Main Theme: Nature-based and Bankable Nature Solutions for Environmental Sustainability “Leaving No One Behind”
Host: UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Transboundary Water Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro Tanzania
Dates: 13th-17th November 2023:
Venue: National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC)- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro Tanzania
Introduction
Our world faces many major challenges with regards to sustainable flow of ecosystem services. The negative impacts that arise from biodiversity loss and climate change are felt by nature and people across the globe. The number of natural disasters increases, pandemics rise, extreme weather conditions, wildlife and other species are in decline. Healthy nature and ecosystems are key for human wellbeing, development and environmental sustainability. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been set up to counter the stated challenges. Yet, as the World Economic Forum points out there is a US$ 2,5 trillion investment gap per year, as only US$1,4 trillion of the required US$3,9 trillion is invested each year to reach the SDGs by 2030. For preserving and restoring ecosystems alone, the required investment is estimated between US$300 billion to US$400 billion, here as, only US$52 billion is being invested in such projects. With money only from governments and philanthropy we will never be able to fill this funding gap. Some asset managers and conservation experts have suggested that the private sector (especially banks and other financial institutions) could close more than half of this funding gap by setting up profitable enterprises with a positive impact to the nature and environment too.
Building conservation and nature-based solutions (NbS) and bankable nature solutions (BNS) into projects represents a massive opportunity. We need to work with companies, band and other financial institutions and local stakeholders to develop NbS and BNS. Through this way, we can deliver impacts that reduce pressure on ecosystems, drive resilience and sustainability for both people and nature, while generating positive financial returns for communities and investors. That is why different conservation organizations are working effortlessly under the umbrella of NbS and BNS to set up conservation and bankable projects across a wide array of landscapes. Part of this work is done through mobilising funds for climate and development programs. Through initiatives, we can be instrumental in getting NbS and BNS underway and to serve as a catalyst for other conservation and bankable projects around the world.
Rationale for the Nature-based solutions (NbS) and bankable nature solutions (BNS)
Nature-based solutions (NbS) and bankable nature solutions (BNS) help to plan, deliberate the use of ecosystem services to improve flow of ecosystem services and increase resilience to climate change and variability. They are typically adopted to bring about more sustainable conservation outcomes.
They contribute to the improved management of nature conservation of ecologically sensitive environments and managing critical ecosystems. For instance, NBS have the ability to improve the income of poor people thereby prohibiting them from degrading nature and the environment as a whole. The two approaches entail sustainable management and use of natural features and processes to tackle socio-environmental challenges. These are actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively, adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. The two can also be integrated to enhance landscape conservation, restoration and bring about positive financial cash flows that can be used to attract for profit investors.
Objective of the training
To equip trainees with ample knowledge NbS and BNS for environmental sustainability, societal needs and ecosystem resilience.
Target group / who can apply
The primary candidates for this training course are young scientists working in the conservation sector, banks and other financial institutions, development practitioners, higher learning and research institutions, non-governmental conservation organizations, protected areas authorities, central and local government, to name just a few.
How to apply
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
- 3 pages CV with contact information of two referees
- Proof of support (institutional/private) to pay registration fee (USD 300)
- I page motivation letter
- Front page of a valid passport (for foreign applicants)
Please email your application as a single PDF file to: makarius.lalika@yahoo.com, raphaelantidius@gmail.com, and lalika_2mc@sua.ac.tz by October 15th, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered for evaluation. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Award
Trainees who successfully complete the training will receive Certificates of Attendance.
For questions and clarifications, kindly do not hesitate to contact:
Makarius C.S. Lalika, PhD. Chairholder and Coordinator UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Transboundary Water Management, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1st Floor-Former iAGRI Premises, P.O. Box 3038 Morogoro TANZANIA Email: makariua.lalika@yahoo.com, lalika_2mc@sua.ac.tz, Cell: +255 754 201 306
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