Team Members
Lead Partner – GERi Lab – Democritus University of Thrace
Project Coordinator: Professor George N. Zaimes, PhD
E-mail: zaimesg@neclir.duth.gr
Short Bio
George N. Zaimes (male) is a Professor at the Dept. of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, the Director of GERi lab, the Deputy Director of the UNESCO CHAIR Con-E-Ect on the Conservation and Ecotourism of Riparian and Deltaic Ecosystems and the Secretary of the International Working of Urban Streams (JCUD). He received his PhD in Water Resources from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA. He has extensive teaching course on water resources in the US, Greece, Germany, Spain and Jordan. His main research interests are sustainable management of water resources, management, conservation and restoration of riparian areas, management and rehabilitation of rivers, streams and torrents, nature-based solutions, mitigating water pollution, hydrogeomorphology and hydrology. A focal point of his research is the sustainable management of riparian areas and other natural ecosystems with ecosystem-based approaches such as ecotourism under the potential impacts of climate change. He has extensive experience in managing international and national research projects for more than 15 years and has been involved in more than 30 projects. Finally, he has authored many publications that include book chapters and manuscripts in scientific journals and proceedings of international scientific conferences (more than 180 in total).
Senior Researcher: Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou
Email : viakovoglou@yahoo.com
Senior Researcher: Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou is a distinct graduate of Iowa State University, USA with a MSc in Urban Forestry and a double-major Ph.D. in Ecophysiology/Silviculture. She has more than 25-yrs of national/international research and teaching experience as an expert in seedling production, Restoration/Conservation of Ecosystems with emphasis on Biodiversity under the challenges of Climate Change. She has received numerous scholarships, awards and recognitions. She is an editor of more than ten international journals and a reviewer in more than fifteen, as well as a reviewer at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She has more than 100 publications (books/book chapters, peer-reviewed scientific articles) and more than 20 international projects, with several of them being awarded as “BEST”. She is active in many scientific societies such as the Mediterranean Experts of Climate and environmental Change (MedECC) and the International Network of Bioresource Management (INBM). She holds leading positions such as: Director of Ecotourism Sector of the UNESCO chair Con-E-Ect; “General Secretary” of associations such as the “Association of Inter-Balkan Woman’s Cooperation Societies (AIWCS)” of UNESCO Center for Women and Peace in the Balkan Countries; International Council of World Tourism Forum Institute; Country Chair of Greece of the G100 Women of the World serving as for Farming and AgriTourism; Executive Board of Directors of Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) in Africa.
Junior Researcher: Georgios Gkiatas
Email: gegkiat@neclir.duth.gr
Junior Researcher: Georgios Gkiatas is a PhD. candidate at the Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, DUTH in Drama, Greece. He holds for the the MSc ‘Man and Water’ from Department of Forest and Natural Management Sciences, International Hellenic University, Greece in 2021. His MSc thesis was related to the application of UAVs images to evaluate the hydro-geomorphological modeling. He received his bachelor’s degree received in 2017 from Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Management in Eastern Makedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology, Greece. He has experience in research projects funded both by National or European Union Programs. He has worked in the Public Sector (Forest Protection Service). His research interests are focused on water system measurements, erosion monitoring, water modeling and UAVs applications. Finally, he is a member of GRRi Lab and the UNESCO Chair Con-E-Ect hosted in Drama, Greece.
Kyambogo University NbS-4-Climate Project, Team Members
Assoc. Prof. Barasa Bernard (PhD): Project Manager.
