Green Gown Awards 2020 - University of Plymouth - Finalist

Jali Ardhi: Care of the land

The University of Plymouth has been an anchor institution for its region for many years, demonstrating a civic sensibility through its collaboration with partners at all levels. That ethos of partnership and empowerment runs through the Sustainable Earth Institute, which brings researchers together with businesses, community groups and individuals to develop cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that build resilience to global challenges.  

Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in Africa, where University academics are working across environmental and social science borders to address key environmental issues.  

By partnering with stakeholders, from government to farmers and Maasai herdsmen, and collaboratively co-creating solutions, they are ensuring that communities are empowered to act, fostering greater resilience and sustainability. 

Top 3 learnings:

1. Universities are melting pots of ideas and expertise but tend to work in silos. Crossing boundaries is beneficial to projects, stimulating to researchers and students and effective in creating new ways of working and delivering. 
2. Education in international research needs proper multi-level engagement from grassroots workers and community members in remote villages of Africa to internationally renowned experts, government, and policy makers. 
3. Equitable partnerships amplify research impact through ‘south-north’ and ‘north-south’ shared learning and knowledge exchange.