WORKSHOP CONCEPT NOTE

1. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

In the course of the workshop targeted introductory speeches on selected topics shall trigger exchange and discussion among experts and in working groups the participants are expected to further elaborate on the topics proposed in the programme.

The workshop pursues the below formulated objectives and aims.

UNU-FLORES:

1. To further shape the scope and mission of UNU-FLORES and identify its niche;

2. To outline the work plan for the start-up phase;

3. To pin-point potential synergies and intensify cooperation and define interfaces in complementary areas with the water network within UNU, Germany and Saxony and internationally; and

4. To identify opportunities for Master’s and PhD programmes in the areas of UNU-FLORES’ expertise.

Mozambique Twin of UNU-FLORES:

1. To identify and prioritise research questions to be addressed by the future twin;

2. To develop a tailor-made strategy for the relation between the Mozambique Twin and UNU- FLORES Dresden;

3. To assess the current status of water-related research in Mozambique;

4. To outline future strategies and structures for the implementation phase.

2. BACKGROUND

The soon-to-be-established UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) will be dedicated to research, postgraduate education and training of professionals to contribute to integrated management and capacity development for material flow and resources management, dealing first and foremost with the environmental resources soil, water and waste with the perspective to address other geo- and energy resource flows as the institute develops. UNU-FLORES shall contribute as a fulcrum point to the development of global sustainable management strategies. The institute will be closely working with the Dresden University of Technology (TUD) and other Dresden and Saxony-based relevant research institutions, thus exploring the potential and contributing to the international up-scaling of what may be called “Competence Centre Dresden”. Its core scientific task is to develop a “linked cycle management” replacing traditional input-output models for the management of water (as resource, dissolver and transport agent) as well as soils, recyclable organic matter and nutrients to foster efficient and sustainable use of these resources. Based on this integrative research approach innovative concepts for target- and region-specific knowledge transfer and capacity development will be put into action. Together, these activities will provide the basis for decision support for various target groups (governmental and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders).

The internal impact assessment within UNU revealed a geographical skew in the distribution of the location of UNU institutes. While expertise in core challenge areas such as natural resource management, adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and unsustainable economic practices are available in the more than a dozen institutes of UNU, most of them are located in the so-called developed countries.

In order to rectify this mismatch between the locations of available knowledge and the biggest needs for it, UNU has embarked on a process called ‘twinning’ which would imply the establishment of additional campuses of its existing and future institutions. Twin institutes (indeed 2nd or 3rd campuses of existing ones) should be located in developing and transitional countries. They should be demand-driven and receive both in-kind, financial and moral support from the new host countries.

Water is a crucial factor of development and several UNU institutes have substantial knowledge in different aspects of water and its management. Mozambique has several serious water-related problems with a series of devastating floods and aggravation of droughts during the last decade. The Government is prepared to address those challenges. The capacity needed (both at individual and institutional levels) could to a great extent be provided and strengthened through collaboration and sustained presence of UNU in Mozambique. Establishing a twin institute of UNU-FLORES in Mozambique would not only be of great help for Mozambique, but could have a strong regional impact.

3. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Different stakeholders will be invited to the workshop in order to contribute to the discussions related to the above formulated objectives. The programme for the workshop, including individual working groups, will be designed to engage all the participants in discussions on the different topics.

The workshop should result in:

1. Identification of possible areas for cooperation and generation of synergies;

2. Identification of the core areas of UNU-FLORES and its Mozambique Twin;

4. Draft work plan and outreach strategy for the start-up phase of UNU-FLORES;

5. Strategies and concepts for the implementation of the feasibility study in Mozambique;

Proceedings of the Workshop will be published by UNU and distributed to all stakeholders afterwards.