معرفی
PD Dr. Sandra Eckert is a Lecturer and Research Associate at the University of Bern's Institute of Geography, affiliated with the Land Systems and Sustainable Land Management department. Her research focuses on remote sensing and spatial data analysis applied to coupled human-environmental systems, with thematic interests in invasive species management, land use dynamics, deforestation, and biodiversity conservation. Methodologically, she specializes in advanced image processing and species distribution modeling.
Her fieldwork spans Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar), Southern Africa (Mozambique), and beyond (Madagascar, Lebanon, Argentina). Recent projects include the R4D Woody Weeds initiative addressing invasive plant impacts in Eastern Africa and the AFGROLAND study on agro-food-energy dynamics in Africa.
- Education: PhD in Geography / Remote Sensing
Research interests prioritize spatial monitoring of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara, land degradation assessment, and deforestation spillover effects from extractive industries. Recent work highlights Madagascar's environmental challenges linked to mining investments and Kenya's land use conflicts from agricultural expansions.
Publications (2024-2020) analyze deforestation patterns, invasive species management, and socio-environmental impacts of large-scale land acquisitions. Collaborative projects with institutions like the Wyss Academy for Nature and CDE explore sustainability pathways in complex landscapes.
Advising and grants include interdisciplinary teams addressing land policy, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. Active in global research networks like the Global Land Project and CDE policy briefs on land governance.
Labs/Teams: Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Wyss Academy research groups, and international collaborations with Universities of Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Mozambique.
