Workshop report : Earth and Environmental Science for Sustainable Development (Nairobi, March 2017)

Gill, J.C.; Mills, K.; Mankelow, J.. 2017 Workshop report : Earth and Environmental Science for Sustainable Development (Nairobi, March 2017). Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 28pp. (OR/17/039) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

This report describes the outcomes of a two-day interactive workshop in Nairobi (Kenya), conducted in March 2017. We gathered 32 delegates from 22 organisations in Kenya 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, geography, hydrology, ecology) and sectors (e.g., academia, commercial, civil society, 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 the food-water-energy nexus, clean water, and natural resources (minerals). 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 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. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) 2. No Poverty (SDG 1) 3. Zero Hunger (SDG 2) 4. Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) 5. Quality Education (SDG 4) Role for Earth and environmental science rankings: 1. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) 2. Climate Action (SDG 13) 3. Life on Land (SDG 15) 4. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) 5. Zero Hunger (SDG 2) Group discussions suggested that interconnectedness of SDGs and basic (immediate) development needs were likely to influence the prioritisation process. For example, participants noted that ending poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger (SDG 2) and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) would underpin progress in many of the other SDGs. 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:  Food-water-energy nexus. This group identified geographic areas of interest, and considered crosscutting issues (data, cultural and political barriers, partnerships, lessons learned, and capacity building).  Clean water and sanitation. This group discussed water availability mapping, enhanced water policy/governance/management, improved catchment management, data gaps, and applied research and training activities.  Natural resources (minerals). This group identified activities relating to a Mombasa to Kisumu resource corridor, and artisanal and small-scale mining activities. Developing these activities will require effective science-for-development partnerships. Partnership characteristics of greatest importance to Kenyan participants were (i) sharing of project outputs, (ii) sharing of data, (iii) being treated as equals by other members of the partnership, and (iv) access to training and capacity building.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors:	British Geological Survey
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This item has been internally reviewed but not externally peer-reviewed
Date made live:	26 Jun 2017 15:21 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/517219

Item Type:

Publication - Report

Funders/Sponsors:

British Geological Survey

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

This item has been internally reviewed but not externally peer-reviewed

Date made live:

26 Jun 2017 15:21 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/517219