Science Programme. Activities in Africa ( )

Transcription

1 Science Programme Science Programme Activities in Africa ( ) Covers activities by the UNESCO field offices in Africa KE/2009/SC/PI/ Original: English

2 Science Programme Activities in Africa ( ) Covers activities by the UNESCO field offices in Africa UNESCO Nairobi Cluster Office and Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Africa P.O. Box GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254-20) Fax: (254-20) Web:

3 Production Team: Mr. Joseph G.M. Massaquoi Mrs. Alice A. Ochanda Contributors: Science Programme Specialists in Africa Design, Layout and Printing: United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Publishing Services Section, ISO 14001:2004-certified Photos: UNESCO ii S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

4 Table of Content Foreword by the Director... vii 1. Introduction Background Development of the UNESCO Africa science programme Responsibilities for UNESCO programme development and implementation Structure of the document Strategic framework of UNESCO science programme in Africa UNESCO Medium Term Plan ( ) UNESCO Science Sector Priorities for Alignment of UNESCO Science programme with regional priorities UNESCO Africa Science programme strategy, priorities and actions Regional Science activities ( ) Basic and Engineering Sciences Water Sciences Ecological Sciences Earth Sciences Ocean science and coastal protection Gender, Science and Technology Cluster Office Science activities ( ) Activities in Abuja Cluster Activities in Accra Cluster Activities in Addis Ababa Cluster Activities in Bamako Cluster Activities in Dakar Cluster Activities in Dar es Salaam Cluster Activities in Harare Cluster Activities in Libreville Cluster Activities in Nairobi Cluster Activities in Windhoek Cluster Activities in Yaoundé Cluster...46 iii

5 5. Regional Networks The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) The Man and Biosphere network in Africa (AfriMAB) The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa (ODINAfrica) Participation in UNESCO Science programme activities in Africa Annexes Table 1 Regional Priority areas actions in Science...58 Table 2 Workplan for regional activities...60 Table 3 Workplan for cluster offices...65 iv S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

6 Abbreviations AAS AfriMAB AMCEM AMCOST AMCOW ANSTI AU AUC AUF BR BSP CPA DWAF EDRPRS FRIEND GDP GNSS G-WADI HRST IADG ICSU IFI IHD IHP IOC IOCEA IOCWIO IPCC African Academy of Sciences African Network of Biosphere Reserves African Ministerial Conference on environment African Ministerial Council for Science and Technology African Ministerial Conference on Water African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions Africa Union Africa Union Commission Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie Biosphere Reserves Biennial Sectoral Priority Consolidated Plan of Action for Science and Technology in Africa Department of water affairs and forestry (South Africa) Economic Recovery and Poverty Reduction Strategy Flow Regimes from International and experimental Network Data Gross domestic Product Global Navigation satellite System Global network on Water and Development Information in Arid Lands Human Resource and Science and Technology Department of the African Union International Agreed Development Goals International Scientific union International Flood Initiative International Hydrological Decade International Hydrology Programme Intergovernmental Oceanographic commission Intergovernmental Oceanographic commission Regional committee for Central and Eastern Atlantic Intergovernmental Oceanographic commission Regional committee for West Indian Ocean Region Inter-Governmental Platform on Climate Change v

7 ISARM ISI IWRM JIIHP MAB MAR MDG MLA NABDA NAPA NATCOM NEPAD NUC ODINAfrica PRSP S&T SADC SIDS SPO STI TBA TBR TIGER TWAS UNDAF UNDP UNEP UWMP Internationally Shared Shared Aquifer Resources Management International Sediment Initiative International Water Resource management Joint International Isotope hydrology Programme Man and Biosphere Managed Aquifer Recharge Millennium Development Goals Main Line of Action (UNESCO regular programme) National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) of Nigeria National Adaptation Action Plan of Nigeria National commission for UNESCO. New partnership for Africa s Development National Universities commission (Nigeria) Ocean data and Information Network for Africa Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Science and Technology Southern Africa Development Community Small Island Developing States Strategic Programme Objective Science, Technology and Innovation Trans-boundary Aquifers Trans-Boundary Biospheres Reserves Name of the Project of European Space agency for satellite imaging Third World academy of Sciences United Nations development assistance Framework United nations Development Programme United nations Environment Programme Urban water Management Programme vi S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

8 Foreword Several senior officials of African Member States of UNESCO have frequently asked the question; what is UNESCO doing in Africa in the field of science. This document is an attempt to answer that question. Everyone is aware that not all the actions proposed in the various global planning documents of the organization trickle down to every Member State. National and regional priorities differ and countries want to be selective in the pursuit of UNESCO global programme objectives and actions. Hence countries and regions are expected to interpret the global UNESCO objectives to suit their national needs. In UNESCO the responsibility for this interpretation or contextualization falls on field offices that are expected to propose activities that fit into the global objectives of UNESCO while at the same time addressing the national or regional challenges. The Regional Bureau for Science in Africa has responsibility for coordinating UNESCO science programmes in Africa. In exercising this role, the Bureau organized several meetings, discussions and consultations to develop a programme of activities that have addressed some of the priority issues for science and technology in the region. The programme is presented in this document. The document gives an analysis of how the priority areas were selected and provides full details of all the actions that were proposed for the region. It also gives the details of all the activities that will be executed in 2008/09 in the different regions of the continent. Through this document Member States will now be aware of UNESCO activities in Science in their countries and know where to turn for technical assistance in the field of science. I encourage readers to examine particularly the details of activities presented and chapters 3 and 4. Under the decentralization arrangement, most of the activities are now carried out by various field offices. However there are still several global activities and extra-budgetary activities which are organized from Headquarters in Paris. These are not covered in the document. vii

9 The UNESCO Africa Science programme is not just an information source on activities in the region. The framework presented in chapter 2 provides a basis for engaging our partners in joint activities and can also be used to develop extra-budgetary projects. It will therefore be shared with all our partners. I hope everyone will find this document useful. Joseph G.M. Massaquoi Director UNESCO Nairobi Office and Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Africa viii S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

10 Chapter 1 Introduction I n t r o d u c t i o n 1

11 1.1 Background UNESCO adopted a new medium term plan at the end of the 34th General Conference in October The plan, referred to as Document 34C/4 1 was developed in consultation with all stakeholders and partner institutions. It took into consideration several of the major challenges that UNESCO is expected to address in a globalizing world. The priorities, identified through the wide consultation, were obviously global in nature with universal appeal. At the same General Conference the Member States approved a biennial programme and budget for which was the first stage of implementation of the medium-term plan. This is referred to as document 34C/5 2. In that document UNESCO also identified several priority actions for the biennium. Both the strategic plan (document 34C/4) and its derivative the 34C/5 address global challenges. For Africa it is important that the objectives and actions of these two documents are put into a context that addresses local problems and challenges. Hence the UNESCO Science Programme in Africa was developed in order to align the objectives of the UNESCO medium term plan (34C/4), the priorities of the Biennium programme and budget (34C/5) with those of the regional and national development plans. Immediately after the first draft of the 34C/4 document was released the UNESCO science programme specialists based in Africa met in Mombasa Kenya to analyze it with the view of translating the global objectives into relevant activities to address national development challenges. The meeting identified several challenges and possible actions that could fit into the objectives of the UNESCO medium term plan. In November 2007, immediately after the adoption of the final draft of the 34C/4 and the biennium programme and budget (34C/5), the group met again in Pretoria, South Africa to discuss the work plan for the next two years. Both the Mombasa and Pretoria meetings resulted in a programme framework within which the organization was able to develop a set of activities that are relevant to national development as well as faithful to the UNESCO global objectives. The result of the consultation is what is contained in this document. The document presents a set of actions and activities that UNESCO will pursue in Africa in the next two years and shows how they address the challenges at both national and regional levels. It represents UNESCO s response to requests by Member States for 1 Document 34 C/4 is the fourth document tabled at the 34 general conference of UNESCO. It provides the vision, mission and strategic objectives of UNESCO for the period Document 34C/5 is the document number 5 tabled at the 34 th. General conference of UNESCO held in Paris in October S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

12 scientific intervention to address some of the pressing socio-economic issues of the continent. It also shows how UNESCO programme staff in the region are incorporating some of the priorities stated in various development planning documents. It will serve as a framework for cooperation with other partners within and outside the UN family. And finally it will be the basis for the development of extra-budgetary projects at subregional and regional levels. It should however be emphasized that the document does not provide an exhaustive list of activities undertaken by UNESCO in the field of science in Africa. There are some other activities which are implemented from Headquarters and these are not covered in this regional programming document. This document also shows the division of responsibilities for the implementation of the various science activities in each of the Member States in the region. 1.2 Development of the UNESCO Africa Science Programme The programme described in the subsequent chapters has been developed through several consultations at various levels and the consideration of the priorities and outcomes of several internationally agreed development goals. The UNESCO science programme for Africa is aligned with both the global priorities of UNESCO as well as those of the region. At the global level the African science programme framework is derived from the UNESCO medium term plan and the biennium programme and budget for (34C/5). The latter was developed through several regional consultations of Member States which led to the identification of common global priorities. The 34C/5 already took into account several of the internationally agreed development goals (IADGs) such as the millennium Development Goals (MDG). Hence aligning with the 34C5 resulted in inclusion of the IADGs. At the regional level, the programme used the AU/NEPAD 3 Consolidated plan of Action (CPA) 4 for Science and technology and the AU/NEPAD Environmental Plan of Action 5 as the basis for the identification of the regional priorities. The UNESCO African Science programme discussed in this document has identified the common issues, priorities and actions between the UNESCO document and the NEPAD documents. Furthermore it has taken into consideration the outcome of the consultation in Paris between UNESCO and 3 The NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa s Development is a programme of the Africa Union (AU)) 4 The consolidated Plan of Action for Science and technology was adopted at the second meeting of the African Ministerial Council (AMCOST) on Science and Technology help in Dakar, Senegal September It is available from NEPAD Science and Technology secretariat in Pretoria. 5 The NEPAD Environmental plan of Plan of Action was adopted in by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in June 2003 and endorsed by the assembly of the African Union in July 2003 I n t r o d u c t i o n 3

13 African ambassadors to UNESCO on the priority areas within the CPA where UNESCO assistance was required. At the national level, the science programme specialists in the cluster offices consulted two documents: The poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) or its equivalent where it exists and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) document. This enabled them to further narrow down the UNESCO regional programme priorities in order to focus on pressing national issues. 1.3 Responsibilities for UNESCO programme development and implementation The overall responsibility for programme implementation in UNESCO rests with five sectors: The Education sector; the Natural Science sector; the sector for Social and Human Sciences; the Culture sector and the Communication and Information sector. Furthermore the implementation of UNESCO programmes is fairly decentralized. The organization employs a network of field offices which serve as platforms for the development and implementation of programmes. In the case of the natural sciences, the Sector works through a network of five Regional Bureaux and several Cluster and National offices. One of the regional Bureaux is located in Nairobi, Kenya and serves all of sub-saharan Africa. The Regional Bureau for Science in Africa has overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of UNESCO s science programme in the region. In addition there are 10 Cluster and five National offices which work closely with the Regional Bureau in connection with programme implementation. These Cluster Offices are located in Dakar, Accra, Bamako, Libreville, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Harare, Yaoundé and Windhoek. There are also country (or national) offices in Abuja, Kinshasa, Maputo, Brazzaville and Bujumbura. The Cluster offices cover a collection of several geographically contiguous countries. Figure 1 shows the geographical coverage of each cluster office. The immediate responsibility for the implementation of programmes in the various countries rests with the relevant cluster office. The Nairobi office plays a double role for Science programmes. It is both a Regional Bureau for Science for all of Sub-Saharan Africa and also a Cluster Office covering Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, Uganda and Somalia. This means that the office coordinates all Africa s regional and sub-regional science activities that cut across cluster boundaries and also has responsibility for the implementation of science programme in the five member countries of its cluster. For the preparation of this document, the regional issues were jointly identified through inputs from all of UNESCO offices in the region. Through consultations and discussions of the various regional and national challenges, the science programme specialists in the region identified the priorities for the programme. 4 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

