Africa

8 results

Femme népalaise devant étagères pleines de bocaux remplis de diverses graines

Preserving local and indigenous knowledge to protect biodiversity

In an unprecedented context of declining biodiversity, a team of scientists has just published a paper calling for the preservation of local and indigenous knowledge of biodiversity, alongside that of plants.

Water management, a sustainable development issue

As the source of all life, water is essential to our health, well-being and dignity as well as to the functioning of our ecosystems and societies. Access to water is therefore synonymous with development. However, around the world, water is being overexploited, wasted, and contaminated at...

Genetic variation in chickpeas revealed

An international team of researchers has studied the genome of 3,366 chickpea varieties from different parts of the world. Their work provided a clearer picture of the chickpea’s evolutionary history and the effects of domestication on the genome, while also highlighting interesting genetic...
Close-up on the head of a snake (with different shades of beige), with vertical pupils.

Snakes, scorpions and envenomation: a tropical health challenge

Experts on venomous animals, envenomation and treatment, and the related cultural aspects are working to reduce the disastrous effects of these accidents on communities in tropical regions in general and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular. Scientists and practitioners from IRD, the African Society...

Biodiversity: between fragility and sustainability

All the indicators agree: erosion of biodiversity has now reached a level not seen in hundreds of thousands of years. Human activity is to blame, and its impact is not just being felt by such emblematic species and ecosystems as the polar bear or Great Barrier Reef. The major health, social and...

In praise of glaciers, those dragons of ice viewed with concern and fascination

Bats, a never-ending source of viruses posing a threat to human health?

For weeks now, all eyes have been on an invisible enemy which is stalking the populace and threatening the health of millions, killing far too many, profoundly altering our way of life, bringing the global economy to its knees and paralysing our politics.
Petites maisons colorées sur un bout de terre entourée de mer

Islands and island environments faced with global changes

Openness to the outside world, incorporation within the global economy but also the growth in natural risks and rising sea levels.... With their unique characteristics, often under threat, island environments and communities are today faced with unprecedented destabilising factors.