NbS-4-Climate
“Knowledge Transfer of Nature-based Solutions through Education to Enhance Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Uganda”
Funded by
ERASMUS +
Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education
The Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) action supports international cooperation projects based on multilateral partnerships between higher education institutions (HEI) and other organisations active in the field of higher education. These projects provide significant opportunities for cooperation, with a special focus on the transfer of good practices to third countries not associated to the Programme by EU Member states and third countries associated to the Programme.
Strand 1: Fostering access to cooperation in higher education
Strand 1 projects – Fostering access to cooperation in higher education aim to include less experienced HEIs in CBHE and to serve as a tool for these institutions to reach people with fewer opportunities as well as to reduce the internationalisation gap among HEIs from eligible third countries not associated to the programme, from the same country or Region.
“NbS-4-Climate” WORK PACKAGES
General Objectives (GO)
GO1: Assist newcomers or less experienced HEIs and Faculties from Uganda on establishing courses on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation;
GO2: Focus on students (females and young people rural areas) and staff (females) with fewer opportunities to follow opportunities in the Nature-based solutions sector.
GO3: Enhance the knowledge triangle and innovation on nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in Uganda and sub-Sahara Africa through their integration in HEI programs with new/modified courses that introduce innovative elements and include activities with and within businesses.
GO4: Offer high quality, and modern education to foster excellence by adopting new learning methods and innovative pedagogical approaches (e.g., learner- centered and real problem-based teaching, multidisciplinary courses).
GO5: Provide graduates and professionals with a cultural, environmental and social identity that use Nature-based Solutions competitively and sustainability assuring their future, while also promoting and contributing to Climate Change Adaptation in Uganda and sub-Sahara Africa
GO6: Course integration with businesses, so graduates develop skillsets and capacities necessary to be competitive in the labor market; a uniqueness and innovation in the region for MSc courses.
GO7: Develop a new culture of working relationships among HEIs (education and research), business and rural communities that will allow HEIs better integration within the wider economic and social environment.
GO8: Strengthen the knowledge and innovation to promote entrepreneurship on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Uganda [stimulate green jobs- Green Deal] and benefit rural communities and conserve ecosystems
Target groups: universities, students’ emphasis on females, business, agencies, organization, rural communities, interested in environmental management, conservation, ecotourism, agrotourism and climate change adaptation
“NbS-4-Climate” Summary
Uganda, like many of the lowest income African countries, continue to be negatively impacted by climate change that threaten its high biodiversity. Adaptation measures, such as nature-based solutions (NbS), need to be employed. NbS a main methodology used by the Green Deal has been implemented in other regions successfully. The environmental and socio-economic conditions in Africa highlight NbS as optimal to mitigate climate change and provide job opportunities to rural people. To be effective, NbS need to be implemented properly. Thus, trained professionals on NbS are needed that currently are lacking in Uganda and the surrounding region. Through this project six new or modified courses on NbS will be developed to be adopted by two Ugandan HEIs. These two HEIs are newcomers or less experienced, meeting the needs of the strand 1. In addition, these courses will target female students and staff and young rural students that have fewer opportunities in this sector. HEIs are also not well-connected with the society at large. The NbS-Network will promote links among education, research business and communities. Business incorporation in the courses will highlight the graduates’ needed skills, on new technologies to increase their employability. This networking should enhance the knowledge triangle and innovation in the NbS sector. The goal is to submit the courses for accreditation with business participation in the teaching process (e.g., providing seminars, internships). The courses will be interactive, blended and incorporate new pedagogical approaches such as social networks, flexible learning paths, and real problem-based teaching. Offering courses through blended learning in English on a virtual learning platform will be an innovation for the region and beneficial to educate rural populations. Overall, the trained specialists on NbS will help improve climate change adaptation, conserve natural ecosystem services and provide incomes for rural populations.