Participatory research continues in times of COVID-19

“It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed challenges on countries’ economies, lives and livelihoods. These immediate challenges may in some cases make it more difficult to focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all their 169 targets at the moment. However, climate change is not slowing down and extreme weather events are not taking a break. Just last week, we saw the trail of destruction in Central America left by Hurricane Eta, at a time when coronavirus cases are increasing again all over the world. How can we turn the crisis into a catalyst to address climate change impacts and achieve the SDGs?

In many research projects UNU-EHS works closely with governments and affected communities on different topics related to sustainable development. That is also the case for the project on implementing CLIMate-sensitive Adaptation strategies to reduce Flood Risk (CLIMAFRI) in the transboundary Lower Mono River catchment in Togo and Benin. The CLIMAFRI project aims to co-develop and co-implement adaptation strategies to manage current and future flood risk and natural resources of the catchment. It intends to establish a River Basin Information System collaboratively by integrating science-based data with information and knowledge from local stakeholders and communities. The project, started in 2019, is already collecting information, knowledge and data by involving relevant stakeholders and communities in Togo and Benin. […]”

Read the full article by UNU-EHS here.