Networking In Environmental Science

How a holistic approach aims to heal mangroves in Guinea-Bissau. Along Guinea-Bissau’s Atlantic coast, mangroves form a vital barrier between land and sea. These ecosystems protect low-lying communities, store carbon, and nurture biodiversity, from manatees to critically endangered humpback dolphins. For centuries, locals have cultivated rice in the brackish soils of these swamps, employing a method unique to West Africa. Yet environmental and socio-economic pressures are reshaping this landscape. A shorter rainy season and rising sea levels have made it harder for farmers to manage their fields, while migration to cities and a boom in cashew farming are reducing labor in villages. The result is abandoned rice paddies, often degraded and unable to regenerate naturally. Wetlands International has introduced a different approach to mangrove restoration: Community-based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR), reports Ruth Kamnitzer. Unlike conventional methods that focus on planting seedlings, CBEMR addresses barriers to natural regeneration. Dikes are breached to restore tidal flow, flushing out salts and resetting soil chemistry. “You could just see these seedlings come in very fast,” notes Pieter van Eijk, Wetlands International’s head of coasts and deltas. This method has restored over 2,600 hectares since 2015, at a fraction of the cost of traditional planting. Community participation is integral. Initially hesitant, villagers embraced the project after witnessing its benefits: storm protection, improved fishing, and restored ecosystems. Abdoulaye N., a program manager, highlights the role of locals in breaking dikes and monitoring progress, ensuring long-term sustainability. Beyond ecology, the project addresses socio-economic factors. Alternative livelihoods, like beekeeping and sustainable oyster farming, help reduce mangrove cutting. However, balancing environmental goals with community needs remains complex. As van Eijk observes, “That’s a challenging process.” With over 12,000 hectares still suitable for restoration in the area, the effort reflects a shift toward broader, community-focused approaches to ecological challenges. 📰 Story https://lnkd.in/gmtFhBgK 📷 by Wetlands International and Beyond Borders Media. 1) An aerial view of the restoration of the water flow to support natural mangrove regeneration in Guinea-Bissau.  2) Restoring the abandoned rice fields required breaking up earthen dikes and clearing channels to restore natural water flow, so that mangrove seedlings and propagules could naturally recolonize the areas. 3) Rice fields near the coast in Guinea Bissau.  4) Oyster farming structures hang among the mangrove roots.

Standing in a bustling Seoul street last year, I watched something remarkable unfold. What started as a typical city block transformed into a canvas for environmental change, vibrant artwork surrounding drains, turning potential litter spots into visual reminders of our shared responsibility. This wasn't just street art. It was community engagement in action. In #SouthKorea 🇰🇷, our Philip Morris International Korea team partnered with local government, the Korea Green Foundation, and local artists to tackle cigarette butt litter differently. Instead of just organizing clean-ups, they created an ecosystem of change: 400+ volunteers collecting 300 bags of waste, students creating anti-littering artwork, and entire neighborhoods becoming part of the solution. What struck me most was the ripple effect. One clean-up event in Yangsan evolved into a year-round sustainability hub. By September, 666 volunteers had collected over 18,000 cigarette butts, but more importantly, sparked conversations that are changing behaviors. Meanwhile in #Tunisia 🇹🇳, a different challenge led to equally innovative collaboration. Young entrepreneurs at startup Wayout developed "Zigofiltres"—simple cages for drains that prevent flooding by capturing cigarette butt litter before it blocks waterways. 246 of these devices now protect one of Tunisia's most flood-prone municipalities. Two countries. Two different ways of addressing a same challenge. One powerful lesson: when business, government, local innovators, and communities work together, environmental problems become opportunities for creative solutions. #Sustainability isn't just about corporate initiatives—it's about creating platforms where local ingenuity can flourish. 🌱 ♥️ Link to full case study here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ePU_Bwkt #CommunityEngagement Cc: Borhann Rachdi, Abla Benslimane, Hannah Yun, Miguel Coleta, Maria V Agelvis, Kelly Lavender, Euigyum Hong

