International Joint Msc Programme: Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

International Joint MSc Programme: Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security

University of Bonn Department of Geography Introduction 04-05 Facts and Figures 06-19 Programme UNU-EHS GIUB Acknowledgement Lecturers

Alumni Portraits 20-39

UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn, Department of Geography, express their gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia (Ministerium External Voices 40-47 für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen), for its support and efforts to enable the collaboration between the two institutes and the establishment of the Joint Master’s Programme Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.

Great appreciation to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for its support and funding to advance educational opportunities for individuals from developing countries through the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme. 4 5 Dear reader,

In 2013, as the first 27 students of the Having helped the programme and its Joint Master’s Programme in Geography administrative processes take off since its of Environmental Risks and Human first year of implementation, I feel proud Security started their classes, this and thankful for the achievements within programme could have been compared to the programme so far: the programme a ship leaving its harbour for its maiden makes valuable contributions to a voyage: watched by a crowd of spectators, changing world and the challenges that some waved and cheered, others come with it. Our programme can serve wondering with scepticism how such a as a model for global collaboration and unique vessel manned by a crew drawn science-based innovation, which are key from two so very different institutions to the sustainable transformation that is would make it through the waves ahead. due for our communities. Almost seven years later, this vessel has paved the way for the creation of a The uniqueness of our programme can community of talented young scientists hardly be overstated; on the one hand, our from all over the world, who wish to students benefit from the experience of a deepen their knowledge and help German university that has been recently governments and communities to find recognized for its excellence; on the other, solutions for the challenges resulting from the students are exposed to an applied environmental and societal research institution and network within transformation. the United Nations system that aims to train future thought leaders worldwide. As is the case with every seafaring craft, regular overhaul is needed. Accordingly, I look forward to seeing our community the programme’s curriculum, of alumni and their lifelong bonds grow, management and processes have been to furthering scientific collaborations, revisited over time; and this year, we are networking and knowledge sharing, and looking forward to completing the first to continuing to meet new generations of re-accreditation of our programme. With students and scholars. our global network of partners and alumni growing, and building on the support received from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) since 2017, we Karen Hattenbach are setting sail more excitedly than ever. Education Programme Manager KAREN HATTENBACH, EDUCATION PROGRAMME MANAGER Facts and Figures FACTS & FIGURES 8 9

International Joint MSc Programme: Concept

In view of the growing frequency and impact of environmental events created by global Geography of climate change, population growth, urbanization and poverty, the programme provides postgraduate students with detailed knowledge, critical understanding, and the strategies and tools required to address environmental risks and human security. It does so by Environmental Risks addressing the contemporary theoretical and methodological debates relevant to understanding the complex emergence of environmental risks and natural hazards, their implications for human-nature relations in terms of vulnerability, resilience and and Human Security adaptation, and how to deal with them in practice.

2020

s tion itu st In

2013

0 100 200 300 400 500

Sub-Saharan Africa South Asia North America A joint initiative by the UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn, Department of Middle East & North Africa Latin America & Caribbean Geography, the Master of Science programme in “Geography of Environmental Risks Europe & Central Asia East Asia & Pacific and Human Security” was launched in October 2013 and has continued to grow ever since. As of spring of 2020, more than 80 students have graduated from the programme, 52 are engaged in their internships or thesis work, and 23 students of Figure 1: Application overview 2013-2020 the most recent cohort are looking forward to their second semester. FACTS & FIGURES 10 11

Applications and Student Body Curriculum Due to its unique concept, the programme In terms of its curriculum, the programme enables its students to understand a diverse continues to attract a large number of range of perspectives and scientific approaches at the intersection of natural sciences applicants from across the globe. Apart (especially physical and human geography) and related social sciences. By combining from a spike in 2017 following the the perspectives of both researchers and practitioners in its modules, the master’s introduction of the DAAD-funded EPOS programme offers students great visibility and exposure to international organizations, scholarships, the application period for governmental agencies, academic and non-academic research organizations, as well the 2020 intake displayed the highest as private companies and corporations involved in disaster risk reduction and application rate since the beginning of the preparedness, humanitarian aid, international relations and climate change research From developed countries programme, with 378 applications and policy. From developing countries received. Furthermore, the joint master’s From least developed countries programme is prominent among prospective students from the Global South, who accounted for around 85% of Course Schedule M.Sc. Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security (ER 2017) all applicants for both 2019 and 2020.

JM1: THEORIES AND CONCEPTS JM2: GENERAL APPROACHES JM3: RESEARCH METHODS I JM4: ACADEMIC & INTERCULTURAL OF RISK TO RISK & HUMAN SECURITY Seminar SKILLS Seminar: Theories and Concepts of Risk Seminar: New Approaches to Presentation 40% & Essay 60% Seminar: Intercultural & Moderation Skills In terms of its student body composition, Written Exam Development Geography Seminar: Academic Writing Skills Seminar: Earth System Science Presentation, Moderation & Exercises the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS Presentation 40% & Essay 60% (non-graded) 1. Semester remain proud of the continuously strong 6 CP; 2 SWS 12 CP; 4 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS presence of young female researchers in DVANCED EBATES ON Subject Specific Elective Module Choose 1 Module JM5: A D Subject Specific Elective Module JM8: FIELDTRIPS RISK & HUMAN SECURITY the programme (ca. 58%), as well as of its JM7: RESEARCH METHODS II JM6/JM7: JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT Excursions 2 Seminars Seminar Research Seminar Presentation, Moderation & Exercises Human / Environmental / Integrative Practical Exercises 6 CP; 2 SWS Presentation 40% & Project Report 60% (non-graded) Presentation 40% & Essay 60% efforts to balance the ratio of participants JM6: PRACTICAL TRAINING Human / Environmental / Integrative JM6: PRACTICAL TRAINING Research Seminar Presentation 40% & Essay 60% Research Seminar from developed and developing countries. 2. Semester Presentation 40% & Project Report 60% 12 CP; 4 SWS 12 CP; 4 SWS 18 CP; 6 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS

JM9: APPLIED TOPICS ON JM10: INTERNSHIP RISK & HUMAN SECURITY Work Placement Seminar: Disaster Management and Report (non-graded) Humanitarian Response Written Exam Africa Seminar: Risk Management and Governance 3. Semester Written Exam Asia 12 CP; 4 SWS 12 CP; 8 weeks Australia 8000: MASTER THESIS Europe Research Seminar Min. of 60 CP must have been achieved within the Master Programme 30 CP; 6 months North America 4. Semester South America UNU-EHS

Figure 2 (above and below): Student overview 2013-2019 FACTS & FIGURES 12 13

Internship As a central element of the master’s programme, all students must complete a study- related internship with a minimum duration of 8 weeks. As of March 2020, 117 internships have been completed with 95 distinct placements since the implementation of the internship module. UN-affiliated placements account for about 45% of these institutions.

UN-HABITAT Germanwatch USP Wisnu Foundation ZEF Buy DEval Organic Island Foods University of Salzburg BoulderD ECoval unty OrganZisatioEF n DRK DKKV GPPI UNITAR UNITAR ICRAF UNDRR GloUNDbal NatureP FunBd ICC ICRAF Amt für Feuerwehr und Rettungsdienst GlobShare [al Nature Fund McGill UnivCeircrstylewise EFI UNOOSA ICCCAD Human Impact Institute

FAO DP/DHL UNZFL UUNO-EPSHSTHW Circlewise GCA EFI IUCN UNFCCC WHO UN Women IOM GJ UN-FSAOPIDER UNV GFZ MINURSONew YorUk UniBBversityK NZFL U-EHPDMSA TH Köln KfW GCA IASC IUCN UFZ IPBES UNCCD DIE UN WomenGIZ UNEP GRID - Arendal UNORCID They make great custo UNU-INRA CSRS en Côte d'Ivoire

UN-SPIDER DRK UNESCAP Gender CC

STELLA University of PennsylvaniaSTELLA UN OCHA New York University Wetlands International Climate Reality Australia ] Environmental Guardians Services FACTS & FIGURES 14 15

United Nations University

UNU-EHS UNU-EHS conducts research on problems change). The drivers include phenomena and solutions related to the environmental such as floods, desertification and land dimensions of human security, a concept degradation, water depletion and water The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic arm of the United Nations that puts the individual, social groups and quality deterioration, and a range of their livelihoods at the center of debate, climate change impacts. Its research (UN). It bridges the academic world and the UN system. Its goal is to develop analysis and policy. explores ways to improve human security sustainable solutions for current and future problems of humankind in all aspects through vulnerability reduction, disaster of life. Through a problem-oriented and interdisciplinary approach, it participates The interdisciplinary research conducted risk management and adaptation in applied research and education on a global scale. UNU was founded in 1973 at UNU-EHS examines the impacts of strategies. With this, UNU-EHS supports and is an autonomous organ of the UN General Assembly. The University major drivers affecting human security, policymakers and decision makers with comprises the headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and more than a dozen institutes such as rapid and gradual onset of evidence-based research and information. and programmes worldwide. environmental change (including climate

The Institute for Environment and Human Security Our Departments: (UNU-EHS) was established in December 2003 as part of • Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management & Adaptive Planning (VARMAP) the United Nations University system. Since its inception, • Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) the mission of UNU-EHS is to advance human security • Environment and Migration: Interactions and Choices (EMIC) through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulner- • Pan African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) • The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) ability and environmental risks. • Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) FACTS & FIGURES 16 17

To date, graduates from the University of The GIUB boasts expertise in a wide range University of Bonn Bonn include several scholars of global of thematic research areas, including importance. Today, the University Climatology and Landscape Ecology, comprises 7 faculties offering 200 Geomorphology, Hydrology and Water programmes and subjects. Resource Management, Development Geography Geography, Urban and Regional The University of Bonn has developed a Geography, Economic and Social wide network of partnerships with Geography, Historical Geography, Remote Department renowned research institutes and Sensing and GIS. government bodies. The GIUB offers undergraduate and The Department of Geography (GIUB) postgraduate programmes both for has a rich history that spans more than German and international students in Founded in 1818, the University of Bonn has become 140 years of teaching and research. It is German and English. a learning environment to more than 38,000 students the largest and one of the most from all around the world. The University is one distinguished geography departments in Besides the joint collaboration with UNU- Germany, and has 14 independent EHS, the GIUB is a member and initiator of the leading research-based universities in research units that encompass a wide of other projects and societies. The Start Germany and beyond. variety of geographical topics. Each of Study Bonn initiative intends to help the research fields is under the auspices refugees in Bonn to return to their studies. of one or more professors in the The Geographical Society aims to make department. This enables the University research findings in Geography and of Bonn to provide its students with high Ethnology available to the interested quality and unique education, especially public and present them in layman’s terms. if they choose an interdisciplinary or an The Geoverbund ABC/J is a geoscientific applied study approach. Its research units network connecting research institutes are combined in the common interest of from Bonn, Aachen, Cologne and Jülich risk analysis that embodies one of three for the purpose of knowledge sharing and major research priorities at the forging bonds and networks. Department (source: www.geographie. uni-bonn.de). FACTS & FIGURES 18 19

Our Lecturers and Thesis Supervisors At UNU-EHS and University of Bonn’s Geography Department (GIUB) our students are provided with first hand cross-cutting knowledge.

The curriculum is taught jointly by lecturers from both institutes, which brings added value to the quality of teaching. The students get to experience the traditional German educational system, as well as the UNU training method.