Email: barasagis@gmail.com / barasa@kyu.ac.ug
Barasa Bernard is an Associate Professor, Senior Researcher and Head, Department of Geography Kyambogo University, Kampala Uganda. Bernard, specializes in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Hydrological modelling and Water Resources Management, Wetland degradation assessment and restoration and project planning and management. These specialties have enabled him work in countries such as Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda among others. By education, he possesses a PhD in Environmental Geography, Msc in Environment and Natural Resources, Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. He has also attended over 20 professional short courses in the field of his specialization. He has headed various projects funded by both National and International Organizations, He is an author of numerous publications in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. His research outputs can be viewed at;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barasa-bernard-a746ab131/
Dr. Francis Wasswa Nsubuga, Lecturer
Email: nwasswa@gmail.com / fwnsubuga@kyu.ac.ug
Dr. Francis Wasswa N. Nsubuga is a Co-investigator for the NbS-4-Climate project,m ndedicated to enhancing climate change adaptation and resilience in Uganda through education. He is a Lecturer in Geography at Kyambogo University, Kampala. His career includes roles as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria (2015-2021)
and a Post-doc Fellow at the University of South Africa. Academically, he holds a PhD in Environment and Society from the University of Pretoria (2014), an MA, and a BA. ED from Makerere University. He is also an Advanced Environmental Management Systems Auditor. His research primarily focuses on Water Resources, Climate Science, and Livelihoods, reflected in 19 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter. He has a strong mentorship record, supervising 17 Honors, 11 Masters, and 2 PhD students, and has secured competitive research grants. Dr. Nsubuga actively contributes to environmental and educational initiatives. He has represented Africa on "The Globe Program Education Working Group and is the Country Coordinator for GLOBE Uganda. His consulting experience includes environmental and social impact assessments and climate change economic impact assessments. With a background in academic leadership, including acting as Head of Geography Department at Kyambogo University, Dr. Nsubuga is a pivotal figure in learning of geography and environmental science and devotes time to curriculum development in Uganda.
Dr. Geofrey Gabiri, Lecturer
Email: geofreygabiri@gmail.com
Geofrey Gabiri is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Geography, Kyambogo University. He is teaching courses related to climate science, agricultural geography, water resources and management, ecosystems modeling and analysis. Geofrey Gabiri holds a PhD in Natural Sciences from Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany. Master’s degree in Integrated Watershed Management from School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya. A Bachelors of Science degree in Agriculture (speciality in soil science). Dr Gabiri is trained in agricultural sciences, Integrated Water Resources Management, climate change and landscape-based resources management approaches, Wetland hydrology and Ecosystem modeling and management. Geofrey Gabiri has/is managed/managing research projects related to water resources management and climate science from the international Fund for Science (IFS), DAAD, BMBF, Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, IDRC among others. Through these project, he has built great experience in capacity building and supervision of research for graduate fellows and published a number over 20 articles in peer reviewed journals. Geofrey Gabiri has often times been invited as a consultant for both national and international agencies. Specifically United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as a climate change consultant under which he has implemented ecosystem based approaches at community level to restore degraded ecosystems in Uganda at both highland and rangeland agroecological zones. I have profound experience in environmental systems analysis and ecosystem modelling to explore future scenarios for land use/land cover and climate change at wetland-catchment scale for sustainable food production without compromising the environment, water resources (surface and groundwater) modelling and management, scenario analysis, and wetland management.
Dr. Turyabanawe Loy Gumisiriza, Lecturer
Email: turyaloy@yahoo.com
Turyabanawe Loy Gumisiriza is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Geography, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda. She has a vast teaching experience in physical and environmental Geography related courses linked to Natural disaster and risk management. She served as a consultant, Expert and resource person to oxford University Press ORBIS (Pty) Ltd on projects that produced a Secondary School Atlas for Uganda Schools in 2017. She has received grants from institutional, national and international (SIDA/ SAREC) funding programs and managed research projects; the most recently concluded being on “Assessment of Land use effects on stream flow, sediment and nutrient fluxes in Mitano catchment, South Western Uganda.” viewed at: https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2022.2145976. She is currently managing a project on “Spatio – temporal variability in rangeland health and cattle raids in the Karamoja Sub – region of North eastern Uganda” 2023.
Ms. Claire Nabatta, Assistant Lecturer (PhD Candidate)
Email: clairenabatta@gmail.com / cnabatta@kyu.ac.ug
Claire Nabatta is an Assistant Lecturer and Junior Researcher in the Department of Geography, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda. She has done research in the field of Geography, Natural resource Management, particularly Water resources management as well as Environmental sciences. Claire has been teaching and developing courses related to Natural Resources management. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Agro ecology and Food systems under the African Centre of Excellence in Agro ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE) project with focus on the effects of gully Erosion on Nutrient Loss and Crop yield. She is also working/ leading the Mapping team, responsible for the mapping of Agro ecological practices in East Africa under on the PrAEctiCe Project which is funded by European Union. Previously, she worked on the project that assessed on the effects of Land-Use and Land Cover on stream flow, sediment and Nutrient Fluxes in Mitano Catchment, South Western Uganda, funded by Kyambogo University Competitive Research Grants.; Assessed the factors influencing the adoption of water conservation technologies in Lwengo District- Uganda, the project was funded by the Swedish Government through Makerere University Sida-Bilateral Research Cooperation.
