Context
Although Ecuador is considered to be the most biodiverse country on earth in relation to its size, it has fragile ecosystems: forests, Andean moorland (Páramo), wetlands and mangroves are threatened by overuse, pollution and changes in land use. Furthermore, climate change is accelerating the loss of biological diversity (biodiversity).
Ecuador’s rich biodiversity is an important strategic cornerstone for the country’s long-term economic development, and climate change is receiving a lot of attention. The national development plan targets the sustainable and innovative use of Ecuador’s natural resources in order to improve living conditions in the country. However, few innovations are being developed in the country to harness biodiversity in a sustainable way that is resilient to climate change.
Scientific networks are not sufficiently expanded and strengthened, scientific funding is not allocated on a regular basis and delays in disbursements and, hence, implementation of research programmes are common. The performance of research institutes and universities has potential for development. Overall, the requirements for the research-based development of innovations within the areas of biodiversity and climate change are inadequate.
Objective
The requirements for the research-based development of innovations within the areas of biodiversity and climate change in Ecuador have improved.
Approach
The focus is on cooperation through joint German-Ecuadorian research projects within marine, coastal and mountain ecosystems in the scope of the National Agenda for Scientific Investigation on Biodiversity. The measure comprises three fields of activity: (1) the practical application of existing research results, (2) the strengthening of academic networks and (3) the support of new demand-oriented scientific cooperation projects.
For this purpose, the complementary strengths of technical and scientific cooperation are being put to good use together with the implementation partner the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The focus is on the increased use of research results, national and international networking (through matchmaking events, joint research projects and the strengthening of research networks) and institutional strengthening of the National Biodiversity Institute (INABIO) and the Ministry of the Environment (MAE), the National Agency for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (SENESCYT) and participating research institutions.