With UNU-EHS and GIUB’s research areas, our lecturers offer expertise in geography, environmental risks and human security, sustainable development, climate change, Dr. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, UNU-EHS Prof. Dr. Detlef Müller-Mahn, GIUB adaptation to natural hazards, natural disaster risk management, climate risk insurance, and geographical information systems (GIS), etc. Dr. Veit Bachmann, GIUB Dr. Robert Oakes, UNU-EHS

The ruling body of our programme is the Joint Academic Board, which is composed of Ms. Kehinde Balogun, UNU-EHS Dr. Simone Sandholz, UNU-EHS lecturers from both institutes. This way, our joint group of experts determine the curriculum and content of the programme. Dr. Emmanuel Cheo, UNU-EHS Prof. Dr. Lothar Schrott, GIUB

Dr. Jennifer Cissé, UNU-EHS Dr. Zita Sebesvari, UNU-EHS

Dr. David Daou, UNU-EHS Ms. Viktoria Seifert, UNU-EHS

Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers, GIUB Dr. Maxime Souvignet, UNU-EHS

Prof. Dr. Klaus Greve, GIUB Dr. Christiane Stephan, GIUB

Dr. Michael Hagenlocher, UNU-EHS Prof. Dr. Joerg Szarzynski, UNU-EHS

Dr. Konrad Hentze, GIUB Dr. Kees van der Geest, UNU-EHS

Prof. Dr. Julia Verne Dr. Zita Sebesvari Dr. Mostapha Harb, UNU-EHS Prof. Dr. Julia Verne, GIUB Head of Joint Academic Board Head of Joint Academic Board University of Bonn UNU-EHS Mr. Soenke Kreft, UNU-EHS Dr. Yvonne Walz, UNU-EHS GIUB EVES Dr. Lisa Krieg, GIUB Mr. Michael Zissener, UNU-EHS Alumni Portraits ALUMNI 22 23 Cultura lly r With each intake, at least 20 new students Currently, our former students hold ic join the joint master’s community every positions in renowned organizations such Their area of expertise h year. Candidates are selected based on as the UN, GIZ, ICRC, FSC, ICLEI, covers natural disaster a their academic achievements, motivation Welthungerhilfe and the World Bank, as n and interest in pursuing a career in well as in universities and research prevention, d environmental risks and human security. institutes, including UNU-EHS and the management and d i This procedure enables a diverse selection University of Bonn. response, as well as ve of highly qualified candidates, who, after humanitarian work, r graduating, constitute a highly competent Their area of expertise covers natural sustainable se and accomplished alumni network. disaster prevention, management and development and response, as well as humanitarian work, climate change, etc. As of 2020, more than 80 students have sustainable development and climate graduated from the programme. change, etc. rs Furthermore, our alumni are working in e crucial sectors and in locations around We are proud to see our alumni working ad the world. in decision-making and cutting-edge F t le We are proud to see sectors, such as research, government, uture though our alumni working in NGOs and the private sector. decision-making and cutting-edge sectors, such True to its mandate to advance sustainable as research, government, development and offer equal educational opportunities to individuals from all NGOs and the private sector. around the globe, our programme trains future thought leaders to drive change and strengthen vulnerable places and communities.

H Gender balance is integral to the i gh programme, which seeks to offer equal ly opportunities to both women and men and qu al achieve gender parity as much as possible. ifie d c Currently, our worldwide GeoRisk alumni an network comprises 46 females and 38 did ates males. ALUMNI 24 25

Delivering on the promise of the Paris Climate Agreement: is adaptation finance allocation prioritizing the most vulnerable? Deepal Doshi

India Thesis Abstract plethora of factors, underlining the complexity, dynamics and uncertainties Graduated in 2018 Against the background of the increasing characterizing the allocation process of importance of the allocation of adaptation both aid and funds. Theoretical guidance finance to ‘particularly vulnerable’ from neo-institutional and organizational countries, as manifested in the goals of theory and theories of justice helps to Looking back, how would you the Paris Climate Agreement, this study explain the empirical findings to some describe your experience in was initiated in order to find out if these extent. the joint master’s programme? promises are being translated to practice. How did you benefit from it? Despite methodological and political This study makes a valuable contribution It was a perfect potpourri of scientific, po- I am a PhD candidate at Ludwig- challenges of measuring vulnerability, to the understanding of adaptation finance licy and practical experiences. Benefiting Maximilians-University, Munich. I work studies show that vulnerability is not a allocation beyond the tracking of trends, from both the University of Bonn and the within a BMBF-funded project on prioritization criterion. Going beyond and the role of vulnerability as an United Nations University, I thoroughly en- transformation and adaptation to flood current literature, which largely emerging topic in literature. This is of joyed the opportunity to switch from stu- risk in megacities. My empirical focus concentrates on tracking adaptation crucial importance to the success of the dying concepts of risk and vulnerability to within the project is on current and future finance flows, this study percolates deeper Paris Agreement, which is contingent on being able to interact with the UN and other vulnerability and adaptation of urban to contribute to the gap in understanding the implementation of its goals. international organizations, and learning mobility and immobility to flood risk in the ‘why (not) axis’ of adaptation finance through role-playing as members of emer- Mumbai and Jakarta. allocation, i.e. factors beyond How did your thesis work contribute gency response teams! Most importantly, vulnerability that play a role. to your professional/academic path? I have met and learned so much from fan- In which ways did the joint master’s tastic professors, lecturers, colleagues and programme lead you here? The empirical focus is on the case of My thesis experience played a major role my fellow cohort of students from all over Germany and India, both of which are in my decision to pursue a PhD. My passion the globe. I liked the diversity of courses we The joint master’s programme has played highly influential and significant actors for my topic and excitement in doing had, especially the module on concepts of the biggest role in leading me here! I am in the field of climate adaptation finance. research to challenge a given hypothesis risk, which I benefit from even today, and employed within this project by my The theoretical lens adopted for this study made my thesis experience very enjoyable. is a niche of this programme in my eyes. supervisor who was a former lecturer of triangulates principles of justice and neo- Although I very much liked focusing on The joint master’s programme gave me mine during the joint master’s programme. institutional and organizational theories. larger national/global trends in my thesis, the best of both worlds – being a part of He went on to become my MSc thesis Integrating and juxtaposing the donor- I am now eager to conduct research on a the University of Bonn and enjoying all the benefits of a German university on the one supervisor and is now my PhD supervisor recipient perspectives as well as bilateral topic of finer granularity. Hence, my PhD hand, and on the other hand, being a part at LMU. The programme gave me the adaptation aid and multilateral adaptation offered a perfect opportunity to design my of the UN system and enjoying access to UN opportunity to hone my academic skills funds, this study adopts a mixed methods own sub-project within a larger research organizations for meetings, events, interns- which led me to pursue my PhD. approach. Empirical findings reveal a project. hips, etc.

