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Held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the conference was hosted by the Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC) in collaboration with the University of Leeds.
The event gathered experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with invasive aquatic plants.
Dr. Mary Suzan Abbo, the Executive Director of CREEC, stated that the successful launch of the 1st annual INIAP conference marks a crucial step towards addressing the global issue of invasive aquatic plants, highlighting the importance of research and development in finding sustainable solutions for their management and utilisation.
Abbo added that the event also aims to provide a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among attendees, fostering collaborations to advance the field of aquatic plant management.
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“This conference will be held annually to continue sharing innovative research approaches, best practices in plant management, and the economic and environmental implications of invasive aquatic plants,” she said.
Dominic Wanjihia, CEO of Biogas International Limited, presented on biofuel production from Water Hyacinth, detailing the process of feedstock harvesting, conversion, purification, and distribution.
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He emphasised that producing biofuel from water hyacinth offers a range of environmental, economic, and social benefits, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
“We need to encourage the world to utilise these clean energy sources. Water hyacinth, an invasive plant, can clog waterways and impact aquatic ecosystems. Harvesting and using water hyacinth for biofuel helps control its growth and mitigate its negative environmental impacts,” Wanjihia said, adding that biofuels from water hyacinth are renewable because the plants can be grown and harvested continuously, reducing reliance on finite fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable energy mix.
Dr. Andrew Ross from the University of Leeds explained that utilising water hyacinth for biofuel can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He noted that biofuels from water hyacinths have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
The carbon dioxide released when burning biofuels is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed during the plant's growth, making them carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative in some cases.
“Producing biofuel from water hyacinth can enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources for transportation and power generation, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and strengthening domestic energy production,” he said.
Ross also highlighted the economic opportunities in regions affected by the plant's invasive growth, including animal feed production, job creation in harvesting, processing, and distribution, and supporting the growth of a sustainable bioenergy industry.