Integration of traditional and conventional knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation

In this podcast episode, Anyse Sofia Fernandes Pereira discusses the importance of combining traditional and scientific knowledge to address issues like climate change and food security. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge and respect existing solutions within local communities and to engage in knowledge-sharing with humility and mutual respect. Anyse and Jo provide examples of successful collaborations between researchers and indigenous communities, such as the reintroduction of indigenous vegetables in Kenya and the use of fire to manage ecosystems in Australia. The importance of acknowledging and protecting indigenous knowledge is also discussed, with references to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Nagoya Protocol.

Listen here:

https://www.futureafrica.science/index.php/profile/anyse%20sofia%20-fernandes%20pereira%20essoh-888

LinkedIn: /in/anyse-pereira-essoh-phd-40500392/

ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8423-9531

I am a young woman, mom (two girls, 5 and 1), researcher, and project manager with seven years of experience in investigating and scientifically validating plants used in traditional African medicine, conservation of genetic resources of African endemic plants and using African native plants in the fight against food insecurity, having published several peer reviewed articles.

I've worked in a lot of things, from cleaning, to fast food, factories, call center, street vendor, etc. Both of my parents are teachers, as well as many of my aunts and uncles.

I hold a PhD in Tropical Knowledge and Management, with a specialization in Natural Resources Management and Plant Molecular Biology. In 2022 I implemented and coordinated the African science Week in Cabo Verde, as the Next Einstein Forum Ambassador of Cabo Verde, having launched two pioneer events: the “STEM and Arts festival” and the “Science Parliament”.

Since 2020 I’ve worked at Cabo Verde’s UN Joint Office of UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA, in the portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, which has put me in contact with many projects aiming at strengthening, resilience and capacity building of communities, institutions, civil society organizations and private sector stakeholders. I’ve monitored and provided technical assistance in projects in the areas of Biodiversity Governance, WASH, Disaster Risk Management, Blue and Green Economy, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, among others.

In 2022 I was chosen for the prestigious Mandela Washington fellowship for Young African Leaders and have the chance of spending 6 weeks in Wayne State University in an intensive Leadership in Public Management training, with African leaders from more than 20 African countries; and 4 weeks in a professional development experience at African Wildlife Foundation. 
In the same year, I was one of the seven young researchers in that year (worldwide competition) to be awarded the UNESCO Man and Biosphere prize, with a project aimed at assessing the nutritional and phytochemical potential of Fogo’s grapes marc, aiming at bringing more value both to the product, inserting in the chain of value and functioning as an alternative spouse of income for the community. 

Which researcher – dead or alive – do you find inspiring? Gregor Mendel / Marie Curie

What is your favorite animal and why? Cliché, but dogs - cause they are friendly and reliable

Name your (current) favorite song and interpret/group. To many to say

What is your favorite dish/meal? Pea beans stew (Congo beans)