14 UNESCO headquarters also implements science programme in Africa. These are usually funded from extra-budgetary resources but fall within the broad objectives of the Organization s strategic plan. 1.4 Structure of the document This document is divided into four parts. The first part comprises the introductory chapter and the strategic framework of the programme. In this part we present the background and purpose of the document and carry out analysis of the issues that contributed to the programme strategy and actions. The framework developed in this part will be used in developing partnerships and joint programmes with other agencies. In the second part, regional programme actions are presented. These are groups of activities that benefit several countries across the continent. In the third part the various field offices present program activities for specific countries or clusters of neighboring countries. And in the final part we discuss how Member States can participate in the UNESCO programme activities in Science. Figure 1 ACCRA ADDIS ABABA BAMAKO DAR ES SALAAM DAKAR Covers Côte D Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Togo, Liberia and Sierra Leone Covers Ethiopia, Djibouti Covers Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea Covers Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius Covers the Gambia, Senegal Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau MAPUTO National office for Mozambique KINSHASHA National office for Congo DR Regional Office for Science in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Responsible for the coordination of UNESCO science programme activities in the region BRAZZAVILLE National office for Congo ABUJA National Office for Nigeria BUJUMBURA National office for Burundi HARARE LIBREVILLE NAIROBI YAOUNDE WINDHOEK Covers Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana Covers Gabon, Equatorial Guinea Covers Uganda, Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda and Somalia Covers Cameroon, Chad, Central African republic Covers Namibia, south Africa Swaziland, Lesotho and Angola I n t r o d u c t i o n 5

15 Chapter 2 Strategic Framework of UNESCO Science programme in Africa S t r a t e g i c f r a m e w o r k o f u n e s c o p r o g r a m m e i n a f r i c a 7

16 The UNESCO Science programme in Africa is derived from several other programming and planning documents. Every effort has been made to pursue the three global objectives of the UNESCO science sector as spelt out in the medium Term strategic plan for (34C/4) as well as to ensure relevance for the region s socio-economic development. The following analysis highlights the strategy, the priorities that constitute the framework of the Africa science programme. It shows how the global UNESCO objectives were aligned with those of regional action plans in order to define the framework within which the UNESCO Africa programme will operate. We start by presenting the global objectives of UNESCO and then try to interpret them to address the challenges facing the region. 2.1 UNESCO Medium Term Plan ( ) The UNESCO medium-term plan is a strategic document that outlines the organization s priorities and objectives for six years. It was developed through extensive regional and global consultations. Hence the objectives and priorities contained in the document represent a global consensus on what UNESCO should do for the defined period UNESCO global Mission and objectives The Organization s mission for the next six years will be to contribute to the building of peace, the alleviation of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through Education, the Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information. The organization will carry out its mission by pursuing the following five overarching objectives: Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning; Mobilising science knowledge and policy for sustainable development; Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges; Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace; Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication. The natural science programme activities will contribute to the attainment of the following overarching objective: Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development. This objective takes into consideration the global challenges for UNESCO in the era of globalization. These include contribution to the attainment of internationally agreed development goals and addressing other global challenges. For Science, such challenges include: the attainment of the Millennium development Goals, especially goal 1- halving poverty by 2015; contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases; 8 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

17 harnessing science and technology for sustainable development and peace; empowering countries to build their knowledge base; and building capacities in countries to manage water and other natural resources. Accordingly the Science sector has identified the following specific programme objectives to be pursued globally in the next six years ( ): Leveraging scientific knowledge for the benefit of the environment and the management of natural resources; Fostering policies and capacity-building in science, technology and innovation; Contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation. 2.2 UNESCO Science Sector priorities for The objectives mentioned above are to be achieved in six years and are fairly broad covering many issues and priorities. There is therefore a need to be selective. Thus, for each biennium a set of priorities are identified and pursued. The years will be the first biennium for the pursuit of the new medium term strategy. The biennial priorities for will serve as the first set of building blocks for the implementation of the Medium Term strategy ( ). For the sciences the following biennial sectoral priorities (BSP) were identified: BSP 1: Promoting research and technical capacity-building for the sound management of natural resources and for disaster preparedness and mitigation. BSP 2: Strengthening national and regional research and innovation systems, capacity-building, the use of technologies and scientific networking and encouraging the development and implementation of science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development and poverty eradication UNESCO Science programme Actions in the Biennium In this biennium ( ) the following Main Lines of Action will be adopted to pursue the above-mentioned priorities: Main Line of Action 1: Fostering policies, technical capacity building, research, networking, education and international cooperation in the fields of water, ecological and earth sciences for enhancing societal responses. Main Line of Action 2: Oceans and costal zones: improving governance and fostering inter-governmental cooperation through ocean sciences and services. S t r a t e g i c f r a m e w o r k o f u n e s c o p r o g r a m m e i n a f r i c a 9

18 Main Line of Action 3: Promoting science, knowledge and education for disaster preparedness and mitigation, and enhancing national and regional coping capacities, including, through support for the development of risk reduction, networks and monitoring and assessment measures, such as Tsunami early warning systems. Main Line Action 4: Support science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development and poverty eradication and developing capacities in basic sciences, energy and engineering. Thus, the activities of the UNESCO Africa science programme which are spelt out in the other chapter were carefully selected to ensure that they fall within these four main lines of action. 2.3 Alignment of UNESCO science programme with regional priorities The programme highlighted in the preceding paragraphs and the actions proposed took note of the internationally agreed development Goals. The next step was to link them with regional and national priorities Regional Challenges and priorities At the regional level, the identification of priorities / challenges was guided by three documents: The AU/NEPAD Consolidated Plan of Action for Science and Technology, the AU/NEPAD Environmental Plan and the outcome document of the UNESCO Science sector consultation with the African Ambassadors. In 2005 the African Union acting through one of its organs the African Ministerial conference on Science (AMCOST) and its programme, the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD), adopted the Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) for the promotion of Science and Technology in Africa. This plan was later endorsed by the 2007 Summit of African heads of state in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 6. The CPA is therefore the document that outlines the region s priorities in science and technology. It covers many issues which are put into the following five research cluster activities: biodiversity, biotechnology and indigenous knowledge; energy, water and desertification; material sciences, manufacturing, laser and post-harvest technologies; information and communication technologies; and space science and technologies. 6 Summit Declaration of African Heads of state held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia January 2007 was devoted to discussion on science and technology. 10 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

19 The following two programme priorities were also identified for governance of Science and Technology promotion: improving policy conditions and building innovation mechanism; promoting the creation of technology parks. The number of actions required is far more than UNESCO can fit into its programme. In order to be effective UNESCO decided to be selective in its support for the implementation of the projects contained in the Plan. Accordingly, a series of consultations were held at UNESCO headquarters to identify priority projects within the plan which UNESCO could support. The Director-General of UNESCO proposed a plan which included a few activities on which UNESCO could concentrate its resources. The plan was discussed with the African group of permanent delegates to UNESCO. The African group suggested that UNESCO should concentrate on three areas. The areas chosen were both within the general framework of the CPA and also in support of the decisions of the AU summit. The consultation continued through discussions with the African Union Commission on Human Resources, Science and Technology. The African union endorsed the choice of the three intervention areas identified in the consultation. At the end of the process UNESCO included the three projects in its biennial programme and budget (34C/5) which was approved at its last general conference held in Paris in October The three project areas that were retained at the end of the consultation process were: Capacity building in Science Policy; Science education and the establishment of African Virtual campus. NEPAD environmental plan was adopted by the African Ministerial Conference on environment (AMCEN) in June 2003 and later in July 2003 it was endorsed by the African union General assembly. The action plan has 68 priority projects which were the basis of the identification of priorities inclusion under UNESCO Main line of Action 1(MLA1) Alignment with National priorities At the national level, each programme specialist responsible for science in the cluster offices was requested to examine the relevant planning and policy document and identity priority actions in science. The main policy documents considered were the United Nations development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the various development policy papers such as the vision 2030, the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction strategy (EDPRS), and its equivalent the Poverty Reduction Strategy papers (PRSP). These documents highlighted the national priorities for development. 7 MLA 1 which was earlier presented is Fostering policies, technical capacity building, research, networking, education and international cooperation in the fields of water, ecological and earth sciences for enhancing societal responses S t r a t e g i c f r a m e w o r k o f u n e s c o p r o g r a m m e i n a f r i c a 11

20 2.4 UNESCO Africa Science programme strategy, priorities and actions The preceding analysis of the various programme documents and action plans, led to the identification of the challenges, and priority areas for intervention Challenges The challenges facing the region are numerous with poverty being the fundamental problem. Poverty is the major link to most of the other problems such as conflicts, poor economic governance, gender inequity, environmental degradation and famine and drought. Access to potable water remains a major social challenge across the region and affects the region s ability to achieve many of the development goals. Scientific knowledge and research can be used to address these problems. But the use of this valuable body of knowledge faces many challenges as well. Among them is the lack of the human resource capacity to undertake research and/or use scientific knowledge for development. There is also lack of information and awareness of scientific knowledge that is available on the global scientific market. Another major challenge affecting the promotion of Science and technology is that it is not a priority in the development policy and planning process even though several countries in the region have a ministry dedicated to this. Building and using scientific capacity is not a development goal per se. Hence scientific capacity does not feature as an objective even in some of the internationally agreed development goals. It is recognized as a tool to achieve the socio-economic goals and as such its effect is not enumerated in the programme results which are usually measured with economic and social indicators. Promoting it to politicians becomes difficult since they prefer social indicators that can impress the public Strategies Following the socio-economic challenges identified and the challenges facing S&T promotion, the following strategy was agreed upon for the region. The strategy rests on three pillars: creating an enabling environment to allow Science and Technology to flourish; building human resource capacity in science and technology; and facilitating the use of scientific and technical capacity in selected fields for the resolution of social problems. Accordingly, running through all the African Science programme are the following issues: technical assistance for science and technology policy formulation; human resource capacity building in various fields of science and technology including hydrology basic and engineering sciences and ecological sciences; information dissemination and the promotion of regional cooperation. The strategic function is that of a facilitator, providing support for networking, pooling of resources for training and sharing of expertise, knowledge, information on new tools and technologies. 12 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