What do you do today? ALUMNI 26 27

OCHA in Geneva allowed me to gain most importantly, my master’s thesis really valuable insights into the humanitarian was where I defined my interests, as it sector and to further develop my own luckily led me to become more and more Johanna Maass interests and goals, opening my eyes to involved, over time, in different strategic what I could or could not imagine myself processes at Welthungerhilfe, which was Germany doing in the future. Lastly, and probably vital in leading me to where I am today.

Graduated in 2019 Bridging the humanitarian- development divide: A critical reflection of linking relief, rehabilitation and development in complex and permanent emergencies

Looking back, how would you describe your experience in Thesis Abstract and the rooting of actions in existing the joint master’s programme? systems rather than building new ones. How did you benefit from it? German NGOs, Welthungerhilfe, for the The causes for human suffering manifest last two years. Since January 2020, I have in today’s humanitarian landscape, which How did your thesis work contribute Overall, my experience in the joint been based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is overwhelmed by conflicts and to your professional/academic path? master’s programme was highly positive. working as a Junior Expert in Programme environmental pressures in many parts After completing the programme, I felt Coordination. I will shortly be of the world. Closing the gap between I can confidently say that the process of prepared and confident to ease myself into transitioning into one of Welthungerhilfe’s humanitarian and development work, also writing my thesis is directly reflected in a career in the development/humanitarian largest running projects, focusing on known as linking relief, rehabilitation and my work today. After finishing my thesis, sector. Some of the biggest benefits, apart ecosystem-based adaptation to climate development (LRRD), is no doubt a I immediately got the chance to work on from the content of the different courses, change in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican challenge when it comes to implementing the same topic professionally, which were the exposure to a network of Republic, where my responsibilities will it in practice, not only because allowed me to directly apply my knowledge humanitarian and development include, amongst others, monitoring and humanitarian assistance and development to practice by joining an internal study on professionals, institutions and peers from evaluation and knowledge management. assistance are built on different principles, Welthungerhilfe’s work in fragile contexts. a range of different backgrounds and but also because the concept of LRRD itself One thing led to another and I am now a cultures, which is really what makes this In which ways did the joint master’s is not well understood. This study development practitioner implementing programme so special. The balance programme lead you here? demonstrates that LRRD can have a projects in a very politically and between theoretical inputs and the chance considerable practical relevance in the socioeconomically fragile context, in to apply the gained knowledge in more I would say that the programme led me to field, and highlights the most important Haiti. To sum it up, strategically choosing practical settings, including case studies, my current position in many ways. Firstly, factors enabling it to benefit the a topic which I knew was being widely projects and various simulation exercises, thanks to the aforementioned exposure humanitarian system. Success factors discussed and becoming highly relevant is something that, looking back, was to a large network of professionals in my mainly include the availability of more in the humanitarian and development probably the biggest advantage. field, as a result of opportunities to take flexible (often longer-term) funding,; the community at the time, and also knowing part in conferences, simulation exercises greater involvement of local civil society that I wanted to go into practical What do you do today? and trainings, as well as the course actors and thus community ownership development work after finishing my content, which from the beginning and participation,; more conflict sensitive master’s, somehow led me to where I am I have been working for one of the largest corresponded well to my personal approaches; and generally more holistic now. interests. Secondly, my internship at planning, including a clear exit strategy ALUMNI 28 29

In which ways did the joint master’s research position at LIPI. I quickly became programme lead you here? aware that with my position as a government official, I could influence environ- This programme has strengthened my mental policy at both local and national Abdul Fikri Angga Reksa ambition to contribute to my country, levels with scientific evidence. which remains vulnerable to natural di- Indonesia sasters. After completing the degree, I de- cided to continue my career by taking on a Graduated in 2019 Beyond Technology – Investigating the Implementation of the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS) and its Challenges in Central Sulawesi

