The University of Twente is announcing its training programme on energy and climate for year 2013

The University of Twente is announcing its training programme on energy and climate for year 2013 consisting of two international training courses:

- Formulating project proposals for climate change mitigation and clean energy (18 March – 19 April 2013). This course organized together with UNEP Risoe Centre (Denmark). The aim of the course is to develop participants' skills in writing fundable proposals in the fields of clean energy access, and climate change mitigation. In this way, the participants can contribute to the sustainable development of their countries.  This course has been updated to reflect developments in climate change and clean energy access. Deadline for scholarships with NUFFIC: October 2nd 2012 (The form is available online).

- Energy management in small and medium scale industries (28 October – 6 December 2013): During the course, modern approaches to energy management will be discussed encompassing both technical and nontechnical aspects on the firm and policy levels. From 2012, the course has been extended by a week to include a module on preparing for the ISO 50000 standard on Energy Management.

The courses offer a unique platform for anyone interested in enhancing their skills, knowledge and international network on sustainable energy and climate change mitigation.

For more information about the impact of the program, the CSTM of the University of Twente has recently released a report which highlights the positive impacts of training courses on energy and climate in developing countries. In a nutshell the course has a strong international profile as it has had 179 participants from 44 nationalities in the period 2005 – 2012 (among them 79 participants from 15 African countries). The report can be accessed at: http://www.utwente.nl/mb/cstm/education/short_courses/Overview_ICREP2005-2012.pdf

Detailed information about these courses can be found in at: http://www.utwente.nl/mb/cstm/education/short_courses/

For scholarship opportunities it is possible to visit the website of the Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education (NUFFIC): http://www.nuffic.nl/nfp

For questions you can contact our course

administration:

Ms. Barbera van Dalm

CSTM — Twente Centre for Studies in

Technology and Sustainable Development

University of Twente

PO Box 217,

7500 AE Enschede

The Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)53 489 4377

E-mail: cstm-courses@mb.utwente.nl

International Training of Trainers on IWRM: opportunities for sponsorship!

Centre for Development Innovation, Wageningen University and Research centre invites you to apply for the:

International training of trainers on integrated water resources management

Faciltating water stewardship from a basin perspective - A course endorsed by the Ramsar Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland

Water for you! Water plays a critical role in our life. It supports a healthy environment and affects the economic and social well-being of all of us. Fresh water may seem plentiful to many people, but it is not endless. Many of us know that it is vital we make sound choices with regard to our water use, that we maintain the quality and quantity of our water supply now, and for the future. Many of us know… still many do not act  … We need You for water!

This training is for you! The course has been designed for (future) trainers in IWRM; for wetland managers, river basin and land use planners; for policy makers, consultants, researchers, NGO and company staff having affinity with training; and, for all of you who wish to become a (better) water steward.

Don't miss funding opportunities (deadline 01 October) and apply today:

http://www.cdi.wur.nl/UK/services/Courses/Courses+2013/International+training+of+trainers+on+IWRM/

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funded Study Scholarships and Research Grants for Master and Doctoral students from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Iran, Jordan, Vietnam and Indonesia in the field of Water Management, Germany 2013-2014

Study Subject(s):Hydro Science and Engineering, Water Resources and Environmental Management, Water Resources Engineering and Management, Water Science

Course Level: Master and Doctoral

Scholarship Provider: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Scholarship can be taken at: Germany

Eligibility: In principle, applications are open to specialised highly-qualified Graduates and Doctoral students from the above-mentioned countries who have graduated from their studies in Engineering or Natural Sciences subjects no longer than six years ago.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes

Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Iran, Jordan, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Scholarship Description: One of the priority funding points to which the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) attaches particular importance in its Framework Programme on “Research for Sustainable De-velopment is Sustainable Water Management (NaWaM): “One of the major challenges of the future is to ensure the supply of clean water to the world population. Population growth, water pol-lution and the increasing water consumption per capita have a strong impact on water quality. In addition, expansive climate changes and change in land use influence global and regional water cycles and thus question the medium and long-term avail-ability of water.” In view of this background, the BMBF specifically promotes research projects to develop, adapt and internationally dissemi-nate technologies and strategies for the sustainable management of the resource “Water”. Of particular interest in this context are the thematic fields of Water and Energy, Water and Health, Water and Nutrition, Water and Environment, as well as Water in Urban Areas. At the centre of the DAAD Special Programme funded with the resources of the BMBF on “Sustainable Water Management” lies in the promotion of young scientists from Kazakhstan, Mon-golia, Iran, Jordan, Vietnam and Indonesia. The programme section on “Study Scholarships and Research Grants for Foreigners” offers highly-qualified Students and Doc-toral Students from the above-mentioned countries the opportu-nity to study in specialised relevantly selected English-spoken Master’s programmes at German universities, or, for carrying out their PhD projects in Germany in the thematic field of “Water in Urban Areas” or “Water and Energy” (particularly, the increase of energy efficiency in connection with the treatment of drinking water and wastewater).

Duration of Scholarships: The whole support is structured to run for a period of 31 months (masters) and 43 months (Doctoral) Funding is provided for an obligatory four-month intensive lan-guage course (start: June 2013), a generally two-year Master’s programme  and three-year doctorate/PhD (start: October 2013), and an obligatory, at least three-month, Internship in a company engaging in commercial business and industry, in the specialised authorities of the Fed-eration and Federal States, and in the management and regula-tion of resources in corporations under public law, or in research institutions in Germany.

What It Covers:
For Masters: The scholarship/grant is made up of a monthly instalment of 750 Euros and an annual Study and Re-search costs subsidy amounting to 460 Euros.
For Doctoral: The support includes a monthly payment of 1000 Euros and an annual Study and Research Costs Subsidy amounting to 460 Euros.

For outward and return travel as well as for field work in the home country, country-dependent travel allowances are awarded. Furthermore, the DAAD covers the costs of health insurance as well as for accident and personal liability insurance. Possibly, surcharges can also be paid for accompanying spouses and children. The host institutes in Germany receive a monthly Research Costs Surcharge amounting to 200 Euros per scholarship/grant.

Application Procedure: The application documents must be submitted in full in duplicate. Applicants are kindly requested to use the Form “Application for Research Grants and Study Scholarships”

http://www.daadjkt.org/index.php?download-area

On the cover sheet, please specify the corresponding type of support. The following documents for Type of Scholarship A must be included with the application form:

-Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max.)
-Summary of the Bachelor’s thesis (2 pages max.)
-Bachelor’s degree certificate
-Academic transcript
-Letter of motivation (1 page max.)
-Proof of English language skills (TOEFL 550/213/80; IELTS: 6.0). Please do not submit the prediction score.
-If possible, proof of German language skills (e.g. TestDaF, Zertifikat Deutsch, Deutsches Sprachdiplom)
-Proof of contact with the desired Master’s Programme
For Type of Scholarship B:
-Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max.)
-Summary of the Master’s thesis (2 pages max.)
-Presentation of the planned doctoral project (3 pages max.)
-Confirmation of supervision by a scientist from a German University/Higher Education Institution
-Work plan and schedule (if possible, agreed upon with the German supervisor)
-Master’s degree certificate;
-Academic transcript (Master’s degree)
-Proof of English language skills (TOEFL 550/213/80; IELTS: 6.0). Please do not submit the prediction score.
-If possible, proof of German language skills (e.g. TestDaF, Zertifikat Deutsch, Deutsches Sprachdiplom)

The letters of recommendation by two scientists of your own choice must be included in sealed envelopes or sent by the referees directly to the DAAD in Bonn by the closing date of applications.

How to Apply: By Post

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31st October 2012

Call for Applications: 2013 Conservation Leadership Programme Awards

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) aims to contribute to long-term conservation in priority areas by encouraging and engaging potential leaders in biodiversity conservation and providing opportunities for individuals to gain practical skills and experience. This partnership initiative, including BirdLife International, Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International, and Wildlife Conservation Society, has been helping young conservationists across the world to achieve their goals for over 25 years. The Programme currently works toward its aims by offering awards, training and mentoring support.