21 2.4.3 Priorities The framework that emerged at the end of the exercise was a programme that included activities that fall in the four main lines of action (MLA) 8 of UNESCO science programme as well as within the actions identified in the AU/NEPAD action plans for Science and technology and for the Environment. The following priority actions were adopted at the regional level. (a) Priorities under UNESCO s Strategic Programme Objective: Leveraging scientific knowledge for the benefit of the environment and the management of natural resources The priority areas were identified mainly from the AU/NEPAD S&T Plan of Action: (Cluster 2: Energy, water and desertification) and the AU/NEPAD Environment Plan of action: (Area 1: Soil Degradation, drought and desertification; Area 2: Conservation of humid zones; Area 4: Conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine areas; Area 5: Mitigation of Climate Change; Area 6: Conservation and management of trans-boundary natural resources). The following were identified as the priority areas for the application of scientific knowledge and capacity building. Water sciences: Assessment of existing national capacities in the areas of environment, and natural resources; Water and associated ecosystems. Ocean sciences: Coastal erosion; management of key ecosystems; pollution; sustainable use of living resources (fisheries); tourism. Earth sciences: Mining in a sustainable environment; Assessment of status of Geo-conservation in Africa; Geo-science education. Ecological sciences: Trans-boundary issues in the management of natural resources; Indigenous knowledge and linkages to Natural Resources. 8 The four main Lines of Action for UNESCO Science programme were earlier presented in this chapter S t r a t e g i c f r a m e w o r k o f u n e s c o p r o g r a m m e i n a f r i c a 13

22 Proposed ACTIONS for leveraging scientific knowledge for the environment and the management of natural resources The following actions were proposed. The details of the expected outcomes of these actions are presented in table 1. ACTIONS for Addressing priority area: Assessment of existing national capacities in the areas of environment, and natural resources: m Baseline data inventory on Human and Institutional Resources, and previous work done in the countries in the areas of the Environment and Natural Resources. ACTIONS for Addressing priority area: Water and associated ecosystems: m Enhancing adaptation capacities against the global change on catchments and aquifer systems; m Developing guidelines for managing the interactions of hydrology, water quality, human and ecosystem health and food security at watershed scale; m Improving science based water governance in various socio-economic settings for sustainability; m Developing eco-hydrology for sustainability; m Capacity building for the sustainable management of River Basins. ACTIONS Addressing priority area: Coastal erosion; management of key ecosystems; pollution; sustainable use of living resources (fisheries); tourism: m Developing management plans for coastal and marine resources for selected vulnerable coastal zones; m Shoreline change and climate change adaptation in West Africa; m Development of an ocean and coastal observing system for Africa for monitoring and management of regional issues such as climate change; m Development of an African Marine atlas that includes real time data; m Strengthening of national data and information centres to provide coastal and marine data for sustainable resource management. ACTIONS for Addressing priority area: Mining in a sustainable environment & Status of Geo-conservation in Africa and geosciences education: m Development of an inventory of Geosites in Africa; m Development of principles and guidelines on the sustainable management of potential mining sites; m Strengthening capacities of women Geoscientists; m Curricula harmonization of Geosciences in African Universities; m Promotion of Networking of geoscientists and University Geology departments to promote capacity building. ACTIONS for Addressing priority area: Trans-boundary issues on management of natural resources: m Evaluation of the contribution of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) in sustainable development of the countries; m Promote BRs and develop guidelines for improving institutional capacities of countries to manage Trans-boundary Biospheres reserves (TBRs); m Building capacities of women to enhance their participation in the sustainable management of natural resources/ 14 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

23 (b) Priorities under UNESCO s Strategic Programme Objective (SPO): Fostering policies and capacity building in Science, Technology and Innovation, with special emphasis on the basic Sciences and Energy The following document informed the decision on priority areas: AU/NEPAD S&T Plan of Action (Cluster 1: Biotechnology and indigenous knowledge; Cluster 2: Energy, water and desertification; Cluster 3: Material sciences, manufacturing, laser and post harvest technologies; Cluster 6: Improving Policy conditions and building innovation mechanisms). The following are the priority areas identified for basic and engineering sciences: Human resource capacity building; Relevance of the S&T curriculum to National Development Priorities; Assessment of existing national capacities in the area of STI Policy and Institutional capacity; Gender, equity and other issue of access; Use of Renewable Energy to catalyze sustainable development. PROPOSED ACTIONS for Fostering policies and capacity building in Science, Technology and Innovation, with special emphasis on the Basic Sciences and Energy The details of the expected outcomes of these actions are presented in table 1. ACTIONS for addressing the priority area: Human resource capacity building and Relevance of the S&T curriculum to National Development Priorities: m Assessment of state of S&T training Institutions; m Development of a comprehensive database on Scientists and Science Institutions (includes research institutions, etc); m Development of training modules for use of ICTs and Regional training of trainers programmes for use of ICTs in teaching and learning; m Promotion of teaching aids and scientific equipment for teaching basic sciences (science education); m Create awareness on the needs of strengthening basic science in Africa; m Mapping of potential Centers of Excellence in the area of S&T; m S&T education for HIV/AIDS prevention. ACTIONS for addressing priority area: Assessment of existing national capacities in the area of Science and Technology and innovation (STI) Policy and Institutional capacity: m Mapping of S&T policies in the region; m Development of training modules for Science and Technology Innovation Policy formulation and regional training of trainers. ACTIONS for addressing priority area: Gender, equity and other issue of access: m Gender mainstreaming and its effect on women s participation in S&T. ACTIONS for addressing priority area : Use of Renewable Energy to catalyze sustainable development: m Assessment of the impact of renewable energy demonstration projects in Africa; m Multimedia modules for training of trainers on the design, installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems. S t r a t e g i c f r a m e w o r k o f u n e s c o p r o g r a m m e i n a f r i c a 15

24 (c) Priority areas under UNESCO s Strategic Objective: Contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation The areas were identified from the analysis of the following regional planning documents. (AU/NEPAD S&T Plan of action: Cluster 2: Energy, water and desertification AU/NEPAD Environment Plan of action: Area 5: Mitigation of Climate Change): Flooding, tsunamis and algal blooms; Geo-environmental hazards and disasters; Drought preparedness and management. PROPOSED ACTIONS for Contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation The details of the expected outcomes of these actions are presented in table 1. ACTIONS for addressing priority: Drought preparedness and management: m Development of a drought management system at grassroot level. ACTIONS for addressing priority: Geo-environmental hazards and disasters: m Awareness campaigns on potential geo environmental hazard sites. ACTIONS for addressing priority: Flooding, tsunamis and algal blooms: m Development of capacities for modeling and forecasting of floods and storm surges; m Preparation of inundation maps for coastal areas; m Inventory of occurrence of potential harmful marine algae. 16 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

25 Chapter 3 Regional Science Activities ( ) R E G I O N A L S C I E N C E A C T I V I T I E S ( ) 17

26 In chapter 2 several actions were proposed. The details of the activities under each of these actions are presented in chapters 3 and 4. In the current chapter brief descriptions of the regional activities are presented. The details include the objective and the expected outcomes and the countries that are expected to participate in the activity. 3.1 Basic and Engineering Science: Science and Technology Capacity-Building and Policy It is recognized that a strong science and technology sector is a major requirement for increasing countries capabilities to innovate, generate and utilize knowledge needed to boost most economic sectors. UNESCO s actions in basic and engineering science will address the national and regional challenges of inadequate and limited human and institutional capacity in science and technology training, research and governance. Specific actions will address the challenges of assessing, designing and implementing adequate policies and laws at national and regional levels that will contribute to creating a regulatory and governance environment conducive to enhancing the role of various actors and raising the level of investment in the sector. In order for these actions to contribute to attaining the overall strategic objectives spelled out in chapter 2, UNESCO will implement, in this biennium, the following activities Provide support to regional networks in science and technology This will be done with the objective to promote regional networking of institutions, centers of excellence, in order to pool together the resources for training and research. The following outputs are expected to be achieved: Expected outputs: Capacity of African regional networks in S&T strengthened; Capacity of African regional centers of excellence in S&T strengthened; and Resources for supporting research and training activities provided. The target beneficiaries of this activity are African regional networks and centers of excellence Cooperation with regional S&T Institutions Cooperation will be done with the objectives to promote join activities for the sharing of scientific knowledge and advance research facilities; to increase collaborative interactions with scientific community such as the International Council for Science (ICSU), the Third World Academy for Science (TWAS), the Africa Academy for Science (AAS); and to support the implementation of the AU/NEPAD programme activities in Science and Technology. The following outputs are expected: Expected outputs: Collaborative activities to increase the sharing of scientific knowledge implemented; 18 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

27 Partnership with scientific community in Africa strengthened; and Support to advance the implementation of the Consolidated Plan of Action of the AU/NEPAD provided. The target beneficiaries of this activity are mainly the African scientific community, including organizations such as International Council for Science (ICSU), Third World Academy for Science (TWAS), Africa Academy for Science (AAS), the African Union Commission and its NEPAD programme Development of training modules for STI policy formulation The objectives of developing the training modules will be to train large numbers of government officials in sector of STI and to enhance the capacities for STI policy formulation in the region. The following outputs are expected: Expected outputs: Training module developed for STI policy formulation; At least one sub-regional workshop organized in Africa for training of policymakers; and A large number of officials in charge of decision- and policy-making in various relevant sectors related to S&T and development are trained in policy formulation. The target beneficiaries are mainly policy-makers in governmental and parastatal institutions, and members of parliaments Regional Mapping of STI policy status This will be conducted with the objective of improving policy framework for science and technology through mapping of policy status in Sub Saharan Africa. The following outputs are expected: Expected outputs: Key information on national S&TI system collected; Key information of the policy framework for designing and implementing STI collected; Analysis and recommendations (guidelines) on ways to improve STI policy framework developed; and Report on the status of STI policy written. The target beneficiaries are African Member States, the AU/NEPAD and the African Union Commission. R E G I O N A L S C I E N C E A C T I V I T I E S ( ) 19

28 3.2 Water Sciences Climate change impacts on the hydrological cycle and consequent impacts on water resources With an increasing global population, the challenge of managing water resources grows. Conflicts between different water uses and users become more common, as increasing demands are placed on this limited resource. There are added risks and uncertainties associated with climate change and the long-term impact on water availability. The challenge for the international hydrological research community is considerable: to develop better methods and tools to ensure more effective and sustainable management of the increasingly scarce resource. This is carried out under FRIEND project (Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data), a dynamic concept whose aim is to improve the links between research, application and education and to promote scientific and educational activities. The following actions are planned: (i) Coordination of FRIEND groups in Africa (FRIEND/ Nile, FRIEND/AOC and FRIEND/SA) (ii) Strengthening of HELP basins in Africa (ii) Capacity Building activities. Expected Results: Regional cooperation; Conducting joint research activities; Enhancing networks between relevant universities and research institutions; Capacity-building Managing groundwater systems response to global changes Groundwater resource development has given great social and economic benefits through provision of low-cost, drought-reliable and high-quality water supplies for urban areas, rural populations and crop irrigation. Most African countries rely to a large extent on groundwater for their drinking water supply, ranging from shallow hand-dug wells to deeper public supply boreholes. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the availability of groundwater resources will have a critical impact on the African Water agenda for poverty reduction. Whilst it is recognized that groundwater resource availability (or potential) alone does not equate with improved livelihoods, Africa urgently needs investment in increasing water storage at all scales, to improve water supply security and mitigate the impacts of frequent droughts (and accelerated climate change) which have a major impact on the local economy and a knock-on effect on national GDPs. There is a potentially major role for groundwater storage in mitigating more frequent and extended drought episodes, through small-scale enhancement of aquifer recharge and storage use. 20 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