Looking back, how would you describe your experience in Thesis Abstract the joint master’s programme? This thesis seeks to understand the imple- How did you benefit from it? inspiring, diverse, helpful and playful. mentation of the Indonesia Tsunami Early Finally, this programme has elevated my Warning System (InaTEWS) and its challen- Reflecting on my joint master‘s experience, confidence, critical thinking and hard- ges in Central Sulawesi. After the tsunami I consider it to be the most rewarding working demeanour, which will be very battered Palu and Donggala on 28 Sep- experience of my life so far. I benefited useful for my future career. tember 2018, the discussion has started to enormously from the programme because focus more on the efficacy of the InaTEWS. it not only broadened my knowledge but What do you do today? Even though the development of InaTEWS also allowed me to better understand the has adopted newly developed technology, the number of fatalities and scale of dest- importance of cross-cultural competence. I am working as a researcher at the Center How did your thesis work contribute ruction remain high. Based on the results I was extremely lucky to be trained by for Area Studies - Indonesian Institute of to your professional/academic path? insightful, as well as supportive, Sciences (P2W-LIPI), where I am derived from qualitative interviews with 33 researchers and practitioners from UNU- conducting a research project about informants in Palu, Donggala and Jakarta, My thesis work has been very important the implementation of InaTEWS was still EHS and the University of Bonn. As an sustainable cities in Indonesia. In my for my academic path. I published part of inadequate in technical aspects. On top of aspiring disaster expert, this programme section, I also have a new responsibility my master’s thesis in both German and that, this case study illustrates an appa- has offered me a comprehensive as the coordinator for the international Indonesian academic journals: this step rent lack of attention to the local context, understanding of disaster risk reduction cooperation and scientific network. In was just the beginning and a part of my especially the sociocultural dimension, and climate change adaptation issues in addition, my friends and I recently task as a researcher at LIPI. Since I plan to such as tsunami risk misperception, beliefs terms of the current state of knowledge, established an NGO, which focuses on pursue a PhD in the near future, I would or faiths, and the overlooking of historical concept and theories, innovative methods, children’s welfare, especially during the events. In terms of political aspect, it shows say my thesis was the perfect training and case studies. I have been given post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation a lack of commitment to EWS efforts with before actually facing a tough doctoral extensive opportunities to attend phase in Indonesia. I am beyond grateful regards to budget allocation and program life. My goal now is to strengthen my international conferences and workshops since I can contribute with my expertise prioritization. Hence, for a better imple- findings with better analysis or that simultaneously widened my at the national/government level, as well mentation of InaTEWS in Palu and Dongga- comparative case studies. professional networking. On top of that, as at the local level. la, this study recommends integrating local I met awesome friends who were very knowledge with a technical solution. ALUMNI 30 31

Muliro Mashauri Democratic Republic of the Congo Graduated in 2017

Looking back, how would you describe your experience in the joint master’s programme? How did you benefit from it? What do you do today? work. These include climate negotiations, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Currently, I am working with the World Sustainable Development Goals and the Reduction. Joining the master’s programme was a Bank as a Disaster Risk Management tough decision I had to take. I had the Specialist, attached to the urban space option to continue with my involvement unit, Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Livelihood Resilience of Inland Fishers in the context of with what was then the Ministry of Resilience and Land Global Practice. I Climate Change in Northern Benin Disaster Management in Rwanda, where provide technical support to a wide range I was working as a Disaster Risk of DRM and urban resilience investment Management Consultant, or to join and Trust Fund projects in my unit. Thesis Abstract How did your thesis work contribute UNESCO-IHE for a MSc in Environmental My thesis investigated the livelihood secu- to your professional/academic path? Science. The uniqueness of this joint In which ways did the joint master’s rity of inland fishermen in Northern Benin, master’s programme was the ultimate programme lead you here? based on two theoretical perspectives: the The thesis allowed me to pay more reason for choosing it. Two institutions Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) and attention to qualitative data in my with remarkable reputations offering this The joint master’s programme prepared Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice. Using a mi- profession. Previously, I was more inclined programme made the joint master’s me for this work. The curriculum for the xed approach of qualitative (interviews) towards a quantitative approach, but after programme distinctive and rich in content. programme is closely linked to the nature and quantitative (regression, crop tabulati- writing my thesis, I now pay particular The GIUB offered vast academic of my work. This made the whole process on, etc.) methods, the study attempted to attention to the narrative of communities. experience, while UNU-EHS enabled the a bit smoother. The programme also understand how entitlement and endow- This enables an understanding of their link to real-world scenarios, exposing equipped me with distinctive skills to deal ment of assets contribute to the livelihood perceptions, choices and decisions, which students to current debates going on across with the day-to-day challenges associated security of the inland fishing communities, in one way or another influence their the globe. It is hard to come across such a with my job. The exposure received examine the influence of institutions and vulnerability and resilience to a particular configuration in normal universities. through this programme gave me the policy instruments, and determine the shock and crisis. knowledge and confidence to be involved livelihood strategies which provide better in current global debates linked to my outcomes to local and migrant fishermen in Northern Benin. ALUMNI 32 33

environmentally unstable regions of the in emergency contexts but also in more world. Understanding the complex nexus long-term development programmes. between disaster risk assessments and This was one of my professional and Esther Makabe Kemunto management, resilience building and personal expectations before joining the general development, the joint master’s joint master’s and I am immensely happy Kenya programme prepared me not only to work to have fulfilled this goal.

Graduated in 2020 Green Growth for whom? The effects of Green Growth initiatives on community well-being and ecological sustainability – A case study of South Western Mau Forest Complex, Kenya

