FreshNet - NETWORK IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS IN EASTERN AFRICA

The overall project objective is to foster the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and to contribute towards the achievement of the SDG’s. Supported are transformation and capacity development processes at the individual and institutional level towards the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in Eastern Africa. Strengthened is networking among HEST institutions in Eastern Africa, which educate professionals, carry-out relevant research/extension activities, contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and enhance international networking. At least 74 young water/environmental professionals (30 women) from primarily Eastern Africa participate in the Master’s programmes and 37 MSc research projects (17 women) are carried-out. Implemented is the international joint degree Master’s programme LWM by BOKU, EGU and IHE DELFT with 50 participants (20 women) and the Eastern African joint degree Master’s programme AEEM by AAU, BDU, EIAR-NFALRC and EGU with 24 participants (10 women). Both Master’s programme curricula put special emphasis on skill-orientated courses, student centred teaching approaches and contain inter- and transdisciplinary course elements to enhance the relevance of the programmes. The international Master's degree programmes serve as a strategic tool to intensify institutional North-South and South-South cooperation, improving the quality of educational programs and promoting transformative processes through international cooperation. At least 100 contributions of SDG relevance are delivered via MSc theses, scientific- and professional publications, projects and outreach activities. Reviewed and extended is the AQUAHUB knowledge and networking platform to connect at least 600 registered members. At least 10 collaborative research- & capacity development projects are developed and/or implemented by project consortium members. Developed and implemented are measures to diversify the baseline funding of the LWM & AEEM programmes and assessed are the technical & financial implications of the further relocation of project components & tasks to African partner-institutions. Developed are options towards the formal integration of Ugandan universities and research organisations into the FreshNet network. Assessed are suitable support measures for female students & alumni and feasible measures are implemented.