LOCATION: Togo
The WASCAL Master programme supports and facilitates academic instruction on the links between climate change and human security in West Africa. The program is hosted at the University of Lomé, in association with UNU-EHS as a counterpart institution to offer students an integrated learning environment. Students acquire the necessary skills to qualify them as disaster and risk management specialists on climatic risks based on relevant background knowledge in meteorology, geosciences, social sciences, health, economics, institutions, law and policy.
Upon completion of their study, students are expected to be able to:
- Analyze, with scientific tools and methods, the threats and climatic risks societies or communities face;
- Synthesize knowledge regarding integrated management strategies for climate change, specifically to improve human security;
- Offer adaptation options, strategies and plans to deal with climate change at multiple scales;
- Assist communities in dealing with climate change by implementing integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies.
UNU-EHS provides the scientific expertise in vulnerability and risk assessment frameworks and methodologies, along with insights into ongoing research activities and outcomes. Furthermore, UNU-EHS, together with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Regional Office for West and Central Africa (UNOCHA ROWCA) and the Togolese Red Cross, train students in the use of geospatial technologies, such as Remote Sensing and GIS for applications in the area of disaster risk reduction and emergency response preparedness.