Looking back, how would you describe your experience in Thesis Abstract used by the forest-adjacent communities the joint master’s programme? when faced with natural disasters. How did you benefit from it? Over the past two decades, the Mau Forest Nevertheless, there is a need for enabling team. One of my responsibilities within Complex has been targeted with a myriad structures and political will to promote Even though I was previously engaged in the team is to map out the operational of approaches and activities aimed at the contribution of women and youth to a an international working environment, presence of WFP in the region, including restoring and rehabilitating this crucial green growth economy. the level of exposure and interaction in the activities and programmes, as well as landscape. Using a gendered and age lens, the joint master’s programme was the evidence products generated in the this research analyses the socioeconomic How did your thesis work contribute altogether very different. It was more process or as a result. Additionally, I and ecological effects of projects under to your professional/academic path? personal and, thus, very inclusive since it support emergency preparedness and the green growth umbrella in the combined more than 14 nationalities and response by producing maps and other southwestern block of the Mau Forest My fieldwork allowed me to get a glimpse fields of expertise amongst my fellow spatial information products. Complex, focusing on community into the world of researchers, practitioners classmates and teaching staff. This surely involvement in the success of such and communities, how we all collaborate enhanced my professional and In which ways did the joint master’s projects. Furthermore, it evaluates and (or not) and how this affects the success multicultural growth. Additionally, programme lead you here? discusses how these initiatives influence of projects. Now working in a field with a studying within the UN system exposed the coping and adaptive capacities and practical focus on building resilience me to several UN agencies based in Bonn, Studying at both UNU-EHS and the mechanisms of the communities affected (including emergency response), I feel with multiple opportunities for University of Bonn gave me an edge in by climate stresses and disasters. confident each day as I carry out activities internships, workshops and expert critical thinking and strategic problem Conducted as a case study, the research aimed at helping people affected directly seminars, all of which enriched my UN solving because I had direct contact with approach is both qualitative and and indirectly by environmental risks. I experience and professional network. experts in diverse fields, connecting the quantitative, using Weft QDA and am able to contribute to strategic physical and human sciences. Learning Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programming efforts within my What do you do today? from this pool of experts, coupled with software for data analysis. The results organization, thanks to the classes my previous experiences, has enabled indicate a positive socioeconomic and (including the simulation exercises) and I am a proud Carlo-Schmid Fellow at the me to contribute significantly to my work ecological effect of green growth fieldwork experiences from the joint World Food Programme Regional Office assignments, particularly as it relates to initiatives, especially with the elderly master’s programme. for Asia and the Pacific. I work with the the physical, economic and social population. It further reveals a gradual information and knowledge management vulnerabilities of populations in evolution of adaptive and coping strategies ALUMNI 34 35

current work. It provided me with complex dynamics in insecure and fragile analytical tools to better understand environments ― very relevant aspects human-environmental systems and when working in the humanitarian world. Alina Zalewski Germany Educational Opportunities for South Sudanese Refugee Girls in Northern Ugandan Settlements - A Case Study on the Challenges Faced by Refugee Girls Graduated in 2019 Accessing Primary Education in Ayili I & II Settlements

Thesis Abstract the individual and setting-specific needs Looking back, how would you of refugee girls. Thirdly, a better describe your experience in During the conflicts in South Sudan, many collaboration is needed between national the joint master’s programme? children will spend their youth in northern ministries and local district officials in How did you benefit from it? (gender and migration). Ugandan refugee settlements. In line with order to understand conflicting roles and the progressive Ugandan refugee response responsibilities. I would like to highlight three main aspects What do you do today? framework, this thesis aims to understand of the joint master’s programme that I highly the gendered aspects of the educational How did your thesis work contribute appreciated: After 16 months working for a Norwegian situation for refugee girls in northern to your professional/academic path? NGO as a humanitarian information Uganda settlements. Firstly, the programme brings together analyst based in Geneva, Switzerland and While conducting my research in northern students from various parts of the world and Amman, Jordan, I returned to northern In a second step, the thesis concludes that Uganda, I worked for a national NGO and different specializations. Besides making Uganda in January 2020. Now at GIZ, I the underlying progressive policies and am a full member of the South Sudanese wonderful friends, the cultural exchanges support a project that aims to link structures under the CRRF are good and refugee response community. Building and profound interdisciplinary discussions humanitarian relief operations for DRC unique foundations, but these have not upon previous theoretical knowledge from inside and outside the classroom enabled me and South Sudanese refugees to long-term created educational opportunities for the the joint master’s programme, I gained to think about different perspectives. development interventions, anchored at South Sudanese refugee girls. The first-hand experience in UN- and the national level. By directly working potential that the Ugandan refugee government-led humanitarian responses, Secondly, the programme adopts a very with the ministries in Uganda’s Arua response framework offers could be including emergency procedures, practical approach: it combines lectures with district, I advocate for mainstreaming utilized if three factors were ensured. operational structures within the cluster work experiences from international host and refugee communities’ needs in Firstly, a mutual understanding amongst system and daily challenges of (research) organizations. Their insight and the district development plans to ensure all stakeholders of the root causes of girls’ humanitarian interventions in fragile knowledge were highly valuable. equal access to critical infrastructure and drop-outs/non-enrolments in educational settings. These insights not only allowed lifesaving services. programmes is necessary. This would, me to better understand the humanitarian Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the secondly, allow combined, innovative system in East Africa, they also enabled immense value gained in terms of personal In which ways did the joint master’s efforts to create an enabling environment me to find a job as a humanitarian analyst and professional development as a result of programme lead you here? that sees flexibility in the educational right after graduation. the flexibility of the programme. I was able to system and tailors educational services to gain experience in my specific field of interest The joint master’s programme has laid a by tailoring class papers to my favourite topics profound theoretical foundation for my ALUMNI 36 37

