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The term biodiversity, in its simplest definition, embodies life in all its form together with the environment that supports it. It is basically the mainstay of life on planet earth. Its utility value, diverse forms, beauty and splendor has driven human beings to make maximum use of it, sometimes to the detriment of the very same splendor and supporter of life. Kenya is one of the countries that is endowed with a rich biodiversity. In this presentation, Dr. Oyieke will discuss the richness of the country’s heritage, its usage, threats and conservation efforts. She will also point out the country’s contribution towards global conservation efforts given that this precious heritage is a global good.

Dr. Helida Oyieke is currently teaching at UNE as a visiting Fulbright Scholar.  She is the Director for Research and Collection at the National Museums of Kenya, a natural history based museum centered in Nairobi, Kenya, where she oversees and provides general leadership on research and collection programs in the institution. She also teaches on a part time basis at the University of Nairobi. She holds a B.Ed, M.Sc and Ph.D degrees in biological sciences from the University of Nairobi and is specialized in the Marine Botanical Sciences. She is currently on sabbatical leave from the Museum and teaching  courses in Marine Botany and “Women in Environment and Development”at UNE.

Throughout her career she has conducted research in the fields of taxonomy, ecology, biodiversity conservation and museum collection management, and serves in several national, regional and international committees. She has a keen interest in environmental conservation issues and has represented her country  in several international conservation forums and technical committees. She also takes interest on matters relating to women and development, especially from the developing world.
 

Lunch included.