Larba Hubert Balima

Dr. Larba Hubert Balima is a Researcher at the Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, Germany, within the Biodiversity Research / Systematic Botany group. He also holds an affiliation with the Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. His research bridges ecological science and sustainability in West African savannas.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (2007–2010)
• Master’s in Botany and Plant Ecology, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (2011–2013)
• PhD in Plant Biology and Ecology / Biodiversity and Climate Change (2016–2020)

His research focuses on the dynamics and productivity of West African savannas, the interface between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem services, and the effects of land use and climate change on these systems. His work integrates field ecology, geospatial modeling, and allometric analysis to assess carbon stocks, species distribution, and sustainability in tropical ecosystems.

Dr. Balima’s recent publications (2018–2023) reflect a strong trend in climate change impacts on African tree species, particularly Afzelia africana, and the development of biomass and carbon models for savanna ecosystems. His research spans disciplines including plant ecology, environmental monitoring, agroforestry, and ethnobotany, with a geographic focus on Burkina Faso and West Africa.

Scientific Affiliations and Projects:

• University of Potsdam – Biodiversity Research / Systematic Botany
• University Joseph Ki-Zerbo – Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology
• Involved in research projects: GreenGaDe (Greenhouse Gas Determination), GCEF (Global Change Experimental Facility), and others related to savanna ecology and climate change.

He maintains active scholarly profiles via ORCID, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, and is engaged in collaborative research across Germany and West Africa. While no formal advisees are listed, his work contributes significantly to training and capacity building in ecological research in Burkina Faso.