René Kusdian Germany Graduated in 2017

Looking back, how would you describe your experience in the joint master’s programme? How did you benefit from it? ‘Approaches towards a resilient Analysis of Ecosystem Services provided by Mangroves in North Jakarta, At first, I was somewhat sceptical whether environmental and disaster-related Indonesia using the Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site-based Assessment (TESSA) I would master the challenges of studying risk management’. Conducting mainly in a foreign language and in a new societal scientific research, I am environment. However, right from the identifying important actors and Thesis Abstract start, it turned out to be very nice. The stakeholders in the field of risk lead to a complete loss of ESS functions or relationship between us students and the management in Germany, Switzerland My MSc thesis aims to identify the to a stabilizing and extended ESS provision lecturers was very unique, friendly, and the UK. Apart from my research, I am ecosystem services of mangroves in North respectively. Implications and familiar and comfortable. Thus, it is no also teaching the university’s Jakarta with (at that time) a new recommendations for decision makers wonder that I expanded my personal undergraduate students. assessment toolkit. The main aim of this were made accordingly. network. I would consider this a major thesis was to establish what benefits (in benefit and outcome of the joint master’s In which ways did the joint master’s terms of ecosystem services) and How did your thesis work contribute programme, besides getting insights into programme lead you here? challenges mangrove ecosystems provide/ to your professional/academic path? the international system of the UN and cause and impose on local residents in an acquiring new knowledge and experience The network I established during my urban environment, such as North Jakarta. Since my pre-master’s career was in many fields. The network, especially studies led me to Professor Schrott since Additionally, it questioned what the future characterized by my background in connections to other organizations and he is also one of the senior lecturers and of the mangrove ecosystems of North Physical Geography, the joint master’s the University of Bonn, led me to the is known for his research and educational Jakarta in the context of urban and coastal programme offered me many new position I am currently in. expertise in the field of natural hazards development is, and what the resulting opportunities, research directions and and disaster risk management and implications are for decision makers. It methods. This experience shaped my What do you do today? prevention. The joint master’s programme was outlined that the two assumed current work and research approach introduced me to new research approaches scenarios, one with the construction of a significantly, and it also built my current I am a Research Assistant in the Research and methods that I am still benefiting from Giant Sea Wall, the other with the professional and personal networks. Group of Professor Dr. Lothar Schrott in today, and which have remarkably shaped preservation and rehabilitation of the GIUB. I am writing my PhD thesis on my current research design. destroyed mangrove areas, would either ALUMNI 38 39

form the much-needed theoretical, interrelations between hazards, risk, conceptual and research base required in exposure and vulnerability. Participating Felix Akrof-Atitianti these fields. The programme equipped me in the programme came with valuable with a good understanding of resilience insight into the UN system and the general Ghana principles, particularly in the context of community of practice ― particularly the local, national and international processes of UNFCCC and the climate Graduated in 2016 development, as underpinned by the change negotiations and discourses.

Conditions and Processes Framing the Capacity of Cocoa Farmers to Looking back, how would you Practice Climate Smart Agriculture in Ghana describe your experience in Thesis Abstract the joint master’s programme? advocacy and multi-level governance as a source of GHG emissions. Farm tenures, How did you benefit from it? part of the European Union-funded Agriculture in Africa is not only exposed the age of farmers, location of farms, Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan to climate change impacts, but is also a residential status and access to extension Looking back, I can describe this Africa initiative. Similarly, in the joint source of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In services were the main determining experience as simply outstanding as it has implementation of the urban health and Ghana, agricultural emissions are factors influencing CSA practices among been a good strategic decision, a fulfilling short-lived climate pollutant reduction accelerating, mainly due to the ensuing cocoa farmers. investment and an exciting journey of project (in cooperation with WHO and deforestation, with which smallholder learning, which has fine-tuned my UN-Habitat), I lead the component on cocoa farming is largely associated. How did your thesis work contribute professional interests and provided stakeholder engagement in the pilot city Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) thus to your professional/academic path? confidence in my more ambitious future of Accra, Ghana. offers a way to reduce the sector’s GHG aspirations. emissions and to adapt the sector to the This study helped me to appreciate the I am currently the coordinator of ICLEI’s adverse impacts of climate change. This importance of integrated climate action What do you do today? flagship project, Urban-LEDS II, which study assesses the potential of CSA vis-à- and the need to avoid ‘one size fits all’ aims to accelerate integrated climate vis conventional cocoa systems to enhance approaches. It also highlighted the I am a Low Emission Development action through the promotion of urban production, mitigate and/or remove GHG importance of tailoring solutions to the Program Officer at the World Secretariat resilience and low emission development emissions and build resilience, in addition needs of local communities, where the of ICLEI-Local Governments for strategies (Urban-LEDS) involving 60 cities to understanding key determinants impacts of climate change are most felt. Sustainability, based in Bonn. My work in 8 project countries and Europe. influencing CSA practices. A farm budget This, in essence, formed the basis of my focuses on the development and analysis of productivity and economic interest to professionally engage with local implementation of low emission In which ways did the joint master’s performance shows that CSA practitioners governments as far as sustainable development strategies, while programme lead you here? have a 29% higher income per ha compared development is concerned, and it also links mainstreaming air quality and health to the conventional farmers. Estimations to my climate advocacy work through considerations in local government The joint master’s programme not only using the FAO Ex-Ante Carbon-Balance which I engage with national governments planning and development. reinforced my interest in pursuing a Tool (EX-ACT) indicate CSA practices to strengthen collaborations with their career in the fields of sustainability, preserve forest resources, without which respective local governments to enhance In practice, I lead ICLEI’s role in enhancing environmental risk management and the effect on carbon balance, as presented inclusiveness in decision-making. institutional frameworks through climate climate change, but it also enabled me to by conventional farming, would remain 40 41 External Voices EXTERNAL VOICES 42 43 “As a development policy institute, it is How did you become aware of the students of our master’s programme? essential for DIE to integrate Southern In which ways have you interacted with them in recent years? voices at all levels – otherwise we are not I knew about the plans to initiate a joint the programme, and is working on his PhD credible. That is another solid reason why master’s programme right from the start. thesis at the Center for Development At that time, I was working a lot with Research (ZEF), which is also connected the joint master’s students are well-suited colleagues from both UNU-EHS and GIUB. to the University of Bonn. Ever since, I for our institute. I can definitely see I even encouraged a talented young scholar have frequently interacted with students from Ghana, who I met while I conducted of the joint master’s programme, alumni of the programme becoming part field research in West Africa, to apply for especially those completing internships the programme. He got accepted! Today, or working as research assistants at DIE. of our projects in the future.” he is an alumnus from the first batch of

