SuMNatuRe

The aim of the project is to enhance sustainable development and democracy in Mozambique by promoting higher education and increasing the knowledge on sustainable natural resource and land-use planning, considering different aspects of impacts (ecological, social and economic). This is realized by developing, jointly with the Mozambican partners, easy-to-access courses in these fields for doctoral students and higher education institution staff in the subject areas of forestry and natural resource management. Spreading information through courses, websites and networking increases awareness for environmental issues and highlights the role of local people in land-use planning. This flow of information is planned to be continuous even after the end of the project as the participating students work in different organizations e.g. as university teachers, authorities or environmental consultants. The project provides opportunities for research-exchange and joint scientific publications, and produces course material for further use of Mozambican HEIs in English and Portuguese.

The focus group of the educational activities are doctoral students of the Forestry PhD programme at Eduardo Mondlane University (EMU), and staff members of both EMU and UniZambeze. In terms of the HEI-ICI objectives, the project will support the creation of the first Doctoral Programme in the forestry sector in Mozambique, support the diversification of public access to educational material and research results through web pages and social media, open access publications, and mixed networks including academic institutions, NGOs, state institutions, and the private sector. The project will also strengthen the teaching and research capacity of both universities by participating in the curricula development and introducing new study modules, research methods and tools, as well as supporting new collaboration initiatives on both national and international levels. Finally, the project will contribute to strengthening the role and relevance of forestry research and education in the development of Mozambican society.
 

Key Results to be Achieved

1. Doctoral Programme in the forestry sector at EMU with strong environmental and socio-economic components

2. Improved teaching and research capacity at EMU and UniZambeze

3. Improved and diversified public access to educational material and research results