Biodiversity and Terrestrial Ecosystem Conservation
Prof. Nadine Esther Otiobo Atibita
Prof. Otiobo Atibita is an Associate Professor and Researcher from the Faculty of Science of the University of Douala, Cameroon. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Yaoundé I, obtained in 2017. Her research expertise lies in insect ecology, biology, and sustainable management of agriculturally important insects, with a particular focus on insect-plant interactions, pollination systems, pest management, and biodiversity conservation. Through her research, Prof. Otiobo Atibita contributes to advancing knowledge on the role of insects in agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and sustainable food systems. Her work integrates ecological research with practical agricultural solutions to support resilient farming practices, enhance food security, and address environmental challenges affecting agricultural production in Central Africa. Prof. Otiobo Atibita has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and actively participates in national and international research collaborations focused on integrated pest management, pollinator conservation, and climate change adaptation in agriculture. Her research outcomes contribute to evidence-based approaches that benefit scientific communities, farmers, and broader environmental conservation efforts.
Beyond research, Prof. Otiobo Atibita is dedicated to higher education, mentoring, and capacity building. She teaches and supervises undergraduate and graduate students, fostering innovation and scientific excellence in entomology and agricultural sciences. She is a member of the Cameroon Professional Research-Oriented Women Network (CAPROWN) and contributes to scientific initiatives, including the Organizing Committee of the Malaria Vector Symposium at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala. Through her academic leadership, research excellence, and commitment to sustainable development, Prof. Otiobo Atibita continues to strengthen scientific capacity and promote innovative solutions to agricultural and ecological challenges.
Background
Biodiversity – the diversity of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels – is the foundation of ecological stability, resilience, and sustainability. Diverse ecosystems support essential ecological processes and services, including pollination, soil formation and fertility, climate regulation, water purification, pest regulation, and nutrient cycling. However, biodiversity is experiencing unprecedented global decline driven by habitat destruction, unsustainable resource exploitation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. These pressures threaten ecological integrity while also undermining human well-being, food security, public health, and sustainable development.
Conservation represents a scientific and practical approach to protecting, managing, and restoring biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Beyond the preservation of isolated habitats, contemporary conservation emphasizes the sustainable coexistence of human societies and nature through the protection of critical ecosystems, responsible resource use, and the restoration of degraded landscapes. By maintaining forests, wetlands, grasslands, freshwater systems, and wildlife populations, conservation contributes to safeguarding essential ecosystem services that support life on Earth, including carbon storage, climate regulation, soil protection, and the sustainable production of food and natural resources.
The integration of biodiversity conservation into terrestrial ecosystems requires a landscape-scale approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of natural and human-managed environments. This approach promotes the development of multifunctional landscapes where agriculture, forestry, urban development, and biodiversity conservation can coexist. Strategies such as agroforestry, ecological restoration, habitat corridors, wildlife-friendly farming, sustainable forest management, and urban ecological infrastructure enhance ecosystem connectivity and resilience. By embedding conservation principles into everyday land-use practices, terrestrial ecosystems can better withstand environmental pressures such as climate change, habitat fragmentation, droughts, wildfires, and biological invasions while continuing to provide vital ecosystem services.
Research and education constitute the scientific and societal foundations of effective biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Through innovative approaches – including biodiversity monitoring, remote sensing, molecular ecology, ecological modeling, and climate impact assessments – research generates the knowledge required to understand ecosystem dynamics, assess threats, and design evidence-based conservation strategies. Education and capacity building translate scientific discoveries into practical actions by training future conservation professionals, strengthening local and Indigenous knowledge systems, and promoting environmental awareness among communities and decision-makers. Together, research and education ensure that conservation initiatives are scientifically rigorous, socially inclusive, and capable of generating long-term ecological and societal benefits.
Research Goals
The BIOTEC Research Group aims to advance scientific understanding and develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of biological resources and the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity. BIOTEC Research Group investigates the complex interactions among animals, plants, microorganisms, and their environments to address critical challenges related to ecosystem degradation, food security, climate change, and sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced technologies, and knowledge transfer, BIOTEC seeks to generate evidence-based approaches for biodiversity assessment, ecosystem restoration, sustainable resource management, and conservation planning. The group contributes to global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15). By integrating research excellence, innovation, and education, BIOTEC aims to become a leading platform for understanding and conserving terrestrial ecosystems while promoting a sustainable relationship between biodiversity, human societies, and the environment.
