The Association pour l’Etude Taxonomique de la Flore d’Afrique Tropicale, (AETFAT) whose English version is Association for the Taxonomic Study of the Flora of Tropical Africa, is a platform that brings together botanists working in Africa and encourages the exchange and publication of information on African botany. The AETFAT triennial Congress addresses floristics, systematics, phytogeography, and conservation of the flora of Africa. The University of Zambia is organizing the 22nd AETFAT Congress, whose theme is “Diversity and conservation of African plants: challenges and opportunities”, from March 22-26, 2021 in Livingstone, Zambia. This conference was originally scheduled for March of 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event will provide networking opportunities for researchers and conservationists and will include thematic sessions on plant taxonomy and systematics, ecology, mycology, lichenology, biodiversity informatics, DNA barcoding, and sustainable plant use and conservation. JRS funds will support conference sessions on biodiversity informatics and pollinator biology, publication of conference abstracts and programs, English-French translations, and the participation of African students and early career researchers.

Other conference sponsors include the government of the Republic of Zambia; the University of Zambia; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Royal Botanic Gradens, Kew; Missouri Botanical Garden, USA; and the Association of Botanical Gardens of France and French-speaking countries (JBF).

AETFAT is the largest forum for scientists interested in the study and conservation of African plants, fungi, and lichens, with members who work across all ecosystems and habitat types. As a 22nd AETFAT Congress sponsor, JRS funds will support capacity development and interest in African biodiversity informatics and plant-animal interactions, including the role of pollinators in ecosystem services. Networking opportunities, particularly for students and early career delegates, will promote global cooperation and capacity building for upcoming scientists.

1. Travel, accommodation, and registration for at least 10 African students or early career researchers.
2. A best poster award for student participants.
3. A live demonstration promoting the sessions on biodiversity informatics and pollination biology.
4. English-French translations of key documents and discussions at the plenary and business meetings.
5. Online publication of the conference program, abstracts, and presentations.
6. Conference programs and abstracts printed for attendees.

Networking opportunities will contribute to new collaborative projects, partnerships, and publications that advance the study and conservation of African plants, fungi, and lichens, as well as strengthen old networks and partnerships. This conference will also help define future focus research areas for AETFAT.  Ultimately, the inclusion of African students and early career scientists will enhance capacity and strengthen the network of African scientists who are working to improve access to biodiversity data.

Prof. Cyprian Katongo is the AETFAT Secretary General, Chairperson of the 2021 Congress Local Organising Committee, and an Associate Professor of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Zambia.

JRS is pleased to join the other supporters of AETFAT 2021.  We believe that the tools of biodiversity informatics and open data access could accelerate discovery, research, and conservation of plants and the species that they interact with.  Rather than solely supporting conferences that bring informatics scientists together, JRS also supports informatics sessions at thematic conferences to expose more researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders to tools and principles for data access and sharing.