Enhancing Environmental Education and Research through a Global North-South-South Partnership

The DAAD-funded program at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) in collaboration with Makerere University (MAK) in Uganda and the Central University of Technology (CUT) in South Africa offers an immersive learning experience through shared knowledge and a comprehensive Field Course. The primary objective of this initiative is to equip students with practical skills in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. By participating in this field course, students cultivate essential competencies needed to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable development, showcasing Rhine-Waal’s commitment to impactful environmental research and education. This project effectively combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on fieldwork, preparing students for successful careers in environmental management and research.

The initiative benefits over 350 graduate students and 20 staff members. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), it is implemented by Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), in partnership with HSRW and CUT.

In June 2024, the field course saw students from MAK and HSRW collaborate in mixed groups on critical topics such as sustainable production and utilization of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and their connections to sustainable rural development, poverty alleviation, and improved human nutrition.

The course structure at Makerere includes a series of field trips to diverse ecosystems across Uganda, including forests, wetlands, and national parks. These excursions are designed to familiarize students with various biodiversity conservation practices, aiming to:

  1. Equip students with the skills necessary to diagnose and address environmental issues.
  2. Facilitate the development of research proposals.
  3. Enhance scientific research methodologies and communication abilities.
  4. Foster teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Participants in the 2024 field course engaged in four thematic streams:

  1. Natural Resources Conservation: Studying tree species and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
  2. Environmental Pollution and Waste Management: Assessing water quality and waste management practices.
  3. Environmental Monitoring and Assessments: Conducting vulnerability assessments.
  4. Environmental Governance & Policy: Evaluating conservation efforts and forest governance.

Field activities were conducted at the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) located within Kibale National Park. This setting provided a practical context for data collection and analysis, enabling students to develop comprehensive research reports.

The field course in biodiversity and natural resource management is integral to the environmental scientific research agenda at Rhine-Waal University. By offering practical experiences aligned with global sustainability goals, the project ensures that graduates are well-equipped to confront environmental challenges while contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.