Since the beginning of March 2021, the Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development has been implementing a project to support research in and on the Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve in Ghana.

Lake ‘Bosomtwe’, a crater lake about an hour southeast of the city of Kumasi, is one of three UNESCO biosphere reserves located in Ghana. The area covers almost 29,000 ha and was established in 2016. The local and regional population, but also the scientific institutions are hardly aware of the reserve and the concept of biosphere reserves, and the acceptance for a model area for sustainable development is rather low.

The aim of the project is therefore to build a strong professional network of researchers and teachers around the Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve and to promote relevant, practice-oriented teaching and research by the participating institutions in the area. The network should promote the exchange of knowledge between the participating partners. Among other things, participatory processes in individual communities will examine how existing forms of land use can be made more sustainable and which sustainable alternatives can be considered.

The project partners are the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, the University of Skills, Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Mampong, and the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The project is planned for 4 years and is possible thanks to funding from the German Academic Exchange Service. Further information can be found on the project page of the HNEE.