On Friday, 7 March 2025, ERAIFT organized a conference debate on the theme: Anthropization of landscapes along the rural-urban gradient of Kisangani: spatial dynamics and degradation of ecosystem services. The lecture was given by Mr Bwazani Balandi Julien, a doctoral student at ERAIFT, under joint supervision with the University of Liège. The 40 students in the 6th year of the Regional Master's program, the doctoral assistants, and the post-doctoral students actively participated in this scientific morning, both in class and online.

The speaker focused on several key points, including the context and challenges of urbanization in developing countries, Kisangani's urban expansion, and urbanization's impact on green spaces and heat islands in the city. This conference debate presented many scientific facts that could be used as decision-making tools in the form of policy briefs.

At the end of the discussions, the participants better understood the challenges of uncontrolled urbanization and the importance of building sustainable cities where plant cover plays an essential role, particularly in climate change. Research avenues were also suggested for learners wishing to deepen their knowledge in urbanization, remote sensing, and urban landscape ecology.

ERAIFT thanks the European Union and AGRINATURA, for their financial support and renewed confidence. ERAIFT also thanks PhD student Bwazani Balandi Julien for sharing this scientific knowledge.