Secrétariat international de l'eau - International Secretariat for Water ’s Post

‘Exhausted and insulted’: how harsh visa-application policies are damaging global research   Institutions and individuals from low- and middle-income countries are wasting time, effort and money trying to get visas for research travel, only to be rejected. A new approach is needed, writes sandra owusu-gyamfi, Advocacy and Campaigns Director for Save Ghana Frogs. “The participation of researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) at international conferences on biodiversity is of the utmost importance. Earth’s biodiversity is richest in these nations, and includes ecosystems that provide important services, such as carbon sequestration, that benefit people globally. “Our participation is not a matter of simply ticking the inclusivity boxes, but a deliberate effort to ensure that the voices of people for whom some of these conservation policies are formulated are heard, and their opinions sought. “However, whereas colleagues from wealthy nations, even as undergraduate students, can easily go to LMICs to participate in conferences and do research, the same cannot be said for those going the other way. The same documentation that scientists from high-income countries present at embassies — sponsorship, invitation, and introductory letters — are apparently inadequate when submitted by people from LMICs.” https://lnkd.in/emEspiAQ #research #development #academia

Too important not to repost. Visa refusals limit the ability of accomplished biodiversity conservationists (among many other disciplines) to participate in integral learning and exchange opportunities, which has endless repercussions from the individual to the global level. Some organizations have done a better job of selecting venues for meetings that are more broadly accessible, but we have a long way to go to solve this complex issue. The first step is thinking and talking about it.

The Santa Catarina State Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapesc), in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Research on Global Change (IAI), opened a public call for the training program "Tropical Forests in the Americas : transdisciplinary approaches for changing environments". The free online course will take place in June 2024 and, upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate issued by IAI (in English and Spanish). The target audience includes researchers, public policy makers, civil society organizations and community leaders. Types of application: 1) Transdisciplinary teams composed of at least one social science researcher, a science researcher and a non-academic actor;  2) Non-academic individuals interested in being incorporated into transdisciplinary research teams. Candidates must be based in an IA member country https://lnkd.in/gbCMF2gD. The international transdisciplinary teams will work to produce innovative solutions to issues related to the following thematic areas: deforestation, sustainable development and locally led economy; ecosystem function, connectivity and climate change; environmental justice and governance. An informative webinar about the program will be held on May 14th, at 1:30 pm (Brasília time), with translation into English and Spanish. Registration is open until May 20th: https://lnkd.in/ebWrZBar

Today is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year, the United Nations is emphasizing the importance of Indigenous peoples who voluntarily live in isolation, or who are in initial contact with people who are not Indigenous, mainly in South America, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. According to the UN, “These peoples have a strict dependency on their ecological environment. Any changes to their natural habitat can harm both the survival of individual members and the group as a whole.” Like the ecosystems in which they live, these peoples are vulnerable to diseases, environmental degradation, and violence. Rights and protections for Indigenous peoples benefits the health of our world and the beautiful diversity of humanity. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSisrPzp Also consider how these issues can be represented wholistically through education via the University of the Forest in the Amazon: https://lnkd.in/esy9-FRC

🌿 Exciting Opportunity: Share Your Insights on Green Cities' Jobs and Skills! 🌍 🔍 Survey Invitation from Cedefop: Cedefop invites professionals working in European cities to participate in a short survey on jobs and skills in green cities. If you're involved in city management or know someone who is, your input is invaluable! 🌱 Purpose of the Survey: Cedefop is keen to hear your views on the jobs and skills needed for the Green Transition in your city. Share insights on the information about greening trends that would facilitate the implementation of green initiatives. 🤝 Your Contribution Matters: Your responses directly impact Cedefop's research on skills and jobs for the green transition. The findings are transformed into recommendations to assist regional and national decision-makers in making informed choices. 🌐 Explore Cedefop's Green Observatory: Check out Cedefop's Green Observatory webpage to delve deeper into their work on Green skills. 📊 Survey Focus: Gain insights into how cities assess the impact of the green transition on skills and jobs. Understand how cities shape policies related to green skills and jobs. 🗓️ Deadline: Reply to the survey by February 16th, 2024. 🕐 Time Commitment: The survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Your professional experience is crucial in shaping the discourse. Note: Responses are not considered formal positions of your organization. 🌿 Your participation contributes to building a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future. 🔗 Survey Link: https://lnkd.in/duf28_xQ 🌱 Take a look at Cedefop Green Observatory: https://lnkd.in/dUzfMFH4 #GreenCities #SkillsForFuture #CedefopSurvey #GreenTransition 🌱🏙️ UNESCO-UNEVOC European Training Foundation WorldSkills International WorldSkills Europe Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Educação e Formação Câmara Municipal de Lisboa Câmara Municipal do Porto Pedro Dominguinhos EfVET European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) European Vocational Training Association - EVTA EURASHE eucen

🌍📊 In the first months of 2024, we took part in comprehensive research, analysing youth perceptions and interactions with the media on green topics in Estonia, Portugal, and Croatia. 🌱 👥 The research included over 500 young people, analysed 30 documents from the involved countries, and identified 30 exemplary practices and projects. 🌿💡 📚 This publication is part of the #MILGreen project, where we collaborate with Domas from Croatia 🇭🇷 and Agora Aveiro from Portugal 🇵🇹. 💻🌱 Check the link below to learn more and read the research document: https://lnkd.in/eQPv52i6 Agora Aveiro #MediaandInformationLiteracy #EnvironmentalTopics #ErasmusPlus #ClimateChange #LearningLibrary

