🌐 Thank You for Attending SSF-IBCECR 2026!
International Conference on Synergies for Sustainable Futures: Integrating Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourism, and Climate Resilience
Hosted by: College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources (CDANR) & ICS Climate and Society, Mekelle University Venue: Planet Hotel, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the speakers, chairs, panelists, moderators, and committees who made this event a resounding success. Below is the complete official directory of the distinguished individuals who contributed their expertise and dedication.
University Leadership & Special Guests
| Name | Role / Institution | Contribution |
| Prof. Eyasu Elias | State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) |
Closing Remarks |
| Dr. Fana Hagos | President, Mekelle University |
University Leadership |
| Dr. Abdulkadir Kedir | Vice President for Academics (VPA), Mekelle University | Official Opening |
| Dr. Eyasu Yazew | Vice President for Research & Community Engagement (VPRCE), Mekelle University |
Welcome Speech & Awards Ceremony |
Organizing Committee
| Committee Member | Role / Specialization |
| Prof. Girmay Gebresamuel |
Conference Chair & Dean of CDANR |
| Dr. Tigist Araya | Organizing Committee Member |
| Dr. Amdom Gebremedhin | Organizing Committee Member |
| Mr. Tadele Alemayo | Organizing Committee Member |
| Mr. Esayas Embaye | Organizing Committee Member |
| Mr. Berhe Gebremichael | Organizing Committee Member |
| Mr. Yemane Seged | Media & Tech Team (Layout design for banner, badge, certificate, backdrop, web host, webinar admin) |
| Mr. Getachew Seyoum | Media & Tech Team (Layout design for banner, badge, certificate, backdrop, web host, webinar admin) |
| Mr. Frede Ali | Organizing Committee Member |
| Mr. Tadele Miruts | ICT Specialist |
Hospitality Committee
Recognizing the team that managed logistics, guest relations, and the Tigray Cultural Food Show:
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Mr. Yemane Welday
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Ms. Mebrat Yohannes
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Mr. Haile Berhe
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Mrs. Adelash Tafere
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Mrs. Zemeda Gebrerufael
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Ms. Amlest Kahesu
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Mrs. Hiwot Mengesha
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Mrs. Maernet Alemayohu
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Mr. Abadi Berhe
Keynote Speakers
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Prof. Tony Rinaudo (World Vision Australia) – Foundations for Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourism, and Climate Resilience
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Professor Julian Bayliss (Oxford Brookes University, UK) – The Importance of Evidence-Based Fieldwork and Ecological Connectivity in Protected Area Management
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Laureate Prof. Mitiku Haile (Mekelle University, Ethiopia) – Biodiversity Policy Issues for the Innovative Development of the Drylands of Ethiopia
Panelists
From the Day One Plenary Panel Presentation & Discussion:
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Dr. Abadi Girmay – Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)
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Prof. Emiru Birhane – Mekelle University (MU)
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Yemane Gedlu – Tigray Tourism Commission (TTC)
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Dr. Girmay Tesfay – Mekelle University (MU)
Session Moderators
| Moderator Name | Session / Track |
| Dr. Tesfay Mesele |
Day One Plenary Keynote Sessions |
| Dr. Alemtsehay Tsegay |
Panel Presentation & Discussion |
| Dr. Mengestab Hailu |
Parallel Session-I: Biodiversity Conservation |
| Dr. Weldgebirel Zeweldi |
Parallel Session-II: Climate Resilience |
| Dr. Solomon Abera |
Parallel Session-III: Ecotourism Development/ Policy, Governance & Innovation |
| Prof. Mitiku Haile |
Closing Session: Application and Future Directions |
Scientific Presenters (Oral & Poster)
Track 1: Biodiversity Conservation (Tekeze Hall)
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Dr. Abadi Mehari (Bonn Uni.)
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Abadi Berhe (MU)
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Gebrekiros Gebremedhin (MU)
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Habenom Haileselasie (MU)
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Dr. Abebe Damtew (MU, Virtual)
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Dr. Buruh Abebe (MU)
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Dr. Till Töpfer (Bonn Uni., Virtual)
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Yordanos Berhe (World Vision-Ethiopia)
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Dr. Misikir Tesema (EBI)
🌦️ Track 2: Climate Resilience (Abay Hall)
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Shiferaw Derbabaw (Gonder Uni., Virtual)
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Yemane Kahsai (MU)
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Temesgen Bezabh (MU)
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Markato Markos (Mattu Uni.)
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Gebreyohannes Zenebe (MU)
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Dr. Hafte Mebrahten (Boku Uni., Virtual)
🏔️ Track 3: Ecotourism, Policy, Governance & Innovation (Dallol Hall)
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Ferede Meseret (Mizan-Tepi Uni., Virtual)
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Zenebe Reta (Mattu Uni., Virtual)
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Bekalu W. Asres (Debremarkos Uni., Virtual)
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Gubay Aniley (Debremarkos Uni., Virtual)
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Zinabu Hailu (Adigrat Uni.)
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Birhanu Moges (Arsi Uni.)
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Anas Mghar (Lumsa Uni. and MU)