UCD-Tanzanian project partnership WeCOAdapt visit UCD
In the bustling city of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative is taking place which confronts the climate and sustainability challenges posed by urban development, water and the ecosystem in Tanzania. The WECOAdapt (Water management through ECOhydrology for climate change ADAPTation) project, funded by the SFI Future Innovator Prize Irish Aid SDG 13 Challenge, focuses on reducing and preventing negative impacts of floods and droughts and of unsustainable urban development. It will work on reversing the degradation of water and land resources, and the decline in biodiversity.
Led by Dr Liana Ricci from University College Dublin, the WECOAdapt project is a collaborative endeavor that brings together a diverse team of experts. On 31 October 2023, the UCD Earth Institute hosted a number of these experts who showcased the strides made by the WECOAdapt project and provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Dr Timothy Ndezi, the Societal Impact Champion of the WECOAdapt project and founding director of Tanzanian organisation Centre for Community Initiatives (CCI), shared his insights into inclusive cities and empowered communities in the face of a changing climate and shed light on the strategies employed to ensure that the benefits of climate adaptation reach all segments of society.
Next, Dr Given Justin Mhina and Dr Lukuba Ngalya Sweya from Ardhi University presented their findings on the needs and options for inclusive adaptation to climate change and urbanization in Dar es Salaam, providing valuable perspectives on how the project is addressing the unique challenges faced by the local community.
WECOAdapt is an example of a truly participative research project, illustrating the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to address urgent societal challenges. As the project continues to unfold, its impact on water management, urban development, and ecosystem resilience in Tanzania serves as a testament to the potential of research and international partnerships in building a more sustainable future.
A video of the talks from the event are available on the Earth Institute YouTube channel.
