The CABES Master programmes on SPIBES
The CABES Master of Science (MSc) on “Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change – SPIBES” will be hosted by three universities across Africa: University Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (SPIBES_West Africa), University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic Congo (SPIBES_Central Africa) and the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network – Addis Ababa University (HoAREC&N-AAU) (SPIBES_East Africa). SPIBES is a two-year full-time interdisciplinary course designed to provide prospective students with broad, high-quality understanding, knowledge and skills needed to make active contributions to biodiversity science-policy interfaces such as IPBES, and the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 in Africa. The SPIBES program is dedicated to scientists interested in sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem services management through science-based policy and decision-making.
Goals of the SPIBES programme:
- Educate and empower a new generation of early-career scientists to tackle complex environmental challenges and contribute to the IPBES assessments development processes and uptake of its products and those of other science-policy platforms on biodiversity conservation in their countries.
- Establish the capacity required to take up lead roles in biodiversity science-policy interfaces in their respective countries – provide necessary tools and skills to translate scientific results into policy instruments.
- Build the capacity of experts to support the implementation of the agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Reinforce interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary thinking in tertiary institutions in West, Central and East Africa.
- Strengthen south-south collaboration through the SPIBES alumni network.
The SPIBES Masters Programme specifications in brief
Title
SPIBES – Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change
Description
A two-year interdisciplinary course designed to provide prospective students with broad, high-quality understanding, knowledge and skills needed to make active contributions to biodiversity science-policy interfaces such as IPBES, and the attainment of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2030 in Africa. The SPIBES program is dedicated to scientists interested in sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem services management through science-based policy and decision-making.
Goals
- Educate and empower a new generation of early career scientists to tackle complex environmental challenges (biodiversity erosion, climate change …)
- Establish the capacity required to take up lead roles in biodiversity science-policy interfaces in their respective countries
- Build the capacity of experts to support the implementation of the UN SDGs agenda.
- Reinforce inter- and transdisciplinary thinking in tertiary institutions in West, Central and East Africa.
- Strengthen South-South collaboration through the SPIBES Alumni network.
Language of Study
English
Scholarship and research funding
Fully funded: The fellowship covers payment of tuition fees, field research budget, stipend for living expenses and a round-trip airline ticket. Students with their own or third-party funding may also be considered.
Duration
2 Years (4 Semesters)
Target Regions
West, Central and East Africa
Certificate
Master’s degree + Certificate of Completion from CABES
Degree-Awarding Institutions
CABES Higher Education Institution (HEI) partners include:
- University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (SPIBES MSc. Programme, West Africa),
- University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic Congo (SPIBES MSc. Programme, Central Africa)
- University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (SPIBES MSc. Programme, East Africa)
Each partner university will award its own Master’s degree to students upon successful completion. The Master degrees delivered are fully accredited.
