Researchers, scholars, environmental practitioners, and policymakers are invited to contribute to an important national academic gathering organized by Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources of Hawassa University. The college has officially announced a Call for Abstracts for its upcoming annual national research conference focusing on the theme:
“Strengthening Evidence for Sustainable Forest and Natural Resource Management to Promote Climate-Resilient Green Economy.”
The conference is scheduled to take place May 14–15, 2026, at the Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources Campus, bringing together experts and stakeholders interested in environmental sustainability, forestry, natural resource management, and climate resilience.
This conference represents a major platform for researchers to present their latest findings, exchange knowledge, and contribute to evidence-based solutions addressing environmental challenges in Ethiopia and beyond. Accepted papers will be published in the official conference proceedings, providing authors an opportunity to disseminate their research to a wider academic and professional audience.
Why This Conference Matters
Sustainable forest management and natural resource conservation are among the most pressing global priorities today. Rapid deforestation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land use practices are threatening ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Countries like Ethiopia are particularly affected because millions of people rely on forests, agriculture, and natural resources for their daily survival. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating climate, protecting biodiversity, and supporting rural economies.
Recognizing these challenges, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources aims to bring together multidisciplinary research that strengthens scientific evidence and supports sustainable environmental policies.
The conference theme emphasizes the importance of integrating research, indigenous knowledge, policy innovation, and sustainable economic practices to build a climate-resilient green economy.
Through this platform, scholars can share innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental sustainability while also supporting economic development and social well-being.
Major Conference Themes
The conference welcomes abstracts related to several key themes and sub-themes in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, and socio-economic development.
1. Forest and Landscape Restoration
The first theme focuses on restoring degraded forests and landscapes to improve ecosystem health and environmental sustainability.
Deforestation and land degradation have become significant challenges in many parts of the world. Forest restoration initiatives help recover biodiversity, improve soil quality, regulate water systems, and mitigate climate change.
Researchers are encouraged to submit papers related to:
- Forest restoration, afforestation, and reforestation
- Plantation development and forest regeneration
- Forest inventory and monitoring systems
- Changes in forest cover and land use patterns
- Urban forestry and greening initiatives
- Biomass energy and its environmental implications
- Participatory forest and natural resource management approaches
Studies that provide innovative techniques, technological solutions, or community-based approaches to forest restoration are particularly encouraged.
2. Watershed Management and Ecosystem Services
Watersheds and ecosystems play a critical role in sustaining life and environmental stability. Proper watershed management helps maintain soil fertility, prevent erosion, regulate water flow, and support biodiversity.
This theme invites research focusing on sustainable watershed management strategies and ecosystem services, including:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Soil and water conservation using watershed-based approaches
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Wildlife conservation and ecotourism development
- Carbon finance and environmental markets
Research that highlights the link between environmental conservation and economic benefits, such as ecosystem services valuation and climate financing mechanisms, will be highly valuable.
3. Agroforestry and Rural Livelihoods
Agroforestry integrates trees with agricultural systems, creating sustainable farming models that enhance productivity while protecting the environment.
In many rural communities, agroforestry systems improve food security, diversify income sources, and enhance resilience to climate change.
This conference theme welcomes research related to:
- Climate-smart agroforestry systems
- Coffee-forest ecosystems and sustainable coffee production
- Tree-based soil fertility restoration
- Agroforestry practices that support rural livelihood diversification
Studies that explore how agroforestry contributes to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and climate resilience will contribute significantly to this theme.
4. Socio-Economic Aspects of Forest and Natural Resources
Environmental sustainability is closely connected to economic and social systems. Effective forest management requires policies and economic frameworks that support sustainable resource use.
This theme invites interdisciplinary research examining the socio-economic dimensions of forest and natural resource management.
Relevant topics include:
- Household livelihood improvement and income diversification through forest resources
- Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) connected to forestry and agroforestry sectors
- Contributions of forests to agro-industry value chains
- Green job creation and sustainable employment opportunities
- Opportunities and challenges in financing landscape restoration
- Forest governance and land tenure systems
- Economics and value chains of forest and natural resources
Research addressing policy frameworks, economic incentives, and governance systems will provide valuable insights for decision-makers and development practitioners.
5. Gender and Indigenous Knowledge in Natural Resource Management
Indigenous knowledge systems have played a vital role in environmental conservation for generations. Local communities possess valuable traditional practices that support sustainable natural resource management.
Additionally, gender roles significantly influence how natural resources are managed and utilized within communities.
This theme encourages research focusing on:
- Traditional forest conservation practices
- Indigenous ecological knowledge and its integration with modern science
- Sacred forests and culturally significant landscapes
- Community perceptions of restoration initiatives
Research highlighting inclusive approaches that empower local communities, women, and indigenous groups in environmental decision-making is especially encouraged.
Opportunities for Researchers
Participating in this conference offers numerous benefits for scholars and professionals in the field.
First, it provides a platform to present research findings to a national academic audience. Presenters will receive valuable feedback from experts, which can help strengthen their work for future publication.
Second, the conference creates opportunities for networking and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, development organizations, and environmental practitioners.
Third, accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings, enhancing the visibility and impact of the authors’ research.
For early-career researchers and graduate students, the conference also offers an opportunity to gain experience presenting research and engaging with the broader scientific community.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Researchers interested in participating in the conference should carefully follow the submission guidelines provided by the organizers.
Key requirements include:
- Abstract length should be between 250 and 300 words
- The document must be written using Times New Roman font, size 12
- Authors should include title, author names, institutional affiliation, and email address
- The abstract should clearly specify the relevant theme and sub-theme
- The research paper must be original and not previously published or presented elsewhere
- Submissions should be sent in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format
Authors should ensure that their abstracts clearly present the research objectives, methodology, key findings, and significance of the study.
Submission Deadline
Researchers must submit their abstracts no later than April 6, 2026.
Late submissions may not be considered, so authors are encouraged to prepare and submit their abstracts well before the deadline.
All abstracts should be sent via email to:
Early submission is recommended to allow sufficient time for review and communication with authors.
Building a Climate-Resilient Future
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, scientific research plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable solutions.
Conferences such as this one provide a vital space for researchers to share knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and develop innovative strategies for protecting forests and natural resources.
By strengthening evidence-based approaches to environmental management, researchers can contribute to building a climate-resilient and sustainable green economy.
The upcoming conference at Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources represents an important opportunity for scholars to contribute to this mission.
Final Invitation
Researchers, academics, environmental professionals, and graduate students working in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, agriculture, economics, and related fields are warmly invited to submit their abstracts.
Your research can play an important role in advancing sustainable environmental practices and shaping policies that protect natural resources for future generations.
If your work aligns with the themes outlined above, consider submitting your abstract and becoming part of this important academic event.
Together, through research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, we can contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
