Workshop Report: Earth and Environmental Science for Sustainable Development (Dar es Salaam, September 2017)

Gill, J.C.; Mankelow, J.. 2017 Workshop Report: Earth and Environmental Science for Sustainable Development (Dar es Salaam, September 2017). Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 36pp. (OR/17/063) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

This report describes the outcomes of a two-day interactive workshop in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), conducted in September 2017. We gathered 17 delegates from 12 organisations in Tanzania to determine sustainable development priorities and consider the role of Earth and environmental science in addressing these. Delegates came from diverse disciplines (e.g., geology, agriculture, forestry, water management) and sectors (e.g., academia, civil society, commercial, government). Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reference tool, participants identified primary development challenges and their research and data needs to help address these. Key themes included (i) sustainable land and water management, (ii) clean water and sanitation, and (iii) climate-smart agriculture, food security and nutrition. Participants co-designed a set of draft science-for-development projects relating to these themes. BGS are using this information, together with the results of additional workshop activities, to inform the development of collaborative science-for-development activities in eastern Africa as part of our commitment to Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the region. We will further develop specific project ideas, using information gathered at this workshop, with appropriate regional and international partners. Information from this workshop provides supporting evidence of expressed development need and stakeholder expertise in eastern Africa. This information will guide future project applications to the Global Challenges Research Fund, and other appropriate research and innovation funding sources. Key Results and Conclusions During the workshop, small group discussions and group voting generated a collective ranking of SDG priorities. Participants also reflected on where they believe Earth and environmental science can make the greatest contribution to development impact. These rankings were: Overall SDG ranking (eastern Africa) based on summing of small groups votes: 1. Quality Education (SDG 4) 2. Life on Land (SDG 15) 3. Industry/Innovation/Infrastructure (SDG 9) Role for Earth and environmental science rankings: 1. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) 2. Life on Land (SDG 15) 3. Climate Action (SDG 13) 4. Industry/Innovation/Infrastructure (SDG 9) Group discussions suggested that interconnectedness of SDGs and basic (immediate) development needs were likely to influence the prioritisation process. For example, participants noted that good health (SDG 3) was necessary to having decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). We used these rankings to establish three thematic working groups, with each tasked to identify specific challenges, research priorities, information needs and potential projects. Groups were:  Sustainable land and water management. This group developed ideas relating to reducing land degradation, implementing and strengthening strategic environmental assessments, ensuring more integrated policy, and enhancing geo-ICT capacity.  Clean water and sanitation. This group identified ideas around water pollution and the re-use and safe treatment of water, natural water quality, and data awareness and availability.  Climate-smart agriculture, food security and nutrition. This group explored ways to improve post-harvest management of agricultural products, and improve land resource quality. Developing these activities will require effective science-for-development partnerships. Partnership characteristics of greatest importance to participants attending this Dar es Salaam workshop were (i) being treated as an equal by other members of the partnership, (ii) respectful dialogue between members of the partnership, (iii) access to training and capacity building, (iv) sharing of project outputs, and (v) access to funding/financial resources.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors:	Official Development Assistance (ODA) Research Platform
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This workshop was an activity of the BGS Eastern Africa Official Development Assistance (ODA) Research Platform. This item has been internally reviewed but not externally peer-reviewed
Date made live:	19 Dec 2017 13:42 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/518755

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