29 The purpose is to address key issues on the availability of groundwater resources through developing activities on Transboundary and shared groundwater in Africa and Capacity building towards risks awareness, management and protection of groundwater in Africa. To address these challenges, the following will be carried out: Strategic Interventions for Groundwater and its Sustainable Utilization (Assessment of groundwater vulnerability, Development and dissemination of policy options to mitigate such threats); Management of transboundary aquifers in Africa: Transboundary aquifers are not well known or understood by decision makers and policy developers, because they are hidden from view and their hydrogeological functioning is often difficult to explain to the non specialist. Policy decisions on conservation of transboundary aquifer resources, appreciation of their role in hydro- environmental support and their sustainable management, need to be made on sound scientific information; Capacity Building. Expected Results: Setting up the Africa Groundwater Commission; Implementation of the project on Joint Management of Coastal Aquifer System of the Gulf of Guinea; Preparation of the Roadmap for the Groundwater Commission; Contribution to the organization of International Conferences Managing water as a shared responsibility across geographical and social boundaries Water is central to promoting socio-economic development, protecting the environment and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Poor management of freshwater resources is characterized by lack of integration, sectoral approaches, and institutional resistance to change by large public agencies in a context of increasing competition. The purpose is to ensure sustainable resource management so that water can be supplied and progress monitored, towards the achievement of the MDGs; also provide better quantitative pictures of current water-quality conditions and trends in water quality and water uses, as well as facilitate the identification of emerging issues and future priorities. A primary concern is to carry out activities towards better water governance, raising awareness, providing education and building capacity. The strategy is to refine assessment capabilities, not only to provide snapshots of the state of freshwater resources, but also information on the root for social and economic causes of water-related problems and develop and test methodologies and tools for addressing the social and economic dimensions of integrated freshwater resources, particularly as they relate to the environmental aspects of sustainable development. R E G I O N A L S C I E N C E A C T I V I T I E S ( ) 21

30 Expected results: Improved achievement of the MDGs target on water member countries; Better understanding of the environmental element of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its integration into water resources decision making and management practices, including the adoption of an ecosystem approach to water resources management; Enhanced capacity of government and regional bodies to carry forward an integrated planning approach to water resources management and promote intergovernmental dialogue on water in all the regions. 3.3 Ecological Sciences Promoting Biosphere Reserves (BR) in Africa This activity will contribute to the creation of new Biosphere Reserves by Southern African countries and will enhance the contribution of AfriMAB in the World Network of BR. Through this activity advocacy for sustainable development approaches and technical assistance will be supported toward the achievement of many initiatives on BR that are ongoing. A particular emphasis will be given to transboundary sites which combine both natural and cultural aspects. This activity is inherent to the MAB program and will be continued beyond the biennium. Four (4) new Biosphere Reserve (BR) proposals are foreseen and one meeting of AfriMAB organized Promoting the use of BR as learning sites for Sustainable Development This activity will contribute to the use of Biosphere Reserves as sites of excellence for testing innovative approaches to sustainable development where scientific knowledge and governance modalities are combined to: reduce biodiversity loss; improve livelihoods; enhance social, economic and cultural conditions for environmental sustainability. Through this activity, advisory services towards key decision makers will improve awareness on the use of BR as learning sites through participation in relevant meetings and a research-action agenda of projects for Biosphere Reserves in Africa will be developed with scientific institutions and researchers. Priority will be given to regional research Support AfriMAB follow-up of Madrid Action Plan This activity will support the participation of African Biosphere Reserves representatives to the 3 rd Congress on Biosphere reserves, 4-9 February 2008, Madrid, Spain, during which the Madrid Action Plan ( ) will be endorsed. The UNESCO regional office will support African countries to contextualize the Madrid Action Plan to their own reality. At least two countries should have completed the exercise before the end of the Biennium. 22 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

31 3.4 Earth Sciences Development of an inventory of geosites in Africa This activity will Collect all the available data on potential geosites in Africa, weigh the value of their respective significance in accordance with ecological and cultural aspects and related added income earnings possibilities for the population near the respective sites. Brochures, booklets, and finally an inventory will be prepared Geosciences curricula harmonization and improvement in African universities UNESCO will produce an inventory of geosciences curricula in African universities and provide information for their harmonization, with the aim to achieve better conceptual contents Inventory and database on human-induced hazards Create an inventory and a database on natural and human-induced hazards and disasters, and establish and maintain observation of these risks and a data management system Capacity building in hazard and disaster awareness Investment in science for knowledge and education in disaster preparedness among decision and policy makers in Africa is extremely low, and the respective scientific institutions have often a very weak infrastructure. Disaster management is therefore in Africa largely limited to emergency humanitarian assistance. The activity therefore aims towards an advocacy for incorporation of research findings into policies, and participation in the hazard-related activities of the International Year of Planet. 3.5 Ocean science and coastal protection The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO promotes scientific investigation of ocean and coastal areas. International cooperation and coordination of programmes are undertaken to improve the knowledge of these systems, and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine environment, and the decision-making processes of its Member State. Activities in Africa are implemented through two regional committees: IOCWIO- the Regional Committee for the Western Indian Ocean Region and IOCEA the Regional Committee for Central Eastern Atlantic. These include the following: Shoreline change and climate change adaptation in West Africa This programme aims to reduce vulnerability and increase adaptive capacity to the adverse effects of climate change. This will be done by developing and piloting a range R E G I O N A L S C I E N C E A C T I V I T I E S ( ) 23

32 of coping mechanisms. The expected outputs will include: (i) pilot demonstration projects to reduce climate driven coastline erosion (ii) integration of climate change issues and coastal management activities and programmes across sectors (iii) design of national policies and programmes to facilitate adaptation to climate change in coastal regions (iv) replication of successful community level approaches to mitigate and adapt to coastline erosion (v) improvement of capacity of institutions and human resources to develop and implement adapatation strategies and measures in coastal environment (vi) establishment of clearing facility to capture, store, disseminate lessons and best practice and information products (vii) establishment of learning mechanisms for adaptive management and (viii) enhanced cooperation at the regional level in addressing climate change impacts on coastal areas Development of an ocean and coastal observing system for Africa for monitoring and management of regional issues such as climate change The development of a coastal observing and monitoring system is crucial for the collection of data and information required for the sustainable management of the coastal environment and resources. Sea level stations will be installed at selected locations and training provided on installation and maintenance of equipment as well as processing, analysis and interpretation of data. Receivers for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) will be installed at some of the locations to provide data on crustal motions in order to derive absolute or climate related signals in the mean sea level from the tide gauge records. The data from the sea level stations will be accessible at < sealevelstations.net> The aim is to establish a comprehensive network of evenly spaced tide gauges providing near-real time data and observing and monitoring the key oceanographic phenomena along the African coastline. Sustainability of the African Sea level network will be ensured by the existence of a pool of local experts to install and maintain the network and develop products from the data generated Development of an African Marine atlas that includes real time data The African Marine Atlas has been developed as a Pan-African regional product providing access to maps, images, data and information to a wide range of user at the regional scale. The atlas will be further developed into an online mapping application that produces maps of spatially referenced data dynamically from geographic information. The atlas will be interactive so that users can select map layers from various organizations participating in the initiative to view and query. Higher resolution data will be collated to improve the relevance of the atlas at local, national and regional levels. These will be used to develop national marine atlases to form the basis of the African Marine Atlas. The products will be availed through the existing static website < as downloadable data products, and a mapserver site that allows users to select and overlay maps covering different features. A demonstration site that will be replaced by the actual site is already available at: < 24 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

33 3.5.4 Strengthening of national data and information centres to provide coastal and marine data for sustainable resource management UNESCO has supported the establishment and operation of National Oceanographic Data and Information Centres in more than 25 coastal African countries. The centres will be strengthened as a mechanism for application of data, information and products required for marine and coastal management in Africa. The focus will be on improving infrastructure (especially equipment and connectivity), and development of skills for analysis and interpretation of the data for coastal management. Training will be provided on a wide range of topics such as GIS applications, web based data serving, modeling, and development of communication and awareness materials to enable the centres reach a broad user base. The centres will be able to develop and maintain databases on experts, institutions, marine biodiversity, and literature. National ocean data portals providing access to the data and information available at the centres will be accessible through an African Ocean Data portal Strengthening institutional structures to improve research for coastal management The objective of the UNESCO/IOC Self-Driven Capacity Development programme is to empower countries to sustainably use their coastal resources. Senior role players and scientists will be provided with skills to identify key issues and plan and implement solutions most appropriate to local conditions. Workshops will be organised on topics such as leadership skills, proposal writing and team building. The programme will nurture networks of institutes capable of playing multifaceted roles ranging from providing advise to policy and decision makers, to enrolling communities in decision making through science awareness. Training on the use of Decision Support Tools such as modelling, and application of GIS and remote sensing to coastal management will provide the institutions with the expertise to understand, forecast and predict changes as well as develop scenarios for management of coastal areas. This will facilitate the development of management plans for coastal and marine resources for selected vulnerable coastal zones. 3.6 Gender in Science and Technology As the gender dimension of Science and Technology continues to become an increasingly important topical issue worldwide, the Office s mandate to promote Science and Technology in sub-saharan Africa gives it a crucial role to play in ensuring the elimination of gender disparities in access to, influence over and use of Science and Technology. The Office also takes cognisance of the continent s need for professionals in Science and Technology for it to achieve the much needed industrialization, and understands the need to and importance of enhancing the capacity of women who form a large percentage of the continent s population. R E G I O N A L S C I E N C E A C T I V I T I E S ( ) 25

34 As part of its activities within the Basic and Engineering Sciences of ensuring a gender dimension of Science and Technology throughout the programmes, the office is focusing on enhancing the participation of women and girls in Africa in Science and Technology courses and professions for the 2008/2009 Biennium. Activities for this biennium will include strengthening and or creation of networks of African women scientists and engineers, supporting efforts of member States to mainstream gender in Science and Technology and ensuring the promotion and popularisation of Science and Technology as a culture within the learning environment as well as within the general community. The Office s activities that target gender equality and women s empowerment in Science and Technology are regional in nature. 26 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

35 Chapter 4 Cluster/National Activities C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 27

36 Some of the actions proposed in chapter 2 were expected to be implemented at national level. Figure 2 directs each country to the Cluster or national office responsible for UNESCO science activities.. Below are the details of the activities implemented in various cluster offices. Figure 2: Alphabetical list of countries and the responsible cluster offices Country 1 Angola Windhoek 2 Benin Accra 3 Botswana Harare 4 Burkina Faso Bamako Location of the responsible Cluster/ National office 5 Burundi Nairobi and Bujumbura 6 Cameroun Yaounde 7 Cape Verde Dakar 8 Central African Republic Yaounde 9 Chad Yaounde 10 Comoros Dar-es-Salaam 11 Congo Brazzaville 12 Congo DR Kinshasa 13 Cote D Ivoire Accra 14 Djibouti Addis Ababa 15 Eritrea Nairobi 16 Ethiopia Addis Ababa 17 Gabon Libreville 18 Gambia Dakar 19 Ghana Accra 20 Guinea Bamako 21 Guinea Bissau Dakar 22 Guinea Equatorial Libreville 23 Kenya Nairobi 24 Lesotho Windhoek 25 Liberia Accra 26 Madagascar Dar-es-Salaam 27 Malawi Harare 28 Mali Bamako 29 Mozambique Maputo and Harare 30 Namibia Windhoek 31 Niger Bamako 32 Nigeria Abuja 28 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