Not attending conferences in the right way could be costing you your career! Here's a step-by-step guide 👇 Pre-Conference Preparation: a. Research the Conference: Understand the theme, topics, and speakers. Familiarize yourself with the schedule and any special events. b. Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve at the conference, whether it's networking, learning about specific research, or exploring career opportunities. c. Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for speakers, presenters, and fellow attendees. Networking Strategies: a.Create business cards (which may be a surprise for the Indian Life Science community) or a virtual equivalent. Include your contact information, academic affiliation, and areas of interest. For academic conferences, consider printing a postcard-sized version of your poster with your details on it and hand it over to people you are conversing with while inviting them to visit your poster. b. Social Media Presence: Follow the conference on social media, use official hashtags, and connect with attendees before the event. c. Attend Networking Events: Participate in pre-conference mixers, workshops, or networking sessions to meet fellow students and professionals. Conference Day: a. Arrive Early: Be punctual to make the most of registration, networking, and any early sessions. b. Dress Professionally: Wear appropriate attire; you may meet potential employers or collaborators. c. Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use digital tools to jot down key points from presentations, discussions, and conversations. d. Engage Actively: Ask questions during Q&A sessions, participate in discussions, and share your thoughts. Poster Sessions and Exhibits: a. Review Posters in Advance: Identify posters or exhibits of interest and plan your visit. b. Engage with Presenters: Approach poster presenters or exhibitors, ask questions, and discuss their work. Attend Relevant Sessions: a. Plan Your Schedule: Choose sessions aligned with your interests and career goals. b. Diversify Topics: Attend sessions outside your immediate focus to broaden your knowledge. Post-Conference Follow-Up: a. Connect on Social Media: Follow up with contacts on LinkedIn or other professional networks. b. Send Thank-You Emails: Express gratitude to speakers, presenters, and anyone you networked with. c. Reflect on Learnings: Take time to reflect on what you learned and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. Apply Knowledge: a. Incorporate Insights: Use new knowledge and insights gained from the conference in your studies and research. b. Share with Peers: Discuss your experiences with classmates, share your interesting findings. This is how you should attend a conference! Feel free to add to the list or share any specific tips or strategies that have helped you maximize your networking experience at events. #conference2024 #networkingtips #linkedintopvoices #jobseekers #jobsearchstrategies

Fascinating new paper from University College Cork on the impacts of arts, creative and cultural initiatives in fostering citizen engagement and advancing climate action. The research, published in #Current_Research_Environmental_Sustainability, evaluated five distinct creative projects, each addressing critical themes such as sustainable agriculture, circular economy, repair culture, consumption habits, sea-level rise, biodiversity, and community-driven climate action. These community based initiatives to enhance public participation in climate action were supported by the Creative Ireland Creative Climate Action Programme funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The results showed that that interactive, participatory-style creative mediums led by artists and practitioners, such as demonstrations, workshops, presentations, and discussion, effectively engaged participants across cognitive, emotional, and practical dimensions. Respondents reported an increased sense of self-efficacy and capacity to take achievable climate actions. Community-centred, peer-sharing formats emerged as trusted and valued opportunities for accessing relevant climate information, aiding constructive dialogue on complex topics. Artists' unique perspectives and creative expressions generated positive energy and an openness to engage, renewing participants' motivation to act. Findings suggest that targeted creative community events can significantly support climate policy efforts by fostering high-quality citizen engagement. The research was undertaken by Prof Marguerite Nyhan's team and Alexandra Revez at UCC Environmental Research Institute and Research Ireland MaREI Centre. The paper is freely available to download from https://lnkd.in/eKBzyevN

Attending a conference? To increase the ROI from your time, effort, and money - it's important to 1) prepare ahead of time, 2) craft a game plan, 3) stay engaged during the event, and 4) take proactive steps afterward to maximize professional growth and connections. Below and attached are some key tips and a roadmap of to dos to maximize results from conference attendance. ➡️ Prepare Before Your Go: - Define clear goals for attending the conference, such as networking, learning, or scouting new opportunities. - Review the event schedule and identify sessions, speakers, and networking events relevant to your objectives. - Research attendees and, if possible, reach out for pre-conference meetings or introductions. - Prepare an elevator pitch to describe yourself succinctly and bring business cards, or digital equivalents, for easy information exchange. ➡️ Be Ready to Maximize Your Experience: - To expand your network, attend both formal sessions and informal events, such as coffee breaks, dinners, or social activities. - Attend a variety of session formats to broaden your learning, from workshops to panels and lectures. - To cover more ground, consider distributing your team among parallel sessions and share notes afterward. - Throughout the event, take notes on key takeaways, interesting contacts, and actionable tips. - Use the conference app or social media to connect with other attendees and keep track of sessions and people you meet. ➡️ Network Effectively: - Approach new contacts genuinely and avoid overly sales-focused conversations. - Refer to name tags for personalized introductions and ask follow-up questions to foster meaningful dialogue. - Be a giver: offer assistance to others and share insights from sessions to start conversations. - Be ready to end conversations politely and move on as needed. ➡️ Post-Conference Actions: - As soon as possible after the event, review and organize your notes on sessions and contacts. - Summarize and share insights, key takeaways, and resources with your team or network to extend conference value. - Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn ASAP, and later via email to continue professional relationships. - Take time to reflect on your original goals for attending and whether attending the conference helped you achieve them, then plan for improvements at future events. - Rest and recharge as needed: balance intense participation with self-care. When approached intentionally and actively, attending a conference is a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. With solid preparation, engaged participation, and strategic follow-up, anyone can turn a single event into long-term benefits and connections! Please share other tips in the comments. Thx! #businessdevelopment #marketing

