AWF Names 5 African Scholars 2000-2001 Charlotte Fellows

The African Wildlife Foundation has announced selection of five Charlotte Fellows for 2000-2001. The Charlotte Conservation Fellowship Program began in 1996, in memory of AWF supporter Charlotte Kidder Ramsay, who strongly endorsed AWF efforts to encourage young African professionals to work in conservation. The program provides educational and financial assistance to Africans pursuing master's or doctoral studies in subjects such as species and ecosystem conservation, community conservation, and resource economics. Candidates must be aged 21 to 40; they must have a secured place at an appropriate university and plan a program of study directly linked to conservation; their work experience must demonstrate a commitment to conservation; and they must intend to continue working in African conservation.

Zelealem Tefera Ashenafi, an Ethiopian national, is working on a Zoological Society of London project that examines traditional resource management in Ethiopia. He is undertaking a doctorate in biodiversity management at the University of Kent, in the United Kingdom. His academic work is the foundation for a program to ensure the long-term viability of Ethiopia's endemic species.

Madzou Yves Constant, of Congo-Brazzaville, will study for a master's degree in forestry at the University of Engref, Montpellier, France. He will pursue research in tropical forests, elephant hunting and ivory trade. Constant is an assistant research officer for the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Gladys Rhoda Walubuna Kalema, of Uganda, the first veterinary officer for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is pursuing a master's in wildlife zoological medicine at the University of North Carolina. Her proposed field of study is tuberculosis as it relates to humans, wildlife and domestic animals.

Paul Kaiyai Leringato, a Kenyan, is project manager for the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust, north of Laikipia. He will study for a master's in tourism and conservation at the University of Kent. His research project focuses on links between conservation and the economic use of resources, as well as identification of potential conflicts.

Tiago Felix Lidimba, of Mozambique, is a technical adviser to Provincial Service of Forest and Wildlife at Tete, working with communities and involving them in wildlife management. He will undertake a master's in wildlife management and control at the University of Reading. His research project focuses on elephant/human conflict.

John Festus Obiri, a Kenyan, has worked with forestry research organizations and projects in Kenya. He recently completed a master's program in environment and development at the University of Natal, South Africa. For his thesis, he is examining management of indigenous forests in South Africa and Kenya.