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The 2nd Biennial Colloquium of the African Association of Women Geoscientists (Kampala, Uganda, 25 to 27 October 2004)

Introduction
A better understanding of the geology and mineral potential of Africa is important in the overall context of social and economic development across the continent. In 1995, during the Conference held in Nairobi by the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf), the decision was taken to form an the Association of African Women Geoscientists “AAWG”. Some years after that later, in 2002, the AAWG decided to hold a meeting to exchange ideas and discuss results. Consequently, the “Colloquium of the Association of African Women Geoscientists” (CAAWG) was born. The first colloquium took place in Cape Town (South Africa) in 2002. The second, present, colloquium was held in Kampala (Uganda) from 25 to 27 November October 2004 (Figure 1).

Fig. 1 : Group Photo of participants to the CAAWG 2

The Association of African Women Geoscientists decided to alternate the biennial colloquia CAAWG between the southern part, eastern part, western part, central part and northern part regions of the African continent in order to give equal opportunities to women from all Africa to participate at least to the conference organised in their country or in their region. Thus, during the 2nd CAAWG in Kampala, Uganda, where most of the women who attended the colloquium were from eastern Africa, the Chouaib Doukkali University (El Jadida Morocco) was selected to organise the third meeting in May 2006.

Technical sessions in Kampala (25-27 May October)
The 2nd CAAWG took place at the Ridar Hotel, Kampala, in October 2004. It was convened by the Association of the African Women Geoscientists of Uganda, with Dr. Immaculate Semmanda from Makerere University as chairwoman of the organizing committee. Kampala is located in an attractive part of eastern Africa close to Lake Victoria. The meeting was attended by participants from 7 countries (Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Germany, Tanzania & Morocco). Following selection, 25 abstracts were published.
The theme of the conference was : “Enhancement of Geosciences for Environmental Awareness, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development”
A broad range of topics and themes were covered in technical sessions over the 3 days :
* Geosites, Mining and their challenges
* Water resources
* Geosurvey and Climate Changes
* Geoinformation and Seismology
* Geochemistry, Orogenic belts and Environmental Impact assessment
* Geoscience.
The oral presentations precipitated many animated discussions. The wonderful social event, organised during the gala dinner, was highly appreciated.

During the last day of the conference new AAWG Council Members were elected :
Dr. Meseret Teklemariam from Ethiopia as President ; Dr. Monica Omulo from Kenya (out going President) as Vice President ; Dr. Obando Joy from Kenya as Secretary General ; Pr. Ezzoura Errami from Morocco as Assistant Secretary General
Rebecca Kunya as Treasurer and Ansa Faull from South Africa as Editor
Regional Councillors : East Africa, Evelyne Mbeden
Southern Africa, Andiswa Mlisa
West Africa, To be recruited and fulfilled through the council Central Africa To be recruited and fulfilled through the council North Africa To be recruited and fulfilled through the council
Nile Source touristic excursion
On the last day, a short touristic tour was made to the spectacular Nile source of the River Nile.
Conclusion
CAAWG was a great success due to the high level of many presentations and ensuing discussions. As a result, UNESCO has kindly agreed to publish the proceeding.

Additionally, the good organization of the conference and the warm welcome given to delegates by our Ugandan colleagues and by the officials and general population of Kampala, contributed greatly to this success. Social events, such as the gala dinner in at the Ridar Hotel generated a friendly and relaxing female ambience.
The newly elected AAWG Council Members and all CAAWG participants enthusiastically approved that the third Conference of the Association of African Women Geoscientists will be held in El Jadida (Morocco) in May 2006 and will be

chaired by Professeur Ezzoura Errami, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida.
UNESCO, DAAD and Geological Society of Africa were all awarded certificates of appreciation from the AAWG for their assistance and support to the colloquium.
Pr. Ezzoura Errami
Chouaib Doukkali University
Faculty of Science, B.P. 20
Department of Geology
24 000, El Jadida
Morocco
e-mail : erramiezzoura@yahoo.fr

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