Meet Our Speakers

Based in Uganda, Gertrude Kabusimbi has a 20-year work experience in Forest and Biodiversity Conservation right on the grassroots in Uganda.

Ms. Kenyangi works in forest ecosystem restoration where she has led forest dependent Indigenous People and Local Communities to replant 4,500 hectares with indigenous trees. She leads forest-dependent women groups to conducts advocacy with the government at local and national level for inclusive, participatory, transparent governance of natural resources especially natural forests, and for recognition of Indigenous people as rights-holders to their traditional territories, respect for indigenous knowledge and their full and effective participation in decision making.

In recognition of her effort in this field FAO awarded her the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, Wangari Maathai “Forest Champions” Award for 2015, for her work to Conserve Biodiversity and the forest ecosystem, Combat Desertification and Climate Change Mitigation, and adaptation for community resilience.