ProSPER.Net E-bulletin Issue 115 (August 2022)

Applications Open: ProSPER.Net Joint Research Projects
Since its inception, ProSPER.Net has aimed to develop a new generation of leaders who can best tackle global sustainability challenges in the face of rapid environmental degradation. By changing the way higher education institutions teach students about sustainability, ProSPER.Net improves the ways in which future professionals manage sustainability issues across a wide variety of disciplines. As COP26 brought world leaders to agree on a new 10-year Work Programme on Action for Climate Empowerment to promote climate education, youth engagement and public participation, concrete mechanisms and their implementation must be accelerated to achieve the Paris Agreement goal. Capitalising on the synergies and successful partnerships in our network, the Joint Research Project in 2023-2024 is aimed at developing postgraduate-level courses that are aligned with the key competencies for the implementation and reinforcement of the Paris Agreement. Its objectives are the following:

1. To identify key competencies for the effective implementation and reinforcement of the Paris Agreement based on research and scientific literature; and
2. To design postgraduate-level courses based on these identified competencies for co-implementation within (and beyond) the member institutions of the project proponent team.

Each joint research project proposal is to be prepared by a project proponent team, with at least three ProSPER.Net member institutions. Proposals are being accepted until Friday 30 September, 2022 (11:59pm JST). For more information on the guidelines and how to apply, view the open call here.

Submissions Open: 2022 RCE Youth Biodiversity Art Challenge
The Global RCE Service Centre at UNU-IAS, in partnership with UNESCO, is now accepting submissions for the RCE Youth Biodiversity Art Challenge! The challenge is open to anyone aged 35 or younger worldwide. We’re looking for creative works of art that put a spotlight on the species, habitats, and ecosystems that we need to work to protect. Submissions can be made for any of the following categories, with a focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) or SDG 15 (Life on Land). Choose from:

• Is your favourite animal or plant species under threat?
  • Show us one of your favourite animal or plant species which is currently under threat (e.g. Is its population/survival at risk? Are its habitats being endangered?)
  • Tell us how we can ensure we protect and restore this species – what actions can we take today in our communities?
• How can we protect the habitats and ecosystems within our regions?
  • Show us one of your favourite places which is being impacted by biodiversity loss (e.g. a local national park, forest, beach, river).
  • Tell us why it needs to be protected, and what actions communities can take to conserve this place?

Further information, including submission guidelines and eligibility are available here. Entries close on 30 September, 2022 (11:59pm JST).