CLP invites applications from early-career conservationists living and working in Africa, Asia, East/South-East Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Countries designated by the World Bank as high-income economies are not eligible for CLP support. Exceptions to these criteria include high-income economies located in tropical areas of high biological diversity, including Pacific and Caribbean Islands and the Middle East. Please see the attached call for more details. There are three awards categories:

• Future Conservationist Awards: Approximately 20 awards of up to $15,000 each
• Conservation Follow-up Awards: Approximately 6 awards of up to $25,000 each (available only to previous CLP award winners)
• Conservation Leadership Awards: 1 award of $50,000 each (available only to previous CLP award winners)

The application deadline for full proposals is 9th November 2012 for ALL applications. Those applying for a Conservation Follow-up or Conservation Leadership Award must submit a logical framework to the CLP by Monday, 1st October 2012. CLP will provide feedback on all logical frameworks by 16th October and, based on this review, will either invite applicants to submit a full proposal or not. Awards will be announced in April 2013. Please visit the CLP website (www.ConservationLeadershipProgramme.org) for detailed eligibility criteria, guidelines and an application form. Please forward this announcement to other potentially interested individuals, organizations or academic institutions.

Successful applicants will: 1.) Develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of team members; 2.) Implement a focused, high-priority conservation project combining research and action; and 3.) Contribute to the long-term success of local conservation efforts. All applicants whose proposals meet the eligibility criteria and undergo review will receive feedback from expert reviewers. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the CLP team up to two weeks before the application deadline for advice on project eligibility, methods and project activities. The CLP can also put teams in touch with local partner offices or other experts who can provide additional advice.

A representative from each award-winning team will be invited to attend an international training event in June/July 2013 organized by the CLP to share ideas and develop skills, knowledge and contacts. Additionally, winning teams are able to network with experts from within each of the partner organisations and past winners. CLP team members are available to help with project implementation.

Have additional questions or seeking advice? Email clp@birdlife.org for more information.

More: http://www.conservationleadershipprogramme.org/FutureConservationistAward.asp

UNITAR e-Learning Course on Strengthening the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD)

Strengthening the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD)

UNITAR E-Learning Course

5 November – 14 December 2012

Dear Colleagues,

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce the delivery of the e-learning course, "Strengthening the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development", which will take place from 5 November – 14 December 2012. Participants will learn about the current institutional architecture concerned with sustainable development, emerging policy issues requiring an effective institutional response, and political challenges to advance reform as reflected in the negotiations leading up to, and during the Rio+20 Conference.

Please feel free to disseminate information about this course through your networks, and do not hesitate to contact us (envgov@unitar.org) should you need any further information.

  

Sincerely,

  

The UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme Team

Background

Since the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the institutional framework to address environment and sustainable development challenges has witnessed a steady growth in the number of institutions and agreements, with more than 500 multilateral environmental agreements currently in existence. Yet the continuing deterioration in the natural resource base and ecosystems, global climate change and persistent poverty raise doubts about the capacity of the institutional framework to address these challenges. The 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) reaffirmed the need to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development (IFDS) and initiated specific action to foster more effective and coherent institutional responses.

Target Groups

The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a general understanding about the theme of international sustainable development governance and latest developments. They include:

•             Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities

•             Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Ministries of Foreign Affairs

•             Environmental managers in private sector and civil society organizations

•             Faculty, researchers and students

•             Interested citizens

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the current institutional architecture concerned with sustainable development, key emerging policy issues requiring an effective institutional response, and the political challenges to advance reform as reflected in the negotiations leading up to, and during the Rio+20 Conference.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

•             Explain sustainable development challenges demanding effective international institutions

•             Outline key milestones of developing and reforming international institutions concerned with sustainable development

•             Chart and analyze the current international IFSD

•             Recognize linkages between international, national and sub-national sustainable development governance

•             Analyze key policy issues relevant for the Rio+20 negotiations and beyond

•             Assess options to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development

Methodology

The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); and reflect (relate to one's own reality). The total number of learning hours is 40 over a 6 week period. During weeks 1-5 the reading of an e-book is complemented by a range of learning activities and experiences that include interactive exercises, discussion forums, and an applied case study. Week 6 is reserved for wrap-up and completing course assignments.

Course Fee and Registration

The course participation fee is 600 USD. A small number of full/partial fellowships are available for participants from developing countries working in the public sector, academia or non-profit organizations. Priority for fellowships will be given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 

Register at: http://www.unitar.org/event/strengthening-institutional-framework-sustainable-development-ifsd

  

For details please contact the UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme at: envgov@unitar.org

Registration Deadline: 28 October 2012.

The call for applications for 2013 Conservation Awards is now open!

The CLP has been helping young conservationists to achieve their goals and move into positions of influence within the conservation sector for more than 25 years. We are currently soliciting applications for 2013 Conservation Awards. These awards are aimed at early-career conservationists (less than 5 years professional experience in the conservation sector). Successful applicants will: 1.) develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of team members; 2.) implement a focused, high-priority conservation project combining research and action; and 3.) contribute to the long-term success of local conservation efforts.

This year’s awards include:

Future Conservationist Awards (up to US $15,000 each)

Conservation Follow-up Awards (up to US $25,000 each) – available only to previous CLP Future Conservationist Award winners

Conservation Leadership Awards (up to US $50,000 each) – available only to previous CLP Follow-up Award winners

How to Apply:

Take our Eligibility Quiz now to learn if your project fits our award criteria.

Follow the link above for the appropriate award. If you have never received support from the CLP, you can apply for a Future Conservationist Award; if you have already received this award, you can apply for a Follow-up Award; if you have received both these awards, you can apply for a Leadership Award.

The award deadline is 9th November 2012 for all award types.

Applications must be submitted online. However, we recommend that you complete the application offline using the downloadable word document and then copy and paste the information to the online form.

Sign up to the CLP enewsletter and CLP Facebook page to be kept informed of other program activities.

All teams that make it through the first round of reviews will receive feedback on their proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the CLP team more than two weeks before the application deadline for advice on eligibility, project concept, methods and activities. The CLP can also put teams in touch with local partner offices or other experts who can provide additional advice.

A representative from each award-winning team will be invited to attend an international training event organized by the CLP to share ideas, develop skills and knowledge and network with their peers. Additionally, winning teams are able to network with experts from within each of the partner organizations and past winners. CLP team members are available to help with project implementation, including guidance required during the planning and team training stages.

Have additional questions or seeking advice? Email clp@birdlife.org for more information.

Call for participation: 2013 MyCOE / SERVIR Initiative in the Himalayas for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The MyCOE / SERVIR Initiative in the Himalayas is a 10-month fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students who are citizens of eligible countries*, currently enrolled in any field at an institution of higher education in an eligible country with ideas and plans for research that address themes of Climate Change in Mountain Area Regions using geographic technologies. Students are invited to propose a research project and will be competitively selected on the basis of their long-term potential to contribute to these topics in the region.  The MyCOE / SERVIR program will provide students with customized capacity training in GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and/or spatial techniques to help them enrich their research proposals. They will also receive professional development, have access to additional mentoring by international experts and engage in an online community with other fellows. Interested students must apply with a mentor who is willing to work closely with them throughout the duration of the program and attend the workshop. The program provides travel support and research stipends for both students and their mentors.

Up to 15 teams of students and their mentors will be selected for this Himalayas Initiative.  Over the life of the program, participants will have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with approximately 60 other teams from around the world that will be selected through MyCOE / SERVIR global initiatives.

The official language for this initiative is English.

Partners: My Community, Our Earth: Geographic Learning for Sustainable Development (MyCOE), Association of American Geographers (AAG) (MyCOE Secretariat); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), The SERVIR Global Program; International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), SERVIR-Himalaya and others.

*Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. 
Please note that to be eligible, all participants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries AND also be studying (students) or working (mentors) and residing in the same or another of the eligible countries.

For more information please see http://www.aag.org/mycoe.servir/himalayas
Inquiries may be directed to mycoe@aag.org