Benjamin Schraven What qualifies our students for their internships/student assistant jobs/ theses at DIE? What makes them well-suited for your Institute? Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik / German Development Institute (DIE) All of the students I have met and worked from the Global South. As a development with at DIE are talented and dynamic policy institute, it is essential for DIE to Dr. Benjamin Schraven is a Researcher young people, eager for knowledge. I integrate “Southern” voices at all levels – at the German Development Institute/ appreciate their soft skills, as well as their otherwise we are not credible. That is Deutsches Institut für knowledge about certain topics, such as another solid reason why the joint master’s Entwicklungspolitik (DIE). His research vulnerability and human mobility, which students are well-suited for our institute. focuses on migration and development are central research topics for DIE and my I can definitely see alumni of the policies, linkages between individual research work. Moreover, I also programme becoming part of our projects environmental change and migration, appreciate that many of the students are in the future. as well as adaptation to climate change. EXTERNAL VOICES 44 45

How did you become aware of our “To me, they are an excellent blend of joint master’s programme and our students? highly motivated and professional Throughout the last five years of working fostering opportunities to form a researchers with intercultural sensitivity on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and partnership to facilitate an exchange disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) at GIZ, between project implementers, and a high awareness of global issues and there has been a strong interaction with researchers and practitioners. This was UNU-EHS, in particular with Dr. Fabrice how I became aware of the master’s UN processes. This is a perfect mixture for Renaud and Dr. Zita Sebesvari. From the programme. working with us in our projects and for beginning, there had been discussions about engaging students in some way, and being part of our teams.”

Mathias Bertram is an advisor in In what ways have you interacted with our students in recent years? Mathias Bertram the IKI-funded Global Project for Deutsche Gesellschaft für the Design and Implementation of There have been many opportunities – advice to capacity building to technical Internationale the New Global Biodiversity from international conferences and cooperation on the ground? This fruitful Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Framework (BioFrame 2020), workshops on ecosystem-based adaptation exchange led to further collaborations in implemented by GIZ, supporting organized by GIZ, to the UNFCCC climate the form of internships within our Germany’s CBD focal point in UN change negotiations, to frequent projects. Additionally, a list of potential negotiations with a particular interactions at similar events, such as the thesis topics relevant to our project work focus on the interface between Friends of EbA network meetings, the EbA was agreed upon with UNU-EHS, which biodiversity conservation and Community of Practice, EbA Knowledge the students and graduates could apply for climate change. His background is Days and events of the PANORAMA to work together with GIZ in the form of a in International Forest solutions’ initiative. On all of these master’s study. Management. His work focuses on occasions, there was a strong engagement nature-based solutions for climate by the joint master’s students, who We did this quite successfully with a change and disaster risk participated quite actively. student within one of our projects in Peru, reduction, biodiversity who assessed the social and biophysical conservation and natural Also, cooperation was formed within one impacts and benefits of EbA measures in resources management. of the programme’s seminars on EbA and mountain ecosystems, grasslands and Eco-DRR, where we provided inputs for wetlands. This resulted in a joint the students on questions such as: What publication, as well as the student’s does EbA mean in practice? What is the master’s thesis. So this was really a triple role of the German government in win situation for our partners at the international cooperation? What is GIZ Ministry of Environment in Peru, for us doing in partner countries- from policy and for the student, of course. EXTERNAL VOICES 46 47

What qualifies our students for their internships/student assistant jobs/ theses at GIZ? What makes them well-suited for your section/department?

Firstly, they have a very broad thematic What, however, makes the students really background on topics such as outstanding in my opinion is that they environmental risks, climate change, possess cutting-edge, applied research global change processes, transformation knowledge relevant to the pressing and disaster risk reduction. Also, they are questions of our time, such as global all very aware of UN negotiations, transformation, sustainable development, processes and discussions between climate change, biodiversity and disaster In which ways could you imagine our alumni as staff members within researchers and policymakers, which is risk reduction, among other issues. your team / your projects in the future? a critical asset. To me, they are an excellent blend of highly Besides this, they all come from diverse motivated and professional researchers We do in fact have alumni from the joint biodiversity conservation and disaster global backgrounds, have solid with intercultural sensitivity and a high master’s programme in our GIZ teams risk reduction are also very prominent international experience, possess awareness of global issues and UN already. Thus, it‘s not a question of if we topics. intercultural sensitivity and speak a processes. This is a perfect mixture for can imagine them working with us, but variety of languages. All of these aspects working with us in our projects and for rather where they are best suited. Given Alumni abroad could potentially join our are critical assets when working at GIZ. being part of our teams. the fact that GIZ’s growing project portfolio projects worldwide, of which we have more is at least 50 percent in some way related than 1,500, and thus become part of the to climate change, I would say that there 20,000 staff that GIZ currently has. In the is a big opportunity for alumni of the context of GIZ projects in Germany, alumni programme to become future staff could join us in providing advice to members. This could be either as young German ministries in the context of sector professionals, for which GIZ has a or global projects, for instance to the dedicated programme, or - if they have Federal Ministry for Economic already gained some work experience Cooperation and Development (BMZ) or abroad - they may apply for an advisor or the Federal Ministry for the Environment junior advisor position, depending on their (BMU), and to international initiatives for experience. Next to climate change, sustainable development. UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY IMPRINT Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) Contact: www.ehs.unu.edu UN Campus Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, [email protected] D-53113 Bonn, Germany www.facebook.com/unuehs e-mail: [email protected] twitter.com/UNUEHS www.ehs.unu.edu

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RHEINISCHE FRIEDRICH-WILHELM- UNIVERSITÄT BONN Department of Geography

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