BEES-RG: Biodiversity Ecotoxicology and Ecosystem Services Research Group
Research inspired by nature's challenges
The Biodiversity, Ecotoxicology and Ecosystem Services Research Group (BEES-RG) investigates how environmental stressors, such as chemicals, land-use change and climate drivers, affect species, ecological functions and the services ecosystems provide to society. We combine field ecology, laboratory approaches and ecological modelling to understand risks to biodiversity and the resilience of natural systems. Our work integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods to enhance ecosystem stewardship and culturally grounded conservation solutions. By linking ecological research with community knowledge, we aim to co-develop strategies that protect biodiversity, reduce ecotoxicological impacts and promote sustainable resource use.
Latest Projects
Integrating insect biodiversity assessment and community-led conservation under climate change and land-use pressures in Cameroon and Central Africa
Description (Background & rationale): Insect in general and bees in particular are critical pollinators for wild and cultivated plants, but in Central Africa their diversity, distribution, and responses to mounting pressures changing climate, expanding land-use (agricultural practices), and mining activities are poorly documented. Simultaneously, communities hold TEK about insects and landscape management that is rarely integrated into formal conservation planning. A multi-disciplinary approach combining taxonomy, molecular identification, landscape analysis, contaminant assessment, modelling, and participatory social science is needed to generate actionable conservation strategies.
Project Lead: Prof. Mazi Sanda Start Date: 2019
Sustainable Rural Livelihoods through Climate-Smart Beekeeping and Agriculture in Cameroon and Central Africa
Project Description : Rural communities in Central Africa rely heavily on climate-sensitive agricultural systems while facing increasing pressures from climate variability, land degradation, and declining biodiversity. Beekeeping offers a complementary livelihood option that can increase income while also improving pollination services. This project will evaluate climate-smart innovations, indigenous knowledge, local honey value chains, and agroecological practices that jointly support resilient livelihoods. Partnerships with communities, cooperatives, agricultural extension services and environmental institutions will support co-development of climate-adapted livelihood strategies that reduce environmental pressure and enhance sustainable development.
Project Lead: Prof. Mazi Sanda Start Date: 2019
Articles
Yatahai C.M., Massah D.O., Kodji I., Adamou M., Kingha T.B.; and Mazi, S. (2024). Pollination by Xylocopa olivacea Fabricius 1871 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and potential benefits on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. 1843 (Fabaceae) production in Djoumassi (North Region, Cameroon). African Journal of Agricultural Research, 20(6), 447-457.
van der Wal, J. E. M., Afan, A. I., Anyawire, M., Begg, C. M., Begg, K. S., Dabo, G. A., Gedi, I. I., Harris, J. A., Isack, H. A., Ibrahim, J. I., Jamie, G. A., Kamboe, W.-B. W., Kilawi, A. O., Kingston, A., Laltaika, E. A., Lloyd-Jones, D. J., M’manga, G. M., Muhammad, N. Z., Ngcamphalala, C. A., Nhlabatsi, S. O., Oleleteyo, T. T., Mazi, S., Tsamkxao, L., Wood, B. M., Spottiswoode, C. N. and Cram, D. L. (2023). Do honey badgers and greater honeyguide birds cooperate to access bees’ nests? Ecological evidence and honey-hunter Accounts. Journal of Zoology doi:10.1111/jzo.13093
Mazi S., Paxton R.J., Osterman J. (2022). A subset of wild bee species boosts the pollination of pigeon pea (Cajanuscajan: Fabaceae), an important crop plant of Cameroon, Journal of Apicultural Research,
Mazi S., Vroumsia T., Yahangar M.N., Malla M., Zroumba D., Brückner D. (2020a). Sublethal effects of acetamiprid on native honey bee sub–species (Apis mellifera) in Cameroon. International Journal of Entomology Research; 5 (3); 52-56
Gruber, M., and Mazi, S. (2019). Honey Hunting and Beekeeping in Adamaoua (Cameroon). Rüdiger Köpper Verlag-Köln, Topic in interdisciplinary African Studies Volume 51, 108pp. ISBN 978-3-89645-851-3