KIGALI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Academicians, researchers and officials have called for strong research collaboration, increased investment in scientific research and the application of homegrown knowledge to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in Rwanda and across Africa.
The call was made on Thursday, during the International Conference on Environment, Energy and Development held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, under the theme, "Resilient Earth: Water, Ecosystems, Energy and Sustainable Development."
The conference was co-organized by the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Olivier Habimana, head of the department of Digitalization and Research at the Rwanda's Higher Education Council, said Rwanda needs locally generated scientific knowledge to achieve its development ambitions, particularly in water management, environmental protection, renewable energy and climate resilience.
"That ambition cannot be achieved through borrowed knowledge alone. Instead, it requires homegrown science," Habimana said, urging universities and research institutions to strengthen collaboration with government agencies, industries and local communities.
He noted that research must go beyond academic publications to inform policy decisions, generate practical solutions and benefit communities. He also highlighted the need to increase investment in research and development and strengthen links between academia and industry.
At the conference, Jean Ngamije, vice chancellor of UNILAK, urged researchers to pursue evidence-based solutions and expand scientific cooperation among Rwanda, China and other African countries.
"I call upon our researchers to pursue scientific evidence and strengthen collaboration," Ngamije said, emphasizing the importance of turning research findings into practical interventions that improve people's lives.
According to Duan Weili, deputy director of XIEG, the ICEED series has been successfully held in Kigali six times since its inception in 2013. Over the past decade, this conference has grown from a regional academic platform into an important space for dialogue, bringing together peers from China, Africa, and beyond.
"East Africa is facing multiple pressures from water security, ecosystem degradation, and climate-induced disaster risks," Duan said, noting that this year's conference is highly relevant and timely.
Speaking at the event, Wang Shengwei, deputy director of SAJOREC, called for stronger cooperation in student training, academic exchanges and capacity-building to advance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Wang said the partnership had supported the training of more than 10 Rwandan postgraduate students and contributed to research on Rwanda's plant diversity.
At the conference, UNILAK, XIEG and SAJOREC renewed their tripartite partnership for 2027-2031, with plans to strengthen joint research, scholarships, staff exchanges and scientific cooperation.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, academics and development partners to share knowledge and explore solutions to climate change, water insecurity, biodiversity loss and other environmental challenges.
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