Karimah Gheddai - Project Officer : Tourism Development

I currently live in Toronto, Ontario, however I was born in the country of Nigeria to Eritrean parents and have lived in 5 other cities during my time in Canada. Needless to say, my view of the world around me is one that is informed by many perspectives. Some of my main interests include the sustainability of cultures in urban development and the development of public space and pedestrian friendly areas in cities.

In 2010 I graduated from the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Guelph (where I also obtained a minor in International Development). Tourism development has always been an interest of mine and my final project as an undergraduate student was focused on using landscape architecture to showcase the architectural and cultural heritage of the city of Asmara, Eritrea. The tangible result was a pedestrian/ cycling map that indicates the fascinating, historic areas of the city with the objective of increasing tourism.

In my role as a local initiatives intern (tourism) for Sustainable Cities International, I will be headed to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where I will be assisting in the marketing of the city as a tourism destination, while increasing its tourism capacity. I expect a lot of challenges but I am excited to work in Dar es Salaam alongside the SCI team and the various stakeholders. I look forward to continuing the fantastic work undertaken by my predecessors in this capacity, and I hope to build upon the foundation that they have already built. Asante Sana!

Brock Bersaglio - Project Officer : Urban Agriculture

Born in British Columbia, I have a strong Canadian identity. However, I was raised in Zambia until the age of eighteen. I graduated from a boarding school in Kijabe, Kenya and returned to British Columbia to obtain a BA in Political Studies, as well as a certificate in Leadership and Applied Public Affairs. I have recently completed coursework towards an MSc in Rural Planning and Development, as well as a certificate in Environmental Management from the University of Guelph. My interests include urban and rural sustainability, community-based natural resource management and traditional knowledge.

These interests, as well as my familiarity and passion for life in both East and Southern Africa, drew me to the position of Urban Agriculture Officer in Dar es Salaam. Some of my responsibilities will include meeting with local municipalities and the City Council. I will also be involved with efforts to promote the legitimization of urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam through the Tanzania Food and Garden Network and various demonstration projects.