University of Kisubi NbS-4-Climate Project, Team Members
Dr. Simon Peter Musinguzi Profile: PROJECT MANAGER
Professional Summary
Dr. Simon Peter Musinguzi is an accomplished veterinary scientist and senior academic with over two decades of progressive experience in veterinary medicine, microbiology, parasitology, agriculture, Climate change and One Health. His career is driven by a passion for improving agricultural livelihoods and health systems through community-based and scientifically grounded interventions. He brings extensive experience in university-level teaching, research, agribusiness development, and international collaborations with a focus on climate change and nature based solutions for climate change mitigation.
Areas of Expertise
• One Health & Epidemiology: Antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and the intersection of human-animal-environment health.
• Climate change, Agroecology & Sustainable Agriculture: Application of climate-smart and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and resilience
• Veterinary Public Health: Food safety, livestock product inspection, and animal disease surveillance
• Research Design & Molecular Diagnostics: Specialized in molecular biology, pathogen characterization, and diagnostic tool evaluation
Research Profiles: •ORCID, •Scopus, •ResearchGate, •Google Scholar, • Web of Science:
Ms. Hellen Naigaga: Junior Researcher
Email: hellenaigaga@gmail.com
Hellen a self-motivated female Ugandan academic. In her seemingly short career of sharing knowledge, Hellen has had an opportunity to teach at different levels of education in Uganda. Currently, she is a lecturer of biology at University of Kisubi in the faculty of health science. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda). She obtained her M.Sc. in plant biology from Cheikh Anta Diop University (Senegal). Currently she is undertaking a PhD in Agro ecology and food systems at Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda). Hellen attended the Tropical agro ecology conference held in Kalangala in 2017.She is interested in conducting research that promotes environmental conservation. Hellen has travelled to different countries to attend, social and academic conferences. The most recent international conferences she attended are; the seventh Africa higher education week and RUFORUM triennial conference held in Benin under the theme of Operationalising Higher Education for Innovation, Industrialization, Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Development in Africa. She attended the International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) where she presented on Biodiversity conservation through Sustainable management of agriculture production systems. Hellen is passionate about developing practical sustainable solutions to the problems that affect farming communities.
Dr. Denis Katusiime : Junior Researcher
Email: dkatusiime@unik.ac.ug
Denis Katusiime earned his Philosophy Degree (Bachelor’s in philosophy) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas Angelicum in Rome. He also earned a Licentiate in Philosophical Anthropology from the same university, and a PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education from Kent State University in Ohio in United States of America, with an emphasis in Comparative and International Education. This is an interdisciplinary PhD that enables him to navigate across disciplines. Denis currently serves as a Research Grant Coordinator in the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) and Faculty member in the Faculty of Education at University of Kisubi. He has taught interdisciplinary courses (Developing Critical Thinking Skills, Fundamentals of Philosophy, Ethics and Human Rights, and Comparative Cultures) at the same university in his native country Uganda. Denis has taught the following courses to the masters’ students: Teaching and Learning, Psychology of Learning, and Philosophy of Education under the Faculty of Education. He has also worked as an adjunct at Uganda Martyrs University in Uganda teaching PhD students several courses that include: Systems Philosophy and its Application to Agroecology; Systems Philosophy and its Application to Agri-Food Systems; Systems Philosophy and its Applications to Education; and Systems Philosophy and its Application to Health Sciences. The other courses that he has taught at the PhD level within the last five years are: Pedagogical Education, and Introduction to Institutional Pedagogy. Denis’ research interests are oriented toward understanding the nature of development education using the human development capability approach (HDCA) framework, applications of systems thinking in different sectors of a country’s economy, and the internationalization of TVET higher Education for global human development. One of his important publications is the chapter he co-authored entitled “Global Partners in Dialogue: Toward a Pedagogy of Collaboration.” It is in the book entitled “Globalization and Education: A Humanizing Interdisciplinary Outlook.”
