Approaching Africa’s Future Fresh Water Challenges through Capacity Building and Collaboration

Session: 27. - Emerging Partnerships, Research, and Capacity in the African Great Lakes

Theodore Lawrence, African Center for Aquatic Research and Education, [email protected]
Jessica Ives, University of Windsor, [email protected]

Abstract

The African Great Lakes support millions of people with protein, clean water, and transportation, but also face notable challenges, including climate change, agricultural runoff, deforestation, and overharvest of fish. Attempts to address the challenges facing freshwater resources often fall short due, in part, to the underinvestment in universities and research institutions and harmonized and disparate approaches to research. Environmental problems are often addressed by international agencies targeting short-term objectives, resulting in piecemeal results. Strengthening research capacity in developing countries can bolster long-term, strategic commitments, stable funding, and address ecosystem approaches to resource development and management. Research capacity, therefore, is one of the prerequisites for meeting development goals. This talk focuses on a call from the international community to create Centers of Excellence to address African issues, and specifically, to enhance the capacity of riparian nations to conduct ecosystem research and monitoring to support sustainable basin development around the African Great Lakes. Here we call for the creation of an African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) and discuss objectives, essential features, and scope, as well as institutional arrangements, partners, funding options, and potential African and global water initiatives that can help build and sustain ACARE. 

1. Keyword
Africa

2. Keyword
environmental education

3. Keyword
decision making

4. Additional Keyword
Collaboration