The Society for Conservation Biology – Africa Region has urged young African scientists and conservationists to embrace teamwork, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability challenges.

President of SCB-AR, Adedotun Afolayan, stated this in an interview in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Mr Afolayan said the continent required a new generation of researchers who can move beyond academic publications to real-world solutions.

He said that empathy-driven problem-solving and critical thinking had become essential for researchers seeking to make a meaningful impact in conservation science.

According to him, scientists must take ownership of environmental problems and work actively toward solutions that influence policy and community action.

He said that collaboration had also become indispensable, stressing that modern conservation challenges could no longer be addressed in isolation.

“We are past the age of working in solitude. We need to join our efforts together and work with different stakeholders to bring the solutions our communities need,” he said.

The SCB-AR president noted that partnerships among researchers, governments, civil society groups and local communities had continued to strengthen conservation outcomes across Africa.

He said one of the organisation’s successful initiatives was its e-mentoring programme, which connects experienced conservation professionals with early-career researchers.

He added that the programme, including the Young Women in Conservation Biology Mentorship Initiative, was helping to build future African scientific leaders.

Mr Afolayan also called for continuous capacity development among young researchers, urging them to seek knowledge from specialists in areas where they lacked expertise.

He further advised conservationists to value indigenous knowledge and local experience when designing ecological interventions.

According to him, understanding community-based approaches often determines the success of environmental programmes.

Mr Afolayan reaffirmed SCB-AR’s commitment to promoting scientific leadership, inclusive partnerships and sustainable solutions across the continent.

(NAN)