Conferences are fantastic for learning and growth, but they’re also golden opportunities to expand your professional network. Making the most of these events can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and insights that you might not find elsewhere. Here’s how to maximise your networking opportunities at conferences: 1. Prepare Beforehand. Take some time to research the speakers, attendees, and topics. Knowing who you want to connect with and what discussions will take place can help you strategise your networking goals. 2. Be Approachable. Body language matters! Smile, maintain an open posture, and make eye contact. When you seem approachable, others will be more likely to strike up a conversation. 3. Utilise Breaks and Social Events. Networking isn’t confined to formal settings. Use breaks and social events to mingle. Grab a coffee with someone sitting next to you or join a group for lunch. These informal settings often lead to the most genuine connections. 4. Engage in Conversations During Sessions. Don’t just sit back and listen. Participate in Q&A sessions or discussions. Engaging with speakers and fellow attendees can help you stand out and create natural opportunities for further conversation. 5. Follow Up After the Conference. After you’ve made connections, don’t let them fade away. Send a follow-up email or LinkedIn message expressing your pleasure in meeting them. Share insights from the conference or reference something specific you discussed to keep the conversation going. Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards; it’s about building relationships. By approaching conferences with a proactive mindset and clear intentions, you can turn these events into powerful networking opportunities. What strategies have you found effective for networking at conferences?

How do you really make the most out of academic conferences?👨🏻🏫 (Some advice for aspiring Ph.D.s and Post-docs). Congratulations – your paper has been accepted at a top scientific conference! You’re likely focused on perfecting your slides and crafting a clear presentation. That’s important. But here’s a truth many early-career researchers underestimate: The real value of conferences lies in building and extending your academic network. 🕸️ And networking is not always easy at the start of your career. So what can you do? Here is a concrete suggestion: ➡️ Scan the conference program and identify five researchers close to your field whose work you admire. ➡️ Reach out in advance by email and kindly ask for a short (15 min) meeting during the conference. ➡️ Do your homework: read their papers carefully and prepare a concise one-pager with three constructive suggestions for their research. ➡️At the meeting: hand over your one-pager, focus on their research, and only then introduce your own. Will this take time? Absolutely. Will everyone respond? Probably not. But: If you manage to give genuine feedback, you’ll definitely stand out... and your network will grow faster than you expect. 💡

Community issues within carbon projects have garnered more attention recently – as they should – so here our approach to this. I recently spent 15 days at two very different project sites. First up, let’s be clear, it is people who encroach, burn, illegally hunt, illegally log, and undertake shifting agriculture. A top priority must be identifying community activities and status. A new project must identify all stakeholders through all levels of society and then engage with them through a long, thorough, and carefully documented process. I have no sympathy for those who do not undertake all the required steps. Yes, it is expensive, but it must be done. Both projects visited are at the FS stage. The first is a very remote, very heavily forested area. Wonderful place. Must be protected. 80% of people living there are ethnic Dayaks. These people love the forest and agree to protection under the proviso that they can still earn a living. I can tell you already that there is no need to forcibly evict a single person from within the concession. If we can give them better livelihood opportunities outside of the concession without the need for forest clearance, then we will do so, otherwise we will work with them so that they survive in one site without the need to clear and burn new areas. Forcibly evicting genuine ethnic communities with long-standing traditional rights is just asking for trouble. Do not do this. The second project is more problematic. Access is easier. Illegal mining and illegal logging for commercial purposes are rampant. These activities are causing significant damage to the forests and need to be faced by whatever means possible. A large proportion of the affected communities are immigrants. For this project, illegal activities must ceased. But how to do this without creating leakage? I don't pretend to have all the answers yet. I wish that I did. The good news is that within this mess are genuine local people willing to discuss opportunities. The Dayaks that we met in the field and through preliminary village meetings were almost unanimously in favor of a carbon project that saves and rehabilitates the forests. You have to applaud them for this. Immigrants are tougher. Evict them and they clear somewhere else which equals leakage. It is vitally important with this project that full community engagement is undertaken as early as possible – full stakeholder identification, full FPIC, and no evictions for those already obtaining a legal living within the area. The project developer is already starting to work with these people so that no further forest clearance is required. One of my holiday tasks was researching livelihood opportunities applicable for this site. Biochar is looking strong given the need for ex-mining area restoration. Anyway, key conclusion – respect community rights or pay the price through conflict, leakage, and failure to achieve baseline carbon goals. But different solutions for different sites.

