Interview: China-funded research center to boost Africa's biodiversity conservation

The Sino-Africa joint research centre hosted by a Kenyan university will transform biodiversity conservation on the continent and unleash socio-economic benefits to communities.

In an interview with Xinhua, Professor Robert Gituru, the center's director, said the Chinese funded research center will strengthen conservation of African botanical treasures that are facing multiple threats.

"The construction of Sino-Africa joint research centre has commenced and will be completed in June 2016. The centre will be a hub for research and technology transfer to boost conservation of plant species in the continent," said Gituru.

In 2010, a memorandum of understanding between Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) led to the establishment of the joint research centre.

Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto in December 2014 graced the ground breaking ceremony to commence the construction of the expansive facility to host the China funded research center and botanical gardens.

Gituru, who is also lecturer from JKUAT, said the joint research center and surrounding botanical gardens will be a one stop shop for information on native plant species.

"The Sino-Africa joint research center will comprise administration offices, conference facilities and specialized research labs. It will raise the standards of biodiversity conservation in the continent," Gituru told Xinhua, adding that the center will also conduct research on water resources management, nanotechnology, molecular biology and natural products development.

He revealed that each laboratory at the joint research center will be manned by a Chinese and Kenyan scientist to boost knowledge sharing on conservation of indigenous biodiversity.

"Our collaboration with Chinese researchers in the field of botany will be elevated with the completion of the joint research centre. We expect profound breakthrough in conservation of rare plant species," Gituru said.

Sino-Africa cooperation in scientific research will offer durable solution to environmental and health challenges affecting the continent. Gituru noted that China is a global leader in harnessing appropriate technologies to boost habitats conservation.

"Our partnership with Chinese researchers will enhance the application of low cost technologies to strengthen water, soil and habitats management," said Gituru,adding that conservation of indigenous plant species will boost food security and human health in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gituru said the state-of-art facility will also foster knowledge sharing among Chinese and Kenyan researchers in the field of botany. He revealed that Kenyan students will benefit from academic exchange programs to enrich their knowledge on plant sciences.

"The research centre will link Kenyan students to Chinese universities. Kenyan technicians based at the facility will also gain from skills transfer," he said, adding that 24 young Kenyans have already enrolled for advanced courses at a CAS-affiliated Wuhan Botanical Gardens.

Kenyan researchers have advocated for robust cooperation with China in the fields of other scientific research like petroleum engineering and marine science.

"China is a leader in petroleum engineering and could offer valuable expertise to enable us exploit the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. We should also cooperate with China to strengthen conservation of marine ecosystem," Gituru added. Endit