Report on the First Virtual Forum for Advocating Sudan’s Forests
The Econile Organization organized the first virtual forum dedicated to advocating for Sudan’s forests, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists in forestry, environment, wildlife, and energy. The event also saw wide attendance, reflecting the growing interest in environmental issues and the preservation of natural resources.
Attendance and Participation
The forum witnessed strong engagement, with the number of participants on the ZOOM application reaching 100, the maximum capacity allowed by the platform. In addition, many others followed the event through the live broadcast on YouTube, indicating the high level of interest in the forum’s topic and its scientific and societal importance.
Forum Management and Presentation
The forum was presented by Engineer Shihab Osman, the Secretary-General of the organization. Ms. Khalda Abu Zaid handled the organizational aspects, provided the introduction, and welcomed the attendees. The session was moderated by Dr. Mahjoub Hassan, Marine Safety and Environmental Consultant, who spoke about the impact of the war on the destruction of forests in Sudan.
Working Papers and Scientific Contributions
The forum featured several specialized scientific papers, including:
1. Mr. Osama Ahmed, former Director of Khartoum State Forests, presented “Al-Sunut Forest: Past and Present”, discussing the changes affecting the forest and its environmental significance.
3. Professor Ibrahim Hashim, wildlife expert and President of the Wildlife Society, discussed the ecological impacts on migratory birds in Al-Sunut Forest.
5. Professor Talaat Abdelmajeed, forestry and environmental expert, provided a comprehensive scientific commentary highlighting the environmental and economic importance of forests and their role in maintaining ecological balance.
2. Dr. Areej Jaafar presented a paper on “Forest-Based Energy in Sudan: Toward Sustainable Energy Solutions”, focusing on the potential of using non-forest resources as sustainable energy alternatives.
4. Eng. Mohammed Siraj, former Director of Wildlife Administration, enriched the discussion with his extensive field experience.
Audience Engagement
The forum was marked by active participation from attendees, who showed great interest in the session’s topic. They raised numerous questions and comments that enriched the discussion and deepened understanding of forest-related issues and the challenges they face.
Recommendations and Overall Impression
The forum reflected a high level of environmental awareness among participants and emphasized the importance of continuing such scientific and educational events to strengthen forest protection and support national efforts to preserve natural resources. The success of the forum also demonstrated the organization’s ability to host impactful scientific events that attract experts and a wide audience.
Full Recording
The full session can be viewed on the organization’s YouTube channel: