International DAAD Alumni Expert Seminar “Capacity Building in Integrated Watershed Management for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Conflict Resolution in Transboundary Mountainous Ecosystems of Eastern Africa”

12. to 23. February 2012
Mt Elgon, Uganda

The mountainous ecosystems of the East African region have a crucial influence on human livelihoods as well as on local, regional, and international hydrological water cycles. Their function in sustaining ecological processes and meeting diverse human needs throughout the region is vital. But, the system is under immense pressure and deteriorating at an alarming rate due to a quickly growing human and livestock population and ever increasing demand for the natural resources. As a result natural resource (NR) conflicts are becoming increasingly pronounced and further threaten the integrity of the ecosystem.

This seminar is the second one of a series out of two. In the first seminar, Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) was used as a tool to develop a holistic, multidisciplinary and sustainable approach to Natural Resource management that ensures a multi-stakeholder approach and particularly emphasises the participation of local communities in management and planning.

In the second seminar, IWM was used as a tool in conflict resolution as it provides a platform for all stakeholders to voice their interests and become a part of the decision making process.

Sub-objectives included:
1. To strengthen skills and competencies of the DAAD Alumni and other participants in Natural Resource Management (NRM), conflict resolution as well as mediation skills in transboundary ecosystems.
2. To initiate, nurture and improve regional and international networks of (North-South and South-South) experts working on aspects of NR conflicts.  
3. To give participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research related to NR conflicts that benefits academicians, practitioners and communities alike.
4. To create an opportunity for the DAAD alumni to share experiences with local communities on NR conflicts and their management in Eastern Africa.
5. To catalyse innovations in communicating research findings on NR and conflict resolution.