37 Country 33 Rwanda Nairobi 34 Sao Tome and Principe libreville 35 Senegal Dakar 36 Sierra Leone Accra 37 Somalia Nairobi 38 South Africa Windhoek 39 Swaziland Windhoek 40 Tanzania Dar-es-Salaam 41 Togo Accra 42 Uganda Nairobi 43 Zambia Harare 44 Zimbabwe Harare 4.1 Abuja Office Location of the responsible Cluster/ National office This is a national office serving only Nigeria. The following are the activities implemented form the Abuja office Creating Legislative Framework and Awareness for the Use of Alternative Energy Sources for Sustainable Development in Nigeria The main purpose of the activity is to promote best practice in legislation, sensitize and promote awareness amongst Nigerian Legislators and Managers of the energy sector on the potential and use of alternative sources of energy for sustainable development. The major expected output is the development of strategic energy policy framework for the Legislators Identifying and Promoting Cultural Approaches for Management of Bioresources at the Nigerian World Heritage Sites in Oshogbo and Sukur The main purpose of the activity is to: enhance linkages between cultural and biological diversity as a key to sustainable development; Highlight the role of indigenous knowledge as a bridge between cultural and biological diversity; and Study and document traditional, modern and effective ways of bio-resource conservation in the two World Heritage sites in Oshogbo and Sukur. The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) was contracted to undertake the case study in the two World Heritage sites. The expected output will include the documentation of traditional and modern bio-resource conservation methods of medicinal plants at the 2 world heritage sites. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 29

38 4.1.3 Improving the Knowledge of Nigerian Legislators and Managers of Water Resources on Sustainable Water Governance The purpose of the activity is to promote best practice in legislation, sensitize and develop the capacity of Nigeria Legislators and Managers of water resources on sustainable water governance as well as provide the enabling environment for the development of sustainable freshwater education programmes in selected Nigerian Universities. The implementation of the activity is in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (Water Sector). The proposed workshop will be held in early The expected outcome includes development of efficient water management polices for legislators UBW Extrabudgetary Project: Faculties of Science and Engineering in Nigerian Universities responding to HIV and AIDS This pilot project is an extra budgetary project within the framework of Unified Budget Work plan (UBW). The main objective is to mainstream HIV and AIDS education into the curriculum of seven selected Nigerian Universities. The activity implementation is in collaboration with National Universities Commission (NUC) and four (4) other stakeholders working on HIV Education related projects. The main expected output will be the inclusion of HIV and AIDS education in the curriculum of Faculties of Science and Engineering in 7 selected Universities in Nigeria. 4.2 Accra Office For the biennium , the Accra office will implement the following six activities for the countries of the cluster namely Benin, Cote d Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo Climate change impacts on hydrological cycle, and consequent impact on water resources Climate has great impact on the ecosystem and livelihood of population in the cluster countries. The IPCC fourth report released in 2007 has clearly indicated that Africa is the most vulnerable continent due to the high level of poverty and the place of natural resources for the population s livelihood. The different studies on climate change impacts assessment conducted in the countries of the cluster during the preparation of national communications or the preparation of the NAPA (National Adaptation Action Plan) are, in most of these countries, based on qualitative assessment approach. There is a great need to strengthen the capacity of the countries of the cluster on sound scientific methodologies for the assessment of the impacts of climate variability and change on 30 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

39 natural resources particularly on water resources and to sensitize decision makers. The objectives are: (i) (ii) (iii) to document in each country where sufficient data is available, the evidence of the modification of hydrological cycle in the sub-region and to use the findings in order increase the awareness at all levels on the threat on climate variability and change; to reinforce the capacity on sound scientific methodologies for the assessment of climate change impacts on water resources; to support scientifically the preparation of the West African Action Plan on Climate Change. The main expected results are: a national document providing the evidence of climate variability and change and impacts on water resources produced in each country (Ghana, Cote d Ivoire, Benin and Togo); Awareness among decision makers on climate change improved through a national dissemination workshop; the preparation of the West African Action Plan on Climate Change supported by the office. This activity concerns four countries of the cluster where data seems to be available to undertake the activity. They are Benin, Cote d Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. In each country of the cluster, the national IHP committee and the institutions and stakeholders dealing with climate change issues will be fully involved Managing water as a shared responsibility across geographical and social boundaries As stressed in the AU/NEPAD Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA), there is a clear and urgent need to improve the knowledge and management on water resources and to increase the awareness at all levels concerning IWRM. In the framework of the ISARM initiative on the management of transboundary aquifers, a sub-regional West Africa workshop on ISARM was held in Cotonou in May/June During this first ISARM sub-regional workshop a network of hydro-geologist experts representing ten national IHP committees of the sub-region was created. This network will be supported in order to gather more data for the mapping of the trans-boundary aquifers in the sub-region. The objectives of the activity are: (i) to collect data and information for the mapping of transboundary aquifers within the hydro-geological systems of Tano (shared by Ghana and Cote d Ivoire) and Keta (shared by Ghana, Togo and Benin) (ii) to create a database with the collected data and information. The main expected results are: (i) transboundary aquifers within the two systems are identified and mapped (ii) database is created. In great partnership with Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) the office will continue to coordinate the SIST-IWRM network in the sub-region by implementing the Action plan of the network with the financial support of AUF. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 31

40 4.2.3 Ecological mapping for new biosphere reserves nomination in the cluster countries The AU/NEPAD CPA on Science and Technology stressed the need to preserve and to conserve biodiversity in Africa. This could be done through the biosphere reserves concept by increasing their number. For more than three decades, UNESCO through the MAB programme has promoted the management of ecosystem within the concept of biospheres reserves. A Global network of biosphere reserves has been created. In the cluster countries, the number of biosphere reserves is very limited and apart from the W shared by Niger, Benin and Burkina, there is no transboundary biosphere reserve. Despite the potential of the coastal region of the different countries of the cluster, there is no biosphere reserve in the coastal area. An ecological mapping assessment with a focus on transboundary and coastal areas will be conducted in order to identify new potential sites for biosphere reserves. The main objective of the activity is to identify in the different countries of the cluster potential sites for nomination as biosphere reserve with a priority to transboundary and coastal sites. The strategy will consist of supporting the national MAB committee in the different countries to come out with potential sites for biosphere reserves Global change impacts on the biosphere reserves in the cluster country In the AU/NEPAD CPA on S&T, the need for a better understanding of biodiversity loss mechanism has been stressed in order to propose appropriate adaptation strategies. Climate variability recorded in the sub-region combined with human activities has impacted on the biodiversity in the different cluster countries. The biosphere reserves were also affected. Biosphere reserve within its three distinct zones seems to be a good instrument to monitor and to assess the impact of climate variability and change on the ecosystem. The core area constitutes a natural conserved zone where modifications are mostly associated with natural climate variability. Inside the buffer and the transition zones, the modifications are due to both climate variation and human intervention. Research will be initiated in one biosphere reserve in the cluster on ecosystem and landscape changes in relation with climate variability and change and the elaboration of mitigation and adaptation strategies. The activity will be implemented in close collaboration with the national MAB committees and the universities. The outcomes of the research will be published and disseminated through a one day national workshop. The biosphere reserve of Pendjari in Benin is considered for this first study. The main result of the study will be a report describing the different changes observed in the biosphere and their link with the climate variability and change Tools for a sustainable management of floodplain areas in West Africa In many of the West African countries, flooding is frequently recorded during the rainy season with unfortunately sometimes losses in human lives and important damages. The flooding is mainly due to the fact that the populations live in non suitable areas for habitation. With the strong urbanization, the lack of drainage systems and anarchical 32 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

41 occupation of the floodplains of the rivers and if nothing is done we will continue to assist to an important increasing of the number of vulnerable inhabitants to floods. There is an urgent need for a sustainable management of floodplain areas. The objectives of the activity are: (i) to prepare, publish and disseminate methodologies for floodplain area mapping in partnership with AGRHYMET regional center (ii) to organize a sub-regional workshop on the prevention and management of floods (iii) to prepare a sub-regional project proposal title Enhance the resilience of sub-saharan African Countries to hydro- Hazards Disasters for some countries (Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Mali, Burkina). This activity will be implemented in partnership with AGRHYMET regional center and in close collaboration with national IHP committees and disaster preparedness entities of the selected countries Encouraging youth and female for careers in science in the cluster The importance of science for development is clearly recognized in the AU/NEPAD CPA on S&T. The promotion among the youth and female for science studies and careers is essential. This promotion initiated during the last biennium in the cluster will continue with a focus on the youth and female. This will be done through support for some youth TV games on science, universities scientific days, conference for youth on science careers and fellowships for female in science. This activity will be implemented in close collaboration with the National Commissions, the ministries of education and universities in the different cluster countries. The main target groups will be youth and female. This activity will be implemented in all the six countries of the cluster. 4.3 Addis Ababa Office The Office in Addis Ababa implements programme activities in Ethiopia and Djibouti Groundwater dependent ecosystems identification, inventory and assessment Water has become a valuable commodity and especially in Africa where infrastructure challenges and human resources limitations make the supply and treatment of water a difficult task. Karst and Volcanic Aquifers are commonly found in Eastern sub-saharan Africa. There is a need to investigate aspects of these aquifers which most of the time are of a transboundary nature, in order to enhance regional development, knowledge and avoid any conflicts. Furthermore, the activity will be contributing to the needs identified at AU/NEPAD s Consolidated Plan of Action, Programme 2.2: Securing and sustaining water, Project 1: Scientific Assessment of Africa s Water Resources and Systems, Output 5: Disseminating scientific information on the nature of water resources and ecosystems. An International Symposium in Hydrogeology will take place from 14 to 17 December 2008 in Djibouti. Support will be given for the organization of this conference in order to enable networking and exchange of the latest research in the area. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 33

42 4.3.2 Capacity building in the basic and engineering Sciences AU/NEPAD has identified the development and use of science and technology as the road leading to the socio-economic transformation of the African continent and its integration into the world economy. It is erected on three interrelated conceptual pillars. These are: (a) capacity building (b) knowledge production and (c) technological innovation. It is of primary importance to respond to these identified needs in order to contribute to the development of the Member States. There is a need for popularization of science. UNESCO Addis will support the establishment of the Ethiopian Academy of Science and the celebrations for World Science Day and will mount an innovative, interactive exhibition La terre entre nos mains (activity where all four sectors are participating). Contracts will be made with the University of Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Agency and with the Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center (Djibouti). The reach of the activities will be the scientific population of Addis Ababa and young students in both Djibouti and Ethiopia Support for review, enactment and implementation of science policies AU/NEPAD Consolidated Science and Technology Plan of Action (CPA) articulates Africa s common objectives and commitment to collective actions to develop and use science and technology for the socio-economic transformation of the continent and its integration into the world economy. The activity aims to contribute to the outputs of CPA s Programme 5.5: Building Science and Technology Policy capacity. Science Policies provide the framework upon which a Member State can build a knowledge society and economy. In cooperation with the Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Nairobi and UNESCO Windhoek, a module for training on S&T Policy will be developed and peer reviewed. A training session for Parliamentarians will follow. Contacts will be made with the AUC HRST, AMCOST and the Parliaments of East African Member States and a consultant will be contracted to prepare a training module. The module will be reviewed by other experts in the field. A training session will follow. The activity will reach Parliamentarians of at least four East African counties. 4.4 Bamako office The Bamako Cluster office is responsible for implementation of activities in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger Biodiversity conservation and management issues in the River Niger Basin Three case studies will be carried in Niger, Mali and Guinea on the issues of Biodiversity management and conservation along the River Niger. A sub-regional workshop on transboundary and humid areas biodiversity conservation and management will be hold at Mopti in Mali. Expected output: Reports on the assessment of the Niger basin biodiversity with particular focus on management/conservation issues; 34 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

