NbS-4-Climate Partners
Lead Partner: Geomorphology, Edaphology and Riparian Areas Laboratory (GERI Lab), Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resiliene, Democritus University of Thrace, Drama, GREECE
Address: 1st km Drama-Mikrohoriou, 66100, Drama, GREECE
Tel.: +302521060404
E-mail: zaimesg@neclir.duth.gr
Website: https://www.duth.gr https://neclir.duth.gr/
The Geomorphology, Edaphology and Riparian Areas Laboratory (GERi Lab), of the Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience will primarily implement the Project. GERi Lab has participated in several ERASMUS Projects, specifically the MSc Degree on Management of Sustainable and Ecological Tourism (MEST) and Innovations in Water Education Programs: Enhancing Water Security and Socio-economic Development in the Eastern Mediterranean under Climate Change (WaSec) both selected for the European commission as “Success Story” / “Good Practice” and Specialisation process for the ecoengineering sector in the Mediterranean environment. Generation of the necessary feedback between enterprises and universities in a changing climate environment (ECOMED). It has expertise on:
- Implementing ecosystem-based approaches, nature-based solutions to conserve natural ecosystems and mitigate climate change resilience.
- Utilizing new technologies (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles, decision support systems) to find the best nature-based solutions for different case-studies and identify the optimal location for their installation to maximize their benefits
- Knowledge transfer on optimal nature-based solution and new technologies to practitioners (land and water managers) and stakeholders
The Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) that is based in Drama, Grrece, aims to create specialized scientists capable of understanding the dynamic impacts of climate change, shaping solutions and contributing substantially to the sustainable management of the environment. It provides knowledge on technologies, methodologies and practices to analyze the risks from climate change and tools to achieve climate resilience of the biotic and abiotic components of urban and non-urban environments. The Department also hosts the UNESCO Con-E-ECT headquarters “Protection and Conservation of Riverside and Deltaic Ecosystems and Development of Ecotourism.” Its purpose is to create an international framework of a common strategy for the protection and conservation of riparian and deltaic ecosystems as well as the development of ecotourism in them.
Democritus University of Thrace (www.duth.gr) has 8 Faculties, 21 Departments, and a multitude of Postgraduate Studies Programs, with a student population of approximately 29,000 and with a research and teaching staff exceeding 700 people. The structure of its Study Programs covers most modern scientific fields. The DUTH Special Account for Research Funds (SARF) (https://www.rescom.duth.gr/), certified with ΕΛΟΤ ΕΝ ISO 9001:2015, is responsible for the financial management of DUTH’s research projects.
Geography Department, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda.
Address: P.O Box 1, Kyambogo. 8 kms from Kampala Capital, along Jinja road
Tel.: +256 701 712526, 041-286237/8, 285001, Fax 041-220464, 222464
E-mail: barasagis@gmail.com, geogsst@kyu.ac.ug
Website: www.kyu.ac.ug
The geography Department situated in the faculty of Arts and Humanities offers both graduate and undergraduate programmes; it offers a PhD in Geography, Master of Geography, Master of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Bachelor of Geographical and Earth observation systems, Bachelor of Arts with Education, Bachelor of Education. It also offers short courses in Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Advanced Geographical Information Systems, Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Interpretation, Drone mapping and Management, Web GIS installation and Management and GIS application in Disaster Risk Management.
Experimental learning is the major emphasis for conducting our programmes to impart long lasting knowledge and skills aimed at fostering innovation and development worldwide. In all we do, we aim to meet the requirements of our clients (students, local communities, companies, development partners and public entities) in piloting innovations, dissemination of research findings and extension of outreach programmes. Our expert staff deliver content to students specialising in Geographical Information Systems, Human Geography, Biogeography, Physical Geography, Hydrology, Climate change, Disaster Risk Management and landscape Restoration among others.
The Department partners with a number of organizations both locally, regionally and Internationally offering exchange programmes coordinated and facilitated by the University International office. In Uganda, the Department partners with Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Ministry of Water and Environment, Busitema University, Makerere University, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and National Forest Authority (NFA).
PARTNER ORGANIZATION: UNIVERSITY OF KISUBI (UNIK)
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Address: Kisubi, Wakiso District, Central Region, Uganda
Tel: +256312-225-400 , +256752499980
E-mail: info@unik.ac.ug
Website: https://www.unik.ac.ug
ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF KISUBI (UNIK)
The University of Kisubi was established in 2004 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, as a center of Uganda Martyrs University. In 2009 UniK was made a constituent college of the university. In 2015, it received provisional accreditation to become a separate, independent University. UniK is a private University owned by the Registered Trustees of the Uganda Brothers of Christian Instruction.
The University of Kisubi will contribute to the NbS-4-Climate project through its Faculty of Business and Information Communication Technology Faculty of Education as well as Faculty of Health Sciences, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate resilience initiatives. The Faculties are committed to providing comprehensive education and research support, while the university offers academic programmes at Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Levels.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CAPABILITIES
UniK has expertise in several areas relevant to the NbS-4-Climate project:
Community-based environmental solutions: Implementing locally-adapted nature-based solutions that address climate change challenges specific to the East African context, particularly in riparian and wetland ecosystems around Lake Victoria
Technology integration for environmental monitoring: Utilizing ICT solutions and decision support systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based interventions in tropical and subtropical environments
Knowledge transfer and capacity building: Training local communities, environmental practitioners, and stakeholders on sustainable environmental management practices and climate adaptation strategies
Research on climate resilience: Conducting field studies on the impact of climate change on local ecosystems and developing culturally appropriate nature-based solutions for rural and peri-urban communities
INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY
The University of Kisubi is strategically located in the Central Region of Uganda, providing access to diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and agricultural landscapes that are representative of East African environmental conditions. It has a population of at least 1300 students from at least 20 countries around the world.. The university’s commitment to Catholic social teaching emphasizes environmental stewardship and community service, aligning well with the project’s sustainability goals.
