Supporting early-career African researchers in planning and conducting research projects on sustainable development using the example of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

This project, funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and conducted in close collaboration with Rhodes University in South Africa, aims to establish a cross-border research and support network centred on UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) in sub-Saharan Africa.

The goal is to strengthen the integration of scientific research into the management and practice of biosphere reserves, while fostering transdisciplinary collaboration through capacity building, networking, and shared learning.

Building on existing partnerships between the HNEE and the Biosphere Reserves Institute (BRI), the project supports early-career researchers and practitioners from biosphere reserves to develop their transdisciplinary research skills and advance the practical implementation of the UNESCO biosphere reserve concept. Key insights into challenges and priorities in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across sub-Saharan Africa will be published in a discussion paper.