On February 9th, we organised at the headquarters of the European Commission Representation in Romania an event dedicated to the #EuropeanClimatePact, whose activities are coordinated in our country by #REPER21 and developed by a network of 31 climate ambassadors with vast experiences in various fields: entrepreneurship and social economy, youth, legal, education, permaculture, circular economy, finance and urban greening. The European Climate Pact represents the framework that ensures awareness and citizen action regarding the reduction of the phenomenon of climate change and adaptation to its impacts. For REPER21, this European initiative aiming to build #partnerships and actions based on the agreement of #climateemergency represents an approach more important than ever, given the acceleration of environmental challenges in recent years. More than 45 key actors in the climate field participated in the event : ambassadors, public institutions, NGOs, think tanks. Moderated by Ana-Maria Paladus (REPER21), the meeting allowed us to advance in two directions: -> from a strategic point of view, we understood the importance of climate education, the need to build a positive imaginary and vision that go beyond "progress" and "innovation", the various financings that will be available for the climate such as the national green bonds and the Social Fund for Climate, the "climate emergency" mean from a scientific point of view and how young people relate to it, the actions that various public institutions can undertake to consistently address climate challenges, together with Mara Roman (deputy head of the Commission's Representation European Union in Romania), Bogdan Gioara (president of REPER21 Association), Alexandra-Maria Bocse(Councillor of State, Presidential Administration, Department of Climate and Sustainability), Roxana Bojariu (coordinator of the Climatology Section, National Meteorological Administration), Elena - Alexandra Miron (vice-president, Romanian Youth Council) and Andra Dobre (communication manager, ANPCDEFP); -> thematically, we debated with various ambassadors about intergenerational justice and the youth climate movement (Mara Ghilan), climate change and high school students in Romania (Reese Andrei Stoica), climate disinformation in an election year (Ioana Petrescu), youth workers and climate (Elina Rotaru), education and climate change - practical examples (Mirela Gabriela Tanc), sustainability of green spaces in the context of the climate crisis (Vladimir Boc) and climate initiatives in Harghita (Borboly Csaba). Stay up to date with the various actions carried out under the auspices of the Climate Pact at European level by subscribing to the European newsletter (climate-pact.europa.eu) and at national level by following REPER21 Facebook page! #MyWorldOurPlanet #EUClimatePact EU Environment and Climate photo credits: Lavinia Cioacă

[Kiwa Initiative] 🌍 2024 Call for Regional Projects for #climate, #biodiversity and #communities open until 15 December, 2024! ✨You have an innovative Nature-based solutions project for climate change adaptation in the Pacific? 🌱 This call for projects is for you! 🔍 Special attention will be given to projects: 👉 Submitted by national authorities - and/or directly involving national authorities in project implementation. 👉 Promoting regional cooperation between French territories and Pacific island states. 👉 Mobilising new players who, for the first time, have the capacity to directly access funding to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. - Reducing existing inequalities, with measurable targets for the inclusion of vulnerable populations - in particular women and youth. 🎥 Before applying, watch this #FAQ “Frequently Asked Questions” #video and download the documents relating to the Kiwa Initiative call for projects: https://lnkd.in/gasCFrar

Global Youth Biodiversity Network: in your upcoming conference, will you be discussing #children and #youth as #environmental #humanrights defenders including their role in leveraging the right to a healthy environment (#R2HE) to trigger societal change ? There is a window of opportunity for youth championing these issues especially considering that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (#GBF) has explicit  references to the #R2HE, #publicparticipation, #accesstojustice and defenders. Laura serna mosquera, Mijael Kaufman Falchuk, José Daniel Rodríguez-Orúe, Cynthia Houniuhi: interesting opportunity for increaed synergies between #youth working in UN Biodiversity, #EscazuAgreement and #ICJ #climatechange advisory opinion?

As we navigate through the pivotal era of green transition, it's essential to highlight models of innovation that pave the way for a sustainable future. Cyprus emerges as a prime example of how strategic geographical positioning and robust participatory practices can foster transformative change in line with the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027. 🌿 🔍 In the heart of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is harnessing its rich natural resources and unique ecosystems to contribute to the European Green Deal. From advancing the bioeconomy to implementing circular economy practices, the island nation is at the forefront of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. 🤝 Cyprus showcases the immense potential of involving communities in the co-creation of sustainable solutions, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion. This approach not only aligns with the goals of Cluster 6 of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan but also sets a precedent for participatory governance and innovation-driven policies. 💡 As we aim to accelerate the green and digital transitions, let's draw inspiration from Cyprus's commitment to research, innovation, and collaborative practices. Join us in exploring how Cyprus is shaping the future of sustainable development, bioeconomy, and participatory governance across Europe and beyond. #SustainableDevelopment #GreenTransition #HorizonEurope #Innovation #Cyprus #Bioeconomy #CircularEconomy #ClimateResilience