The conservation of biodiversity within terrestrial ecosystems requires an integrated understanding of ecological processes, biological resources, and human-environment interactions. Addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production, wildlife conservation, emerging diseases, climate change, and ecosystem degradation requires interdisciplinary research that combines fundamental biological knowledge with innovative applications. The BIOTEC Research Group is organized around three complementary research axes that aim to generate scientific knowledge, develop sustainable solutions, and support evidence-based conservation practices.
Research Axis #1 - Applied Biosciences: productivity, sustainability, and ecosystem resilience
This Research Axis focuses on translating biological knowledge into innovative and practical solutions that enhance ecosystem productivity, strengthen resilience to environmental changes, and promote sustainable use of biological resources. Research under this axis explores the interactions between biodiversity, agriculture, animal production, and human livelihoods. Main research themes include:
Agroforestry and sustainable production systems. Investigation of integrated production systems that combine crops, trees, livestock, apiculture, and aquaculture to enhance productivity while maintaining ecological functions. Research focuses on the use of multipurpose plant species, soil fertility improvement, biodiversity-friendly farming practices, and environmentally sustainable animal production systems.
Valorisation of non-timber forest products. Assessment and sustainable development of biological resources derived from forests, including medicinal plants, edible species, aromatic and cosmetic resources. This research aims to promote biodiversity conservation while creating sustainable economic opportunities and value chains for local communities.
Climate change adaptation and biological resource management. Identification and characterization of plant and animal varieties with adaptive traits to environmental stressors, including drought, heat, and changing climatic conditions. Research supports the development of resilient agricultural and conservation strategies adapted to future climate scenarios.
Research Axis #2 - Biodiversity: species diversity, wildlife ecology, and ecosystem services
This research axis investigates the diversity, distribution, ecology, and interactions of plant and animal communities to understand ecosystem functioning and support biodiversity conservation. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of organisms as indicators of environmental change and ecosystem health. Main research themes include:
Biodiversity assessment and ecological studies. Conducting inventories and ecological assessments of terrestrial biodiversity, including plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Research focuses on documenting species richness, identifying rare and threatened taxa, understanding species interactions, and evaluating ecological indicators of ecosystem integrity.
Biodiversity monitoring and environmental assessment. Development of long-term biomonitoring approaches to track changes in biological communities, assess ecosystem responses to environmental pressures, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions.
Human-wildlife conflict and species conservation. Investigation of conflicts between humans and wildlife through assessment of species status, ecological drivers, and socioeconomic factors. Research aims to develop practical solutions that reduce crop damage, protect threatened species, and promote coexistence between communities and wildlife through approaches such as ecological barriers, beehive-based deterrents, and natural repellents.
Eco-epidemiology and One Health approaches. Study of interactions among wildlife, domestic animals, plants, humans, and pathogens to understand disease emergence and transmission pathways. Research focuses on zoonotic diseases, plant pathogens, and ecosystem health to support prevention strategies in rural and forest environments.
Research Axis #3 - Ecosystem conservation: restoration, governance, and sustainable management
This Research Axis connects ecological research with conservation practice, environmental governance, and community engagement. It aims to develop science-based strategies for protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing terrestrial ecosystems. Main research themes include:
Community-based conservation and environmental governance. Development of participatory conservation approaches that involve local communities as key partners in biodiversity protection. Research explores sustainable livelihood alternatives, environmental education, traditional ecological knowledge, and governance models that reduce pressure on natural resources and strengthen long-term conservation outcomes.
Restoration of degraded ecosystems and habitat connectivity. Assessment of ecosystem degradation drivers, habitat requirements of threatened species, and restoration priorities. Research focuses on ecological restoration techniques using native species, rehabilitation of degraded habitats, and the establishment of ecological corridors to reconnect fragmented landscapes.
Biodiversity informatics, digital ecology, and data science. Application of digital technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and biodiversity databases to improve ecological monitoring and conservation decision-making. This research supports the development of open-access biodiversity information platforms and data-driven tools for researchers, managers, and policymakers.
Prof. Nadine E. Otiobo Atibita
PDCAM is a Biodiversity Development Program. Founded in 2017, PDCAM is committed to biodiversity conservation and improving livelihoods of indigenous and local communities in Cameroon, fostering harmony between people and nature by facilitating dialogue between wildlife authorities, indigenous, and local communities.
Prof. Nadine E. Otiobo Atibita
Group Leader
otioboatibita@trendfoundation.org
Prof. Zéphirin Tadu
Deputy Group Leader
tadu@trendfoundation.org