43 Guidelines will be elaborated and shared for a sustainable management of biodiversity in the humid areas such as river basins Water and soil quality degradation issues in gold and aluminum mining sites in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea Three (3) sites used for gold mining( 2 in Mali, 1 in Burkina Faso) and One (1) site used for aluminum mining in Guinea will be explored for the state of water pollution and soil degradation. A workshop gathering actors will be held in Bamako on land and water conservation /management issues in mining context. Expected Results: Mining societies and authorities are sensitized on the necessity of sustainable water and soil conservation and management Assessment of higher education institutions of S&T in the cluster of Bamako Human resources, curricula, infrastructure and available S&T equipments will be assessed for higher education institutions of S&T in the four countries of Bamako cluster office. This activity aims to identify the centers of excellence and the needs of capacity building in the institutions submitted to the study by one consultant for each country in the cluster. Expected Results: At least 8 S&T training institutions are assessed with regard to Human resources, equipments, curricula and infrastructure (good practices to share, difficulties, Needs of capacity building in the S&T institutions are known) Promoting culture of maintenance in the field of renewable energy A workshop focused on biogas, solar thermal and photovoltaic equipments installation and maintenance will gather 20 trainers and renewable energy specialists from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea for 04 days at Niamey, Niger. Expected Results: 20 trainers in renewable energy are trained in equipment installation and maintenance. 4.5 Dakar Office The Dakar cluster office is responsible for Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde. The office is implementing activities on MLA1 (water, ecological sciences) and MLA4 (S&T policy and basic and engineering sciences) 9. 9 MLA 1 and MLA 2 where defined in chapter 2 C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 35

44 4.5.1 Testing community-based approaches to water management in the Transboundary Biosphere Reserves (TBR) of Senegal Delta River. Background Community based method to combat invasive water plant species in the Senegal delta river is tested and validated, using eco-hydrological principles. During this biennium the last set of experimental field activities will be completed and the appropriate methodology established. The results of 4 years research in this field will be published. Objective Knowledge base relating to the impacts of global change (including climate change) on river basins and aquifer systems improved particularly in arid and semiarid regions via development of adaptation strategies and sharing of strategies with national authorities and other decision-makers. Outputs Eco-hydrological principles to combat invasive plant species analyzed. At least one methodology tested, scientific report of 3 years experimentation available Using Biosphere Reserve model to better understand and monitor climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Background - SIDS are particularly vulnerable to climate change. In the cluster, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau will participate in the UNESCO-IOC/UNDP-GEF project on adaptation to climate change. This activity will focus on the specificity of SIDS and will use Biosphere Reserve as a model for long-term monitoring. Bijagos archipelago Biosphere Reserve will serve as a learning laboratory and its experience will be expanded to Cape Verde through research and capacity building of municipalities and local communities. Objective - Institutional capacities in ecosystem management and applied geosciences strengthened to foster policies, research and learning for reducing biodiversity loss, for mitigating and adapting to global change, and for enhancing earth systems understanding and monitoring, including the fight against desertification. Outputs - Improved understanding of climate change impacts on SIDS. Assessment of CC impact is done in the Biosphere Reserve and reports made available. Climate change monitoring system established and operational. Communities trained in monitoring methods Promoting policies and practices for the sustainable development of SIDS: focus on Cape Verde as a one UN pilot country. Background - Vulnerable SIDS communities are often excluded from climate change (CC) debates, despite being the first to suffer the direct consequences of climate change. On the one hand they can facilitate global awareness of climate change impacts, on the other hand they can generate knowledge on the local adaptation strategies that have been put into place. Cape Verde is a one UN pilot country and will be the main focus of this activity. 36 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

45 Objective - Policies and practices for sustainable development of SIDS, including in the light of climate change, shared within and across SIDS regions. Outputs - Wise practices on local adaptation strategies assessed and South-south experiences in CC adaptation strategies exchanged. Sandwatch launched in Cape Verde as part of a regional initiative. Impact of CC on Cape Verde assessed through local mapping within the framework of Sandwatch. 4.6 Dar-es-Salaam Office The Dar-es-Salaam office covers the small islands of Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles as well as Madagascar and the United Republic of Tanzania. The focus of the science desk is primarily on: Capacity building in water resources management; Capacity enhancement for the management of biosphere reserves; Development of capacities in science education; Promotion of national capacities in science, technology and innovation for economic development; Promotion of renewable energies. For the 2008 to 2009 biennium, the office is focusing on the following within the regular programmes: The provision of assistance for the reform and repositioning of the science, technology and innovation (STI) system of Tanzania This involves a comprehensive review of the science, technology and innovation system of the country and the outcome of the review will lead to concrete innovation policies and strategies and the design of a plan of action on STI. The process has started and is on-going Capacity development in integrated water resources management In view of the fact that fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to sustain life, there is an urgent requirement for managerial capacities to understand and apply the principle of integrated water resources management. A workshop for three countries namely Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles on integrated water resources management for managers of the urban water agencies of the countries will be organised. Another one is planned for Comoros and Tanzania Improving the teaching and learning of science in schools through the use of effective learning techniques and micro-science kits For science and technology to contribute significantly to the economies of African states, the current level of persons studying science, engineering and technology must C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 37

46 be increased and it is best to invest in this human capacity development from the early stages of primary and secondary education using techniques that demystify science subjects and cause an increase in transitions from secondary to tertiary for those studying science subjects Advancing sustainable development and local and indigenous knowledge in Small Islands in light of climate change. The Mauritius strategy emphasis actions that global bodies have agreed to take for the sustainable development of the Small Island States. One action that UNESCO carries out though an inter-sectoral action is beach protection through the Sandwatch programme. An activity to raise awareness of young people on beach protection in the Comoros is planned for 2008 and would include also issues on recognizing impact of natural disasters such as sudden volcanic eruptions on beaches in view of the current situation with the Karthala Extrabudgetary activities in science in the Dar-es-Salaam office Tanzania being one of the eight pilot countries for the One UN (Delivering as One) progrmames, the science sector is participating in the following Joint Programmes: Joint Programme 1: Wealth Creation, Employment & Economic Empowerment; Joint Programme 4: Capacity Strengthening for Development Management; Joint Programme for Education; Joint Programme for Environment. Activities developed in the Joint Programmes include among others: Support for the development of a decision support system for a pilot biosphere reserve to support management in adapting to climate change; Evaluation of current management strategies of Serengeti-Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and East Usambara Biosphere Reserves; Development of a science education policy for Tanzania; Improving the teaching and learning of science in primary and secondary schools with micro-science kits; Review/Evaluation of the performance of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) in Science, Technology and Innovation and economic development; Evaluation of national research systems; Development of programmes on Innovation Management & Technological entrepreneurship in selected Educational Institutions; Support for the creation of a tourism innovation cluster; Feasibility study on establishment of a Technology Park; Training workshops to develop capacities for managing the national S&T system; 38 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

47 Training workshops for parliament to strengthen oversight functions of MDAs in Science sector; Training workshops for the Tanzania Bureau of Statistics on the measuring of Science Technology and Innovation Indicators. Interested persons can contact the office for a full dossier of the activities the science sector is carrying out or is in the process of carrying out within the One UN programme in Tanzania. 4.7 Harare Office The office covers Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe Managing Groundwater System Response to Global Changes: Managed Aquifer Recharge Training Within the framework of managing groundwater systems response to global changes, UNESCO Harare Cluster office in cooperation with the cluster offices of Dar-es-Salaam and Windhoek and the UNESCO Chair in Hydrogeology at the University of Western Cape, is organizing a training course in February 2009 to contribute towards capacity building on the application of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) principles for integrated management of water resources in Southern Africa. The course will be held at the University of the Western Cape, in consultation with UNESCO Offices in the region and in partnership with South African partners such as the CSIR, the IHP National Committees of the region and overseas institutes including CSIRO. At least one participant of each SADC countries in southern Africa will be invited. It is expected that this training would capacitate participants from SADC who are able to utilize the information and knowledge for water resources management in their own hydrogeological situation Community Education for Improved Stewardship in Natural Resources Management and Climate Change Awareness As part of efforts to mobilize science knowledge for sustainable development, UNESCO Harare Cluster Office has since September 2008 been creating awareness on the critical role of Science through the cluster s radio programme entitled Setting the Standard. The radio programme, which is a pilot for UNESCO Harare, is broadcast weekly. on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation(ZBC) SpotFM Radio Station. Even though the funding available is limited, the radio programme has made it possible to reach a bigger audience than regular workshops would. Topics so far covered on the programme include: Man and Biosphere: Man living in harmony with his environment; Water and Poverty Reduction: The link between water and poverty; Climate Change: Engaging the public in adaptation and mitigation. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 39

48 4.7.3 Water education for communities, stakeholders and mass-media professionals Within the framework of fostering policies, technical capacity-building, research, networking, education and international cooperation in the field of water, ecological and earth sciences for enhancing societal responses, UNESCO signed a contract with Malawi and Zambia for workshops on Water Education for Mass Media Professionals, Communities and Stakeholders. It is expected through this activity that communities will be sensitized through increased awareness and promotion of efficient and effective water utilization. Communities are taught to protect water for sustainable agriculture, fisheries, eco-tourism etc Launching of the Zimbabwe National MAB committee In this activity, Zimbabwe, through the MAB committee is conducting research planning meetings with stakeholders, on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi river to facilitate data gathering for the MAB Biosphere Reserve in order to come up with the UNESCO nomination dossier. This is in realization that the Zambezi valley has the highest biodiversity in Southern Africa and is currently the largest gene pool for future conservation and development research. The Zambezi has increasingly come under pressure for agricultural settlements, mining and hydropower development. Malaria and trypanosomiasis control has resulted in application of large amounts of insecticide, particularly DDT; Pollution has impacted massively on the river courses of the Zambezi basin. Gold panning is releasing mercury and cyanide into basin streams and climate change now also threatens ecosystems in the basin as a whole, particularly the wetlands. The Zambezi river is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia, hence UNESCO is assisting both countries to carry out the researches for the nomination dossier Review of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies Within the framework of the MLA 4 approved regular programme (Review of the Status and Operationalization of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies) UNESCO Harare Cluster Office is providing technical assistance to the governments of Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe for the review of the countries Science, Technology and Innovation policies. The policy reviews are expected to: 1. Create an enabling environment to allow Science, Technology and Innovation to flourish; 2. Develop human resource capacity; and 3. Enable the application of scientific, technological and innovative capacity for the resolution of social problems UNESCO-British Council partnership on climate change UNESCO Harare Cluster Office is collaborating with the British Council- Zimbabwe on a climate change project aimed at raising awareness and creating demand for action 40 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