Muhangane Lauben : Junior Researcher
Email: muhangane16@gmail.com
Muhangane Lauben is a PhD. Candidate of Agroecology and Food Systems of Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda. He holds a Master of Science in Biology specializing in Natural Resources Management and Conservation, of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. His Master’s thesis investigated the suitability of different water sources from a municipal wetland for domestic use in which physico-chemical as well as biological parameters of water from different sources were analysed using standard protocols and compared to the WHO and National standards for potable water. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Biology and Chemistry from Makerere University, Uganda, having completed a diploma in Education – Secondary in Biology and Chemistry. His PhD thesis investigated the effect of catchment land use land cover change on the hydrology of a major river sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people and their animals Using Markov Chain and SWAT models. He participated in in research projects by USAID, GIZ, National and other national funded programmes. He has a teaching experience of over twenty years with over ten years as a university lecturer and researcher. He has participated in writing and reviewing University curricula as well as writing lecture modules for university courses. His research interests are in water security, hydrology, sustainable land use practices and the food value chain with special focus on safety of food for human consumption. He is currently a lecturer of Biology and a curriculum specialist at the University of Kisubi, Uganda and a member of the Network for Education and Multidisciplinary Research in Africa (NEMRA), among other research organisations.
Caroline Awoloko : Project Administrator
Email: carolinawoloko@gmail.com
Caroline Awoloko is a Project Administrator for the Nature-Based Solutions CBHE Project (2025-2027) at the University of Kisubi (UniK), where she administers the 3-year Erasmus-funded international collaboration initiative. In this role, she coordinates quality assessments, manages communications, supports course development, and facilitates partnerships with international institutions. She holds multiple administrative positions at UniK, serving as Administrative Assistant in the Registry and as Marketing Coordinator managing recruitment campaigns and social media platforms.
Ms. Awoloko is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Ernest Cook University (ECU) and holds a Diploma in Biomedical Engineering and Technology from Bugema University. Her technical expertise encompasses medical equipment repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting, gained through internships at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital and Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, where she worked on equipment servicing across multiple healthcare facilities.
Her professional experience extends beyond healthcare technology to include content writing for Journeys Uganda, where she researched and authored comprehensive travel guides for tourist destinations across Uganda and Africa. She maintains an active commitment to community service as a volunteer with the Uganda Red Cross Society since 2017, responding to public health emergencies including COVID-19 pandemic response and participating in emergency simulation exercises.
Ms. Awoloko brings strong project management capabilities and cross-cultural communication skills to international collaborations. She is multilingual, and has demonstrated leadership through her involvement in establishing the Bugema University Engineering Clinic and presenting biomedical engineering innovations at national conferences and exhibitions. Her work combines technical expertise in biomedical engineering with administrative excellence in managing complex international educational partnerships.
Technical University of Madrid NbS-4-Climate Project, Team Members
José Luis GARCIA RODRIGUEZ: UPM team lead
Email : josel.garcia@upm.es
Full Professor at School of Forestry, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), and Director of the Department of Engineering and Management Forestry and Environment, School of Forestry, UPM. Coordinator of the Hydrology Group of Spanish Society of Forest Sciences from 1997 to 2014. Vice Director of Academic Affairs from 2005 to 2012 in the Forestry School in Madrid. Prof. García has wide experience in Watershed Management projects and the technics used in hillslopes and channels restoration. He has worked in international projects with national institutions about Hydrology and Erosion Control in Watersheds. In Europe he develops Lifelong Learning Programme (LIFE ALNUS TAEJO), Erasmus + projects: MEDALUS II, MATEFL; RECLAND; SEMP; VITEG; VIREG, MEST, ECOSTAR, ENSEC, WASEC, EOHUB, MEXECO and especially ECOMED. Papers in reputable journals: JCR, Scopus, Scielo. Publications: 18 manuscripts in international journals; 5 domestic manuscripts; 7 books in Spain and 3 Chapters of books; 8 Proceedings
Martin Gimenez: Junior Researcher
Email : martin.gimenez@upm.es
Martin Gimenez: Junior Researcher. Forestry Engineer since 2001 by National University of Patagonia (Argentina). Doctorate in Forestry Management at UPM. He has focused his research on the study and estimation of water erosion rates in mountain watersheds using parametric and GIS models. He currently alternates his professional activity with the development of European projects focused on higher education and the environment, specializes in ecotourism, water erosion modelling and GIS in mountain watersheds, Nature-based solutions and ecosystem services. With 10 years in environmental projects and 8 years managing EU higher education initiatives, he has led Erasmus+ projects, including RECLAND/MEST, recognized as EU Success Stories.
