarding the planet’s increasingly fragile ecosystems.

Held under the theme “Environment, Natural Resources and Ecological Conservation for Sustainable Development,” the symposium aims not only to exchange research ideas and methodologies, but also to identify priority areas for international collaboration and establish a global research network focused on ecological conservation.

Organized by the Chinese Society of Environmental Resources and Ecological Conservation (CSEREC) in partnership with JKUAT, the four-day event, running from 28th July to 1st August 2025, has attracted delegates from Belgium, China, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, and other countries across Africa and around the globe. The symposium is taking place at the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC), located at JKUAT’s main campus.

The first two days of the conference are dedicated to discussions, exhibitions, and collaborative planning focused on enhancing ecological resilience. The remaining two days will involve field research, providing participants with an opportunity to explore practical conservation efforts on the ground.

Topics being covered during the symposium include Soil and Water Conservation and Remediation, Climate Hazards and Mitigation Strategies, and Ecosystem Adaptation to Climate Change, among others.

In her opening remarks delivered on her behalf by Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Production and Extension (RPE), JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and research-led solutions.

“This symposium reaffirms JKUAT’s role in shaping the future of environmental stewardship through research, education, and innovation. We are proud to host minds that are not only discussing global environmental challenges but also offering home-grown solutions,” said Prof. Ngumi. “Today, we are not merely participants in a conference we are collaborators in building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for Kenya, Africa, and the world,” the Vice Chancellor added.

In his keynote address, Prof. Dingqiang Li, Director of CSEREC, stressed the need for international cooperation in tackling environmental degradation and climate change.

“Environmental challenges know no borders. Only through shared knowledge, technology transfer, and joint action can we build a sustainable future for all, our environment is our lifeline. Natural resources like clean air, fertile soil, fresh water, forests, and biodiversity are under immense pressure. Sustainability is no longer an option it is a necessity. As we deliberate, I urge each of us scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and students to reflect on our collective responsibilities,” said Prof. Li.

Prof. Robert Gituru, Director of SAJOREC, thanked the CSEREC delegation for choosing JKUAT to host the symposium and commended the high-level participation. He emphasized the need to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.

“The conversations held here must not end within these walls. We must move from words to action. The outcomes of this symposium will be synthesized into a policy brief to inform national and regional environmental strategies, we are honored to provide a platform where transformative ideas are exchanged. Hosting this symposium reflects the confidence global partners have in JKUAT’s academic capacity and research infrastructure,” said Prof. Gituru.

While thanking the scholars who attended the symposium, the SAJOREC Director in charge of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Prof. Yan Xue expressed his deep appreciation for the continued collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and institutions across borders.

“This symposium is more than a scholarly convention; it is a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is honored to co-host this forum, which provides a vital platform for sharing innovative research, best practices and indigenous knowledge aimed at addressing the escalating challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management,” said Prof. Xue.

The outcomes of ISENREC 2025 are expected to contribute to future research collaborations, policy development, and community-based conservation efforts across Africa and beyond.

A section of the delegates keenly following during the presentations

Global Experts Convene at JKUAT for Landmark Environmental Symposium.