49 on climate security in Zimbabwe. To be undertaken over three-years ( ), the project focuses on three thematic areas: 1. Water and the Hydrological Cycle, 2. Deforestation, and 3. Air Pollution. The project is expected to empower school-children as advocates for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Zimbabwe. 4.8 Libreville Office This office is responsible for programme activities in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Congo D.R and Congo. However because of the temporary presence of offices in Congo and Congo DR the office restricts itself to only three countries. Furthermore, the office has no programme specialist responsible for Science. Hence science activities in these countries are implemented from the Regional office in Nairobi. Only a small fund is allocated directly to the Office to enable the Director to support joint UN country team programmes in environment. 4.9 Nairobi Cluster Office In addition to activities mentioned in chapter 3, the UNESCO, Nairobi Office will pursue other science and technology activities in the sub-region that include the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi. These activities are: Achieving sustainable urban water management The objective of this is to work towards the common results reflected in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The elements of action are: a) Research and assessment of urban groundwater vulnerability. The objective is to develop methodologies for optimal monitoring of the contamination of groundwater aquifers in order to address the threat to the groundwater quality in vulnerable aquifers from urbanization; b) Capacity building of districts in the management of wastes and contaminants by training and technical assistance for the development of waste management plan (Rwanda). The general objective is to develop guidelines for the operation and management of waste disposal sites in Kigali districts; d) MAWARI project - Sustainable Management of Water Resource in the East- African Rifts System. UNESCO Nairobi is member of the Scientific Committee of this French Government project which aims at the improvement of knowledge C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 41

50 and understanding of the groundwater life cycle, to set guidelines to help decision makers for a sustainable management of the water resources in the rift valley. UNESCO is assisting the University of Nairobi in the implementation of the project in Kenya Establishment of sub-regional parliament Network for STI The role of parliament in the process of regulation and policy-making is more and more emphasized in Africa. However, despite the emergence of many technical commissions in parliament in many African countries, the issues related to S&T bear a low priority in the development agendas. Raising awareness of parliament would contribute to a better mainstreaming of STI priorities in the overall development strategy of African countries and accelerate the passing of key sustainable development laws and conventions. The expected outputs of this activity are: Expected outputs: Sub-regional network of MP for STI established; and Framework for policy-making and regulation for enhancing STI impact on development is improved. The target beneficiaries of this activity are Members of Parliaments from Sub-regional cluster Member States (Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea), and potential MP in other sub-regions Support to activities to improve research capacity With the lowest R&D funding of all world regions, scientific R&D in Africa face serious deficit in human and institutional capacity, as well as a very limited access to information. The objective of this activity is to support scientists to collaborate and share research experiences so as to reinforce their capacities and generate critical partnerships. The expected outputs of this activity are: Expected outputs: Scientists supported to attend conferences/meetings on science; Scientific publications presented at important conferences based on research findings; and Funding provided for the organizations of scientific events. The target beneficiaries are African researchers and research institutions in the subregion. 42 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

51 4.9.4 Technical Assistance to Member States With the objective to respond to request by sub-regional countries for technical assistance in formulating or reviewing of their S&T policy. The following outputs are expected: Expected outputs: Assistance for the implementation of STI policies for poverty reduction and sustainable development provided in requesting countries; and Assistance for formulating Policy for the implementation of STI for poverty reduction and sustainable development provided in requesting countries; The target beneficiaries are countries in the UNESCO, Nairobi office cluster: Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, and Eritrea Improve regional capacity for reducing biodiversity loss There is a need to build capacity on Conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources in Africa. This activity will support the project of a regional center of excellence in these areas. The center is proposed to be hosted by Rwanda for the use of the Rift Albertin countries. Technical assistance will be provided for the development of a feasibility study and a project proposal for the center of excellence will be submitted for extra budgetary funding before the end of the biennium. Under this activity two research grants will be provided to young researchers Support to the countries to undertake periodic review of Biosphere Reserves (BR) The evaluation of BR management has been recommended by the last AfriMAB meeting and by the Madrid Congress. Thus, technical support will be provided to help countries to review the management of their BR. Based on relevant case studies, guidelines for practitioners and decision-makers will be developed on specific issues as a climate change, conflict resolution, and poverty reduction related to the management of BR. Two periodic reviews are targeted Improve sustainable management of BR in Nairobi Cluster Countries The Madrid Action Plan recommends aligning management of BR with Seville Strategy. Therefore, the management of Mount Kulal (Kenya) and the Volcanoes BR (Rwanda) need to be assessed and reviewed. The capacity development of key management institutions and stakeholders through advisory services, information campaign, technical assistance, and training will be undertaken in order to improve their leadership and involvement in the management of natural resources; research and monitoring activities will promoted to enhance knowledge about BR. This activity will contribute to the UNDAF in Kenya and in Rwanda. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 43

52 4.10 Windhoek Office Capacity development for improved governance; enhanced legislation for wise stewardship of water resources Access to water and sanitation, as well as knowledge and technologies to improve water quality are recognized as key targets in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG 7 on environmental sustainability, implementation indicator: percentage of people with access to water and sanitation), as well as in NEPAD s Consolidated Plan of Action (Programme 2.2: Securing and sustaining water, Project 3: Knowledge and Technologies to Improve Water Quality and Quantity). However, there is a lack of guidelines for water supply and sanitation provision to be used within the local context (adapted to the National particularities) of rural communities in Africa. In order to assist Member States with water supply and sanitation provision by providing tools for strengthening capacities in water resources management, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones, Guidelines for community water supply and sanitation provision in Africa are being developed by the UNESCO Chair in Geohydrology at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa on behalf of UNESCO/Windhoek. The Guidelines will be presented during the World Water Week Managing water as a shared responsibility across geographical and social boundaries Water scarcity in the SADC region is a well documented fact. Climate Change worsens the situation and draughts are more frequent and for longer periods. In the framework of the activity will be contributing to the needs identified at NEPAD s Consolidated Plan of Action (Programme 2.2: Securing and sustaining water, Project 1: Scientific Assessment of Africa s Water Resources and Systems), ISARM-SADC has recognized the need to investigate trans-boundary aquifers in order to additionally enhance regional development and avoid any potential conflicts. In order to contribute to the study of the Stampriet Trans-boundary Aquifer, a research study on the Stampriet Trans-boundary Aquifer will be published, prepared by the UNESCO Chair in Geohydrology at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. This aquifer spans through Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana, countries in which many communities rely on their water supply by this aquifer Water education for communities, stakeholders and mass-media professionals Lesotho and Swaziland have recently promulgated their water acts and are in the process of implementing them. In order for future decisions on water allocation to be more equitable, well accepted and abide by, the establishment of mechanisms for public participation in water governance is necessary. 44 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

53 The project will contribute to the establishment of Water Basin Committees and Lesotho and Swaziland, as pilot demonstration projects, with the cooperation of departments of water affairs and the National Commissions for UNESCO. This will be complemented with the development of a freshwater education programme within the framework of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The activity targets local communities around the water basin Framework Programme for Research, Education and Training in Water (FETWater) This project aims at effective cooperation in research, education, training and capacity building initiatives to achieve integrated water resource management in Southern Africa. Through this programme, funded by the Flemish Government, UNESCO and the South African Government and various thematic networks in the area of integrated water resource management are supported, as a method for effective co-operation between universities, research institutions, and the public and private sectors in South Africa Research and Policy at identified Biosphere Reserves for Angola Environmental degradation is one of the factors hindering development; especially in Africa where the livelihoods of a majority of people rely on their environment. Biosphere Reserves have been identified as a vehicle to protect the environment while promoting sustainable development. In order to contribute to the establishment of a Biosphere Reserve in Angola, inception documents for the first proposal of a Biosphere Reserve in Angola will be prepared, including the identification of a proper site, with the collaboration of the Government of the Republic of Angola Establishment of a Geopark in Namibia A Joint Programme (JP) aiming at drawing on cultural tourism development as a vehicle for poverty reduction, funded by the UNDP Spain Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F), is being executed in collaboration with UNESCO s Culture sector and the Government of the Republic of Namibia. In this framework, in order to support the improvement of the livelihoods of local communities while promoting the right to cultural identity and expression, a project to establish Africa s first Geopark under UNESCO s patronage is being developed in Namibia Operationalization of the Science, Technology and Innovation policy in Swaziland AU/NEPAD has identified the development and use of science and technology as the road leading to the socio-economic transformation of the African continent and its integration into the world economy. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 45

54 In the framework of the follow-up actions to the AU/NEPAD Science and Technology Consolidated Action Plan, UNESCO Windhoek is supporting the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland in the process of developing its Science, Technology and Innovation policy, with the aim of finalizing a policy document and producing a strategy for its implementation. This process involves a broad consultation with stakeholders of the public and private sectors, as well as researchers and academics, and the local community Needs assessment and dialogue with stakeholders in the basic sciences education In the framework of the follow-up actions to the AU/NEPAD Science and Technology Consolidated Action Plan, UNESCO Windhoek is supporting the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Management Information System (STIMIS), providing sound information on the S&T resources available locally, as a central tool to the development, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based Science, Technology and Innovation policies and the development of the Basic and Engineering Sciences. The information system will be accessible to policy-makers, the local research community, users from the public and private sectors, and international partners. This project will also act as a pilot for future similar endeavors in other countries in the Cluster S&T indicators system in Namibia In the framework of the follow-up actions to the AU/NEPAD Science and Technology Consolidated Action Plan, UNESCO Windhoek is providing technical assistance to the Government of the Republic of Namibia to establish an S&T indicators system, with the collaboration of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, based in Montreal, Canada, and the NEPAD ANSTII initiative Yaoundé Office Strengthen valorisation and conservation of the natural resources of biosphere reserves and other protected areas, through support for scientific research and promotion of ecological museums The MAB committees in the cluster are dormant, partly due to the post-conflict situation in two of the cluster countries. Desertification and climate change are key issues, particularly in northern Cameroun and Chad. Poaching by military factions or with the help of heavy weapons impacts heavily on wildlife in Chad and CAR. Objectives: Increase role of BR and protected areas as models for sustainable development; Strengthen management capacity of existing reserves and develop new ones; Develop capacity for natural resources management. 46 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

55 Outputs: MAB committees of the cluster supported through at least one meeting; Management capacity of minimum one existing BR strengthened; A first BR created in Chad. Capacity improved for natural resource management by development and fundraising for one extra-budgetary adaptation project; At least 100 women in the Lake Chad basin trained in the utilisation and manufacturing of fuel-less cooking bags; One desertification awareness action with UNESCO clubs supported in Chad; environmental awareness actions with children groups supported in Cameroon and in CAR Support to strengthening of education, awareness and research capacities in water resources management in Cameroun and Chad Water scarcity is a concern in the northern arid parts of the cluster; water quality and management in the tropical parts where despite the very high availability per capita less than one third of the population have access to potable water. Shared water resources have the potential to exacerbate sub-regional conflicts. Objectives: Strengthen water education and build capacity in water management in Cameroun and Chad. Outputs: At least one education institution supported; State of the water environment prepared for Cameroon within the UNDAF planned state of the environment report; Partnership developed with the Lake Chad Basin Committee; One extra-budgetary project developed in water resources management Support to capacity in hydrological sciences The IHP committees in the cluster are dormant, partly due to the post-conflict situation in two of the cluster countries. Water scarcity is a concern in the northern arid parts of the cluster; water quality and management in the tropical parts where despite the very high availability per capita less than one third of the population have access to potable water. Shared water resources have the potential to exacerbate sub-regional conflicts. Objectives: At least one research institution will be supported towards becoming a centre of excellence. C l u s t e r o f f i c e S c i e n c e a c t i v i t i e s ( ) 47