Clara CORDON TRUJILLO: Semi Senior Researcher.
Email: clara.cordon@upm.es
Clara CORDON TRUJILLO: Semi Senior Researcher. Forestry Engineer by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. PhD student for the Doctoral Programme in Engineering and Management of the Natural Environment, focused on ecotourism for the management of protected natural areas. Since more than 10 years, management of Erasmus+ and LIFE projects at the School of Forestry, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, developing educational research projects in Nature-based solutions, Hydrology, Ecosystem Services and Ecotourism. Currently, part of the technical team in the Life Alnus Taejo project, and technical leader of MEXECO Project (Capacity Building). She developed o learning materials for UPM’s MSc Degree in Sustainable Ecotourism, and co-directed research on ecotourism conservation projects.
GRASSROOTS MINISTRY (GRM) NbS-4-Climate Project, Team Members
Project Manager: Grace Julius Ssembatya, Founder and ED, GRM
E-mail: grace@grm.ug
Short Bio
Grace Julius Ssembatya is a dedicated social entrepreneur and human rights professional with a strong commitment to rural development, community empowerment, and human rights advocacy. With extensive experience in research and evidence-based advocacy, he has worked on key issues including sexual and reproductive health, children’s rights, gender equality, access to justice for marginalized communities, and policy reform.
Grace possesses a proven track record in building and mobilizing civil society networks across Uganda and the East African region. His expertise spans vocational training, education advocacy, startup financing, capacity building (training of trainers), fundraising, and strategic policy influence. He is skilled in drafting laws, policies, and advocacy plans, as well as developing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to drive social change.
Well-versed in national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms, Grace specializes in addressing violations affecting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), minority groups, and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). He is also adept at leveraging digital campaigns, new media, and technology to amplify advocacy efforts. A highly adaptable professional, Grace excels both independently and in team settings, requiring minimal supervision to deliver impactful results.
Beyond his work in human rights, Grace is a creative professional in the film industry, specializing in documentary photography and cinematography. He combines his technical expertise with a passion for community storytelling, using visual media as a tool for empowerment. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Ethics and Human Rights, further grounding his advocacy in academic rigor.
Throughout his career, Grace has embraced continuous improvement, meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and disciplined execution as the cornerstones of his professional philosophy.
Susan Aguti is a seasoned researcher
Senior Researcher: Susan Aguti is a seasoned researcher, lawyer, and development professional with extensive experience managing philanthropically funded projects across diverse sectors, including: Environment & Conservation, Women’s Empowerment & Livelihood Programs, Property & Land Rights Advocacy, HIV/AIDS Community-Based Response & Differentiated Service Delivery Models (for children, adolescents, and young people)
With a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, Susan has led baseline, mid-term, end-line, and long-term impact assessments for multiple civil society organizations (CSOs). She excels in research design, implementation, analysis, and reporting, specializing in qualitative, participatory, and mixed-method approaches, while also demonstrating proficiency in quantitative research methodologies.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and is currently finalizing her Master of Laws (LLM). Additionally, she is certified in Para-Counselling, further enhancing her ability to integrate psychosocial perspectives into her work.
Senior Researcher and Trainer: Kenneth Mubiru Mwayi
Senior Researcher and Trainer: Kenneth Mubiru Mwayi a skilled information officer, working in electronic information – especially online databases, content management systems, open access and digital resources – and traditional library materials.
He spends a lot of time on managing GRM information and working with internal and external databases. As well as dealing with enquiries from staff and providing to access to resources, and he also provides training to both staff and young framers in the community on how to find, use and store information.
He holds a Masters of Information Technology from Makerere University, and Bachelors of Business Computing from Uganda Christian University.
Junior Researcher: Bakayula Ruth
Junior Researcher: Bakayula Ruth is a dedicated development professional with expertise in adult education, community empowerment, and grievance redress mechanisms. She holds a Bachelor of Adult and Community Education from Makerere University, complemented by an Administrative Officers Law Certificate, equipping her with a unique blend of community engagement skills and legal administrative knowledge.
Committed to ethical community development, Ruth combines her theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience to create sustainable solutions that empower marginalized groups. Her work focuses on amplifying community voices while maintaining compliance with legal and institutional frameworks.