The university has five faculties currently; Faculty of Business and ICT, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, School of Graduate Studies and Research along with the Faculty of Education and several academic departments. The institution focuses on practical, community-oriented education that prepares graduates to address real-world challenges, including environmental sustainability and climate adaptation.
PROJECT CONTRIBUTION
UniK will primarily contribute to the NbS-4-Climate project through:
Field research and data collection on East African ecosystem responses to climate change
Community engagement and stakeholder consultation in rural Uganda
Development of culturally appropriate nature-based solutions for tropical environments
Training and capacity building for local environmental practitioners
ICT-based monitoring and evaluation systems for project outcomes
Knowledge dissemination through academic publications and community outreach programs
The university’s location in Uganda provides valuable access to unique ecosystems and communities that can benefit from and contribute to the development of nature-based climate solutions, particularly in the context of developing countries and tropical environmental conditions.
Partner: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, SPAIN
Address: Avenida Ramiro de Maeztu 7, Edificio Rectorado, 28040, Madrid, SPAIN
Telephone: +34913366048
E-mail: josel.garcia@upm.es
Website: https://www.upm.es/
For over 30 years, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and its School of Forest Engineering and Natural Resources (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural) have played a leading role in education, research, and innovation in the environmental and natural resource management sectors. UPM is the oldest and largest Spanish technical university, with more than 4,000 faculty members, around 38,000 undergraduate students, and 6,000 postgraduates across 21 Schools covering all major fields of engineering, architecture, computer science, and environmental sciences.
The School of Forest Engineering and Natural Resources specializes in multidisciplinary areas including: Forest ecology and silviculture, Hydrology and watershed management, Soil conservation and erosion control, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation, Biodiversity and habitat restoration, Forest fire prevention and landscape resilience, Ecotourism and sustainable rural development, Ecosystem services assessment and environmental planning, Environmental education and communication
Its strong applied orientation is reflected in its Hydraulics and Hydrology Laboratory, a key facility that leads multiple research and training projects focused on river basin management, flood control, and ecosystem-based water governance.
UPM has a solid commitment to R&D and innovation, with over 225 Research Units and more than 10 Research Institutes and Technological Centres. The School contributes actively to international scientific progress through journal articles, PhD theses, and participation in global initiatives.
In recent years, the School has led several high-impact European educational and research projects, including Lifelong Learning projects that have ultimately led to the development of MSc Programs: Management of Sustainable and Ecological Tourism (MEST) and Environmental Security and Enhanced Forest Fire Fighting (MATEFL); ERASMUS+ and Capacity Building Initiatives, like EOHUB – European Hub on Essential Oils and Green Chemistry; ECOMED – Ecoengineering specialization for Mediterranean landscapes; or the current Project MEXECO – Capacity-building project on ecotourism for rural community development in Latin America. And the LIFE Project, LIFE Alnus Taejo – Conservation and restoration of Mediterranean alder forests in the transboundary Tajo River Basin. Besides other Projects in which the School of Forestry is involved as member of the partnership.
The School’s strengths in landscape management or ecological restoration make it a reference institution in Europe for developing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to natural resource conservation. It also excels in international cooperation, with longstanding participation in mobility programs (Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus, Horizon Europe), building bridges between academia and industry, and co-developing green transition strategies tailored to local needs.
Through this combined expertise, the School not only trains future professionals but also actively shapes policy and practice in environmental governance, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable land use at both regional and global scales.
GrassRoots Ministry – GRM (Partner): A Training, Research and Resource Center.
Address: Gamba Village, Nakanja Hill, Buikwe Uganda
Tel.: +256 200 922 361 | +256 779 481 189
E-mail: info@grm.ug
Website: https://www.grm.ug
GRM’s approach is to Empower rural youth, Enrich communities, and Nurture the planet. We educate, equip, and inspire rural young people through education, community empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture. By providing trade skills and knowledge, fostering resilience and pride in indigenous identity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, we help rural communities thrive. Together, we create a future where the next generation leads with purpose, wisdom, and heart.
We envision a prosperous and self-sufficient rural Uganda, where young people are empowered with skills, knowledge, and resources to drive socio-economic transformation.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world seemed to be crumbling around us, a spark of hope emerged. GRM (GrassRoots Ministry) was born, founded by Grace Julius Ssembatya in October 2020.
Grace’s own experiences of struggle and resilience fueled his passion to create positive change. He saw firsthand the devastating impact of the pandemic on rural youth, who were losing their livelihoods, struggling with mental health, and feeling hopeless. But Grace refused to stand idly by. He decided to take action, driven by a fierce determination to empower these young people and help them reclaim their futures.
The governance structure of GRM is designed to ensure effective leadership, strategic oversight, and operational efficiency. At the core of decision-making is the Board of Directors, consisting of six members responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction and providing oversight. The Executive Director manages daily operations and ensures the implementation of board decisions. Supporting project execution, the Project Management Team leads specific initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time and meet quality standards. Additionally, the Advisory Committee offers expert guidance on key areas such as finance and programming, strengthening the organization’s overall impact.