56 Outputs: IHP committees of the cluster supported through at least one meeting; A UNESCO Chair in water quality established at the University of Bangui and assisted with organisation of minimum two scientific seminars and acquisition of laboratory equipment; An analysis of the potential role of the Chair in poverty reduction is undertaken Capacity building in basic and engineering sciences; including renewable energy Science policy in the cluster is virtually non-existent, particularly in Chad and CAR. In all three countries, science and technology has not been reflected in the PRSPs as a potential tool for poverty reduction. Participation of women in science remains limited and gender-based approaches are not mainstreamed. Objectives: Strengthen S&T policy for poverty reduction; Build capacity in basic and engineering sciences, including energy, through formal education and awareness, particularly for women and youth, strengthen women and youth involvement in science. Outputs: Parliamentarians from the cluster trained in science policy; Analysis report produced regarding incorporation of science and environment in national policy documents (PRSP, UNDAF); Ten women scientists assisted to identify and obtain MSc scholarships. Minimum one association of women engineers and scientists assisted with strategic planning; One institution assisted with access to EOLSS and other electronic UNESCO resources; The CIRCB medical research institute provided with laboratory reagents and equipment for its documentation centre. 48 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

57 Chapter 5 Regional Networks R e g i o n a l N e t w o r k s 49

58 One of the strategies used in UNESCO to facilitate capacity building is the support for networks of institutions. In this regard the Regional Bureau for Science in Africa supports several regional networks whose activities contribute to the overall objectives of the UNESCO Science programme. The Networks also serve as a vehicle for extra-budgetary fund-raising for capacity building activities. In this chapter we highlight the activities of some of the regional networks in science which are coordinated by the UNESCO regional office in Nairobi. 5.1 The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) The UNESCO Nairobi Office hosts a Pan-African Network called the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI). The Network which has been in existence since 1980 brings together 171 science and engineering institutions in thirty five (35) countries. The Network Secretariat is located in the UNESCO Nairobi Office and the UNESCO Senior Programme Specialist for Basic and Engineering Sciences serves as its coordinator. ANSTI s main goal is to develop active collaboration among African scientific institutions so as to promote training, research and development in areas of relevance for the development of the region. In 2007, the Network produced a Five-year Strategic Plan which will guide its activities to the end of The Plan changed the focus of activities from award and administration of fellowships to those that only facilitate the capacity building process. The following are the strategic programme objectives of ANSTI, which were arrived at after a lengthy consultation with leaders (Deans and Vice-Chancellors) of member institutions: i) To strengthen the staff of science and engineering training institutions; ii) To facilitate the use of African Scientists in the diaspora to strengthen teaching and research in science and engineering in universities; iii) To promote the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the delivery of science and engineering education; iv) To facilitate the sharing of scientific information and strengthen the coordinating mechanism of the Network; v) To strengthen research activities in relevant areas of Science & Technology; vi) To provide a forum for the discussion of strategic issues in science and engineering education (including issues of quality and relevance). The above-mentioned objectives were pursued through the following main activities: i. Award and administration of post-graduate training fellowships; ii. Monitoring of post graduate fellowships; iii. Award of staff exchange fellowships (visiting professorship); iv. Award for women scientist and engineers; 50 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

59 v. Development of web-based database on diaspora scientists; vi. Travel grants for diaspora scientists; vii. Sub-regional training workshop on e-content development; viii. Award and administration of conference grants; ix. Publication and dissemination of science and technology information. 5.2 AfriMAB Goals The World Network of Biosphere Reserves consists of 531 biosphere reserves in 105 countries (November 2008), and it is coordinated by the MAB Secretariat at UNESCO- HQ in Paris. In addition to the structure of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a series of networks have been established that regroup biosphere reserves based on comparable ecological or cultural attributes or geographic locations. This has the effect of providing individual biosphere reserves with a pool of expertise and resources that encourages information flow and builds capacity thereby offering obvious benefits at both management and community levels. The AfriMAB Network was created by the Regional Conference for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, which took place in Dakar, Senegal, in October 1996 in order to forge cooperation on Africa s Biosphere Reserves. Africa MAB National Committees and biosphere reserve managers meeting in Dakar set up the AfriMAB network with a view to providing a regional framework for dialogue and cooperation, exchange of ideas, sharing of information and building capacities so as to promote biosphere reserves as special sites/ places for testing sustainable development in Africa within the 69 BR in 30 countries (November 2008). The activities within the network fit under 6 thematic areas: i) Managing, zoning and enhancing the functioning of biosphere reserves; ii) Participation of partners and social stakeholders; equitable benefit-sharing of income; iii) Scientific research and capacity building; iv) Transboundary biosphere reserves; v) Biosphere reserves in conflict or post-conflict situations; vi) Adaptation to climate change. With the support of UNESCO Nairobi office, AfriMAB set up a Bureau in early 2008 and developed a Charter which is intended to be officially adopted by the members during the next AfriMAB meeting in R e g i o n a l N e t w o r k s 51

60 5.3 The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) The International Hydrological Programme (IHP), is used by Member States as a means for upgrading their knowledge of the water cycle, and is geared towards increasing the capacity to better manage and develop the water resources in the member countries. The programme which is a follow up of the International Hydrological Decade (IHD) established during the sixties, was conceived mainly because both the international scientific community and the Member States realized that Water resources are the major limiting factors for harmonious development in the many regions of the world. This calls for an internationally coordinated undertaking. It constituted a framework for: promoting leading edge research that provides timely and appropriate policy-relevant advice to Member States; facilitating education and capacity development responding to the growing needs linked to sustainable development; enhancing governance in water resource management to achieve environmental sustainability. The theme of the current IHP VII ( ) is Water Dependencies: Systems under Stress and Societal Responses. Activities will be implemented within the following themes: Adapting to the impacts of global changes on river basins and aquifer systems; Strengthening Water Governance for Sustainability; Ecohydrology for Sustainability; Water and Life Support Systems; Water Education for Sustainability Development; Cross-cutting programmes: HELP, FRIEND; associated programmes: International Flood Initiative (IFI), International Sediment Initiative (ISI), Water for Peace: From potential Conflicts to Cooperation Potential (PCCP), Joint International Isotope Hydrology Programme (JIIHP), Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management (ISARM), Global Network on Water and Development Information in Arid Lands (G-WADI), Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP), World Hydrological Map (WHYMAP). 5.4 Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa (ODINAfrica) The Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa (ODINAFRICA) brings together marine related institutions from twenty five (25) Member States of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO from Africa 52 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

61 Countries participating in ODINAfrica The network has assisted the Member States to establish and operate National Oceanographic Data and Information centres, and in particular: to get access to data available in other data centres, develop skills for manipulation of data and preparation of data and information products and develop infrastructure for archival, analysis and dissemination of the data and information products. Each of the participating institutions has developed a suite of data and information products that have been quality controlled, merged and availed through project website ( These include: Directories of marine and freshwater professionals, Catalogues of marine related data sets, Marine Species data bases, library catalogues, catalogue of marine related publications from/about Africa. An African Marine Atlas ( providing access to a wide range of ocean and coastal data was developed by experts from institutions participating in ODINAfrica. Tide gauges have been installed at selected locations along the African coastline to provide sea level data near real-time. The availability of reliable, up-to-date, accessible data and information is essential as a basis for integrated coastal area management and the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources. Indeed, the shortage of such data and information has been and continues to be a major constraint to sustainable development in coastal and marine areas in Africa. Although ODINAfrica has significantly improved access to data and information, the data from many regional and global marine related projects and programmes that have been implemented in Africa over the years, though in the publicdomain, remain virtually inaccessible to marine scientists and resource managers. This is due to the combined effect of several factors, including: complex data use agreements, reluctance to share data without financial compensation, scattered silos of data in various institutions, the fact that many datasets are not digitized, and the wide variety of data formats and metadata formats that are prevalent. In some cases, projects and programmes that generated valuable data sets did not a good institutional home, leading to data being lost once programmes cease to be funded. The next phase of ODINAfrica will focus on: Expanding and strengthening the network of marine scientists and institutions in the region to foster the sharing of data and information; Developing high quality products and tools to support decision making, management and conservation of the marine and coastal environment; Promoting the use of data, as well as products and services developed by the project to all stakeholders. Improved mechanisms will be developed for the dissemination and application of data, information and products. R e g i o n a l N e t w o r k s 53

62 Chapter 6 Participation in UNESCO Science Programme activities in Africa P a r t i c i p a t i o n i n u n e s c o s c i e n c e p r o g r a m m e a c t i v i t i e s i n a f r i c a 55

63 There are several levels of participation by Member States: Regional, sub-regional and national levels. Activities that are specific to a country are handled through the cluster offices. Regional activities are organized from the Regional Bureau in Nairobi. Member States should examine the various work plans presented in this document by regional and cluster offices to identify those which may interest them. To enable each Member States to identify where to seek assistance we had earlier presented in Figure 2, in chapter 4, a list of countries and the corresponding cluster office. In figure 3 below, a chart showing the names of the contact person in each cluster office is presented. Participation in any activity can be through invitation or request from a Member State. Normally technical assistance for activities such as the review of policy or studies leading to the development of projects is provided upon request from a Member State. For other activities such as regional training workshops Member States are usually invited to nominate candidates to join the workshop. Figure 3: List of Science programme Specialists in Africa Regional/ Cluster /National Office Science programme Officers Contact 1 Abuja (National Office) Osu Inya Otu Oi.otu@unesco.org 2 Accra Abou Amani Michel-Arthur Tevoedjre a.amani@unesco.org ma.tevoedjre@unesco.org 3 Addis Ababa Alex Makarigakis a.makarigakis@unesco.org 4 Bamako Mama Plea m.plea@unesco.org 5 Dakar Ms. Noeline Raondry-Rakotoarisoa n.raondry@unesco.org 6 Dar-es-Salaam Anthony Maduekwe a.maduekwe@unesco.org 7 Harare Marcel Tchaou m.tchaou@unesco.org 8 Libreville (No Science Programme Staff) m.bachiri@unesco.org 9 Nairobi (Regional and Cluster office) Emmanuel Naah Jacques Moulot Ms. Noeline Raondry-Rakotoarisoa Mika Odido Stefano Mazzilli Ms. Alice Ochanda e.naah@unesco.org j.moulot@unesco.org n.raondry@unesco.org m.odido@unesco.org s.mazzilli@unesco.org a.ochanda@unesco.org 10 Windhoek Ernesto Fernandez-Polouch e.fernandez-polouch@ unesco.org 11 Yaounde Guy Broucke g.broucke@unesco.org 56 S C I E N C E P R O G R A M M E A C T I V I T I E S I N A F R I C A ( )

64 Annexes a n n e x e s 57