The exihibition Africa's Wealth – Exploration, Use and Conservation of Biodiversity was inaugurated at the Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, on November 21, 2007. Prof. Wolfgang Wägele, director of the Museum Koenig, welcomed the round about three hundred guests that had come to Bonn to attend the first-time opening. So did Peter Finger mayor of the town that will be the host for the ninth Conference of the Parties in 2008.
Ministerialdirigent Hartmut Grübel spoke in the name of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, that sponsored the exhibition. He highlighted the importance of the African partners. „Without the proficiency of the African scientists and partners BIOTA-Africa and its comprehensive tasks could not have been implemented,“ he pointed out. And in terms of international and multidisplinary teamwork he handed over to Senior Scientific Affairs Officer Dr. Ndegwa Ndiang'ui. The member of the Comittee on Science and Technology (UNCCD) emphasized on the need of the biodiversity research like it is etablished by the BIOTA project from his point of view. Facing the main problems of mankind in the 21st century means both: stopping the loss of biodiversity and combatting desertification.
Before the audience entered the exhibition for the first time Prof. Norbert Jürgens from the Hamburg University introduced in a simple but clear way to the BIOTA research. Curious about „Africa’s Wealth“ the visitors were able to ask BIOTA scientists and got explanating and detailed statements in-situ. So various and profitable discussions started and went on while „L'accord accoustiq“, musicians from Ghana, Togo and Germany, were playing. All the guests showed highest content about delicious west-african food – a very impressive and direct way to enjoy the benefits of biodiversity.
The exhibition is on display until 08 June 2008 at the Museum Koenig in.
Opening Hours: Tu, Th – Su 10 am to 6 pm, We 10 bis 21 Uhr.
Links:
- Bonner Generalanzeiger vom 24.11.2007
- Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
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