Amidst the vast wilderness of Africa, where elephants roam and venomous snakes slither, Wang Shengwei, a researcher from the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), embarks on adrenaline-fueled adventures in the name of science. His experiences in the field, like having a black mamba, one of the world’s most venomous snakes, glide across his feet, have carved vivid memories.
As he recounts the black mamba incident, Wang describes the tension: “The local guide signaled me to remain still. To distract me, he pointed towards distant birds. I’ve never felt time move so slowly.” Wang’s tale underscores the dangers researchers often face, but he firmly believes that these endeavors in the wild are invaluable. True scientific revelations, he argues, spring from the heart of nature. Only through immersive fieldwork and collaborations with African peers can the researchers fathom the depths of Sino-African research on biodiversity.
Established as a beacon of Sino-African biodiversity cooperation, the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center has flourished since its conception. Nestled within the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology, close to Nairobi, Kenya, this institution emerged in 2013 as a pioneering effort by both China and Kenya. The center’s initiatives span an array of domains including biodiversity conservation, ecological monitoring, microbiology, and cutting-edge agricultural applications.
One of the center’s key figures, Executive Director Yan Xue, offers insights into Africa’s immense biodiversity, highlighting that while the continent houses over 40,000 plant species, there’s a mere 7% overlap with Chinese plant species. This disparity underscores the unique and complementary research opportunities available to both nations.
Practical fieldwork, as described by Yan, is no easy feat. Often confined to the dry season due to transportation challenges during the rains, field studies demand extensive hours of specimen collection, recording, classification, and overnight specimen preparation. Researchers often find themselves working tirelessly, subsisting on minimal sleep.
The commitment is evident on both sides. Geoffrey Mwachala from the National Museums of Kenya speaks fondly of his Chinese collaborators, emphasizing their discipline, work ethic, and attention to detail. Mwachala vividly recalls an expedition to Nandi County, where persistent thunderstorms did little to dampen their spirit. The team’s resilience was rewarded with the discovery of Nervilia lilacea, a plant found for the first time north of the Equator.
Collective efforts have borne fruit, with the discovery of 16 new plant species in Africa. Of these, 14 were identified in Kenya and two in Madagascar.
A landmark achievement is the publication of “Flora of Kenya,” a comprehensive collaboration between Chinese and African scientists, backed by the center and the National Museums of Kenya. This magnum opus, detailing almost 7,000 species across 31 volumes, stands as Kenya’s first national flora book. Mwachala, a chief editor of the volume, envisions its digital version evolving with new findings, ensuring it remains a contemporary reference for generations.
As the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative approaches its decade mark, both Yan and Mwachala look forward to even deeper collaborative efforts, enriching scientific knowledge and championing biodiversity conservation in the region.
READ MORE: