ZEF workshop at Bonn Conference on Facilitating global transformation: Insights from interdisciplinary development research

May 13, 2015 | 10:00 h - 12:00 h

ZEF researcher and senior fellows contribute with a workshop on

Facilitating global transformation: Insights from interdisciplinary development research

to the Bonn Conference 2015.

Speakers

• Felix Asante, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
• Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Senior Fellow, ZEF, Bonn
• John Lamers, Senior Researcher, ZEF, Bonn
• Tadesse Woldemariam Gole, Director of the Environment and Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Chair
Saravanan V.S. Subramanian, Senior Researcher, ZEF, Bonn

Abstract:

Drawing on international interdisciplinary research in Central Asia and in West and East Africa, this panel discussion offers insights into research on global transformation processes.

Countries in Central Asia are struggling to manage economic growth and processes of political transformation and still protect their natural environment at the same time. In this workshop we look at the various challenges and opportunities for strengthening research infrastructure and capacity in the field of social and environmental change in Uzbekistan, a country where ZEF has spent over ten years restructuring water and land management.

In West Africa, rapidly growing economies pose a challenge to the sustainable use of natural resources. ZEF has conducted decades of interdisciplinary research into water basin management, desertification, migration and climate change in this region – efforts that have culminated in the establishment of the West African Science Service Center (WASCAL) on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use. Today WASCAL is supported by 10 West African countries and offers 10 graduate programmes. The panel includes a West African researcher who has been involved in research development in this region.

In East Africa, ZEF has focused on transforming environmental protection. Research began with a small-scale biodiversity project on the management and protection of wild coffee resources in the Ethiopian rain forests. Ultimately, large-scale local capacity building efforts culminated in the establishment of a local NGO that has succeeded in creating a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the wild coffee region. One of the researchers involved in this process will speak at the panel.

ZEF outlines the role research and capacity development can play in facilitating sustainable transformation.

Why you cannot afford to miss this workshop
After the panel discussion there will be a half-hour ‘market place’ with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one talks with our international speakers, take a look at some posters and… enjoy some Ethiopian coffee!

Please find more information to the Bonn Conference on <link https: www.bonn-conference.net schedule external-link-new-window external link in new>conference website!