Community engagement strategies are often overcomplicated. Here are 3 insights I've gained through my work with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and Consensus Building Institute on the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub. 💡 Connection with the target community is THE most important aspect of outreach and engagement. Too many people have negative associations with governments and NGOs, and for good reason. There's a history in the social impact space of paternalism and negligence. In order to begin rebuilding relationships, show up with honesty and a genuine desire to learn before making recommendations, asking for time/energy, and designing initiatives. Real recognizes real. 💡 Meet people where they are. In a similar vein to above, attempting to drive people toward one action, meeting, or goal, without building a rapport is a waste of time, energy, and resources. Once you have an understanding and relationship with the community you want to serve, you have a better understanding of how to get their input. This involves actually BEING in the community. If people know you from the bodega, church, or the grocery store, or from roasting that cringey Ice Spice Dunkin Donuts commercial (see photo below) they're more likely to hear what you have to say and respond with authenticity. 💡 Offer a tangible, immediate benefit. The social-impact space can be alarmingly extractive. Be conscious of the power differential in your initiatives and proactively mitigate this by compensating all participants. Provide childcare, dinner, a gift card - something! Folks working in this space often forget that the daily issues marginalized communities face take higher priority than completing a survey. Actively anticipate this and find ways to make engagement attractive. 🗣 Social impact professionals, I want to hear your thoughts! What insights, tips, or practices have worked in your community engagement initiatives? Share below in the comments! ---- 💌 I'm back from a short LI hiatus and gearing up for my monthly #opendoorclimate group call this Saturday, 6/1, at 2p EST. If you'd like to learn more about my journey or find out more about what it means to work in climate, sustainability, and energy, send me a DM with the word #opendoorclimate and I'll forward the registration link!

Too many development projects fail for one simple reason: They talk to communities instead of working with them. They arrive as saviors instead of partners. They choose problems for people instead of letting communities define their own. I learned this lesson firsthand through my volunteer journey with the TRIPLE A FOUNDATION. We didn’t start big. Our first interventions focused on menstrual hygiene support for girls in underserved communities. Today, we’ve grown into multiple initiatives, including: Girls in ICT programs BECE Candidates ICT Access Project Pad The Girl menstrual hygiene advocacy Community ICT Training initiatives Smile for Christmas outreach across four communities Impact so far: Over 1,000 children reached Multiple rural communities engaged Expanded collaborations across Malawi and Kenya But here’s what truly changed our results: We stopped rushing in with solutions. We started building relationships first. Our Process That Transformed Interventions ✔️ Community Identification We researched underserved communities with gaps in education, technology, and health. ✔️ Stakeholder Entry & Approval We engaged chiefs, elders, school authorities, and local leaders before introducing any program. Trust came before implementation. ✔️ Transect Walk & Needs Assessment We walked through communities, observed schools, sanitation, ICT access, and spoke directly with residents. This revealed real challenges—not assumed ones. ✔️ Program Design Based on Real Needs Targeted interventions emerged: - ICT training for students - BECE computer access support - Menstrual hygiene education campaigns - Girls in ICT empowerment programs - Social welfare initiatives like Smile for Christmas ✔️ Volunteer Mobilisation & Capacity Building We trained volunteers, assigned clear roles, and built accountability systems. Strong teams create sustainable impact. ✔️ Community Sensitisation & Participation We worked through schools, stakeholder meetings, and awareness sessions to encourage ownership. ✔️ Implementation, Monitoring & Documentation We tracked participation, collected feedback, and continuously improved. ✔️ Sustainability & Relationship Building We maintained follow-ups, strengthened partnerships, and trained local stakeholders to sustain interventions. The Result Not just successful programs. But communities that trust us, participate actively, and sustain the change. Because development communication is not just about messaging. It is about: - Participation - Ownership - Sustainability If you work in development, NGOs, or social impact spaces, remember this: People do not support projects they do not help create. shout out to the team Afua Amponsa Hope Ahiagbah, MPhil Priscilla Nnuapa Christian Aidoo Ruth Gladstone and many others