Year of 2018 - 2019

Duration: 10 January - 12 July, 2019
Represented countries of origin in the course:

Armenia	Bolivia	Brazil	Burkina Faso	Cambodia	China
Ethiopia	Ghana	India	Kenya	Mexico	Myanmar
Nepal	Nigeria	Pakistan	Peru	Philippines	Rwanda
		Ukraine	Vietnam

Mr Marcio Alvarenga Junior

Country of origin:Brazil
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course:Researcher and Environmental Consultant at Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development Research Group Rio de Janeiro
Academic background:Economics (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
► Developing technical reports to help many institutions (government, NGOs and private sector) regarding their policy-making process on the following topics: green fiscal policy, land-use change and climate change, environmental macroeconomics, etc.

Ms Hasmik Barseghyan

Country of origin:Armenia
Workfield: fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course:Executive Director at Sustainable Energy Development Fund" Foundation Yerevan
Academic background:Business Administration (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Making sure the foundation accomplishes its goals and objectives, Elaborating mid-term and long-term development strategy, Managing Foundation employees work (up to 10 people), Project Management,Building and maintaining relationships with donors and beneficiaries

Ms Magaly Ines Beltran Siñani

Country of origin: Bolivia
Workfield: Environmental education, Energy education, Physics education, Consultant in GHG inventories and climate change, project management, renewable energies and solide waste management
Position while attending the course:Professional in GHG inventories for the Mitigation Department, APMT Bolivia
Academic background:Renewable Energies (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Conformation and monitoring of sectoral platforms regarding the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, Training in technologies that contribute to the reduction of emissions, Planning according to the guidelines of the mitigation mechanism and the APMT, Review and calculation of GHG inventories

Profile:

I am working as Professional in mitigation to climate change department in the Plurinational Authority of Mother Earth (APMT) in Bolivia. I am involved with Greenhouse gases (GHG) inventories at national level and mitigation strategies in the different sectors involved. Additionally I work with projects related to Renewable energies and wastewater treatment with biodigestor technology.
APMT is the focal point of climate change in Bolivia, and it has three mechanisms: Adaptation, Mitigation and Joint (Forestry issues), this institution is created with autonomy under the Ministry of Environment and Water.
In this context, the CIPSEM program is a good chance for me in order to get involved in integral thinking about environmental management, additionally for the opportunity to exchange experiences with another people in Germany and around the world. This experience will improve my sills as a facilitator and scientific researcher due to the high level of content.
I have been honored with the participation as a fellow in China, Korea and Spain with topics related to renewable energies and climate change, my master degree fellowship was provided by the Sweden cooperation and UMSS partnership. My experience as a consultant in topics related to clean production, efficiency of the process, costs, human resources, water management, renewable energies, GHG inventories and waste water treatment have been done thank you to different opportunities since 2009.

Ms Sreymoch Bun

Country of origin: Cambodia
Workfield:fed./nat. admin.
Position while attending the course:Environmental Officer, Ministry of Environment Cambodia
Academic background:M.Sc. of Environmental Management and Development at The Australian National University, ACT, Australia.
Responsibilities: 
Review of EIA's report of proposed projects in Cambodia, member of  EIA law enforcement team, Fields visit to evaluate the potential impacts, Produce reports of feedback and comments of the projects to Minister of the Ministry of Environment

Profile:

I started my job as a government officer since 2013 at the Department of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and recently transferred to Department of Ecotourism, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia. My work mainly is to inform decision-makers with technical knowledge in order to manage natural resources efficiently as well as to improve the living conditions of Cambodian people and the regions. My current works now are to; assist and collaborate with all stakeholders for customary land registrations that related to the development of eco-tourism sites, prepare and provide trainings of the implementation of natural tourism development for all stakeholders, prepare contracts and conditions for managing the implementation of eco-tourism projects within the boundary protected areas, setting and define the boundary and maps for all development of eco-tourism projects, produce reports of progress for supervisors, and responsible of all special tasks assigned by the supervisors.
CIPSEM [EM42] course have provided me with the opportunities to grow professionally and personally. It is not only improved my life-long professional learning to develop new ideas together with, additional skills related to behaviour change for environmental sustainability, and increase knowledge of life cycle assessment thinking for sustainable development. But also helped sharpen my personal skill of learning to live more independently, more environmentally conscious and more resilience to the surrounding environment. Last but not least, CIPSEM course has expanded my professional networks with experts all around the world, especially close relationship with all the participants. We all shared a common feeling that this place is home.

Mr Juan Diego del Castillo Ruiz

Country of origin:Peru
Workfield: Urban biodiversity conservation
Position while attending the course: President at the NGO Centro Urbes Lima
Academic background: Biology (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Represents the organization in two civil society networks and in technical,political and local meetings, Also manages one small project and formulates two others and it’s the main technical and legal advisor of one local organization focused on 'lomas’ conservation

Profile:

I am president of Centro URBES, a Peruvian NGO composed mainly by young professionals, focused on urban biodiversity conservation with a community-based approach, including research, education, development, and policy advocacy. I coordinate several activities and represent URBES in civil society networks and technical/political meetings regarding urban biodiversity, green areas and public spaces, promoting multilevel collaborative platforms.
In 2012, Centro URBES was finalist of the EcoReto of TIC Americas, in 2014 and 2017 we received recognitions by the Congress of Peru for our activities, and in 2017 and 2018 members of URBES received a National Forest recognition and the National Water Culture Award in the category of Research. In 2016 and 2017 I represent URBES in Latin American courses in Argentina and Colombia regarding sustainable and resilient cities, and youth participation in biodiversity conservation.
My expectations prior to the CIPSEM EM42 course were to deepen my knowledge, capacities, exchange experiences, and do networking. In this context, the course has positively contributed to gain state-of-the-art knowledge and practices, and connect with institutions and specialists from all over the world, especially with my dear fellows, with whom I share values, dreams, and a strong belief in our actions.

Ms Oleksandra Logunova

Country of origin: Ukraine
Workfield:reg. NGO
Position while attending the course:Head of Organisation at Sustainable Development Platform Dnipro
Academic background:Electrical and Electronic Engineering (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Developing the strategy for sustainable development of territories in Donbas and Dnipro region, Participating in the International Project “Assistance in safety improvement of tailings management facilities in Armenia and Georgia”, Promoting projects for green energy

Mr Joseph Kyalo Makau

Country of origin: Kenya
Workfield:Environmental Management
Position while attending the course:Environment Officer at The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA - Kenya)
Academic background:M.Sc. in Environmental Studies - Environmental Biology
Responsibilities: 
Environmental regulation, licensing and compliance monitoring, Environmental enforcement and compliance promotion, Mainstreaming of devolved environment functions into county governments, Documenting and promoting best env. practices, M&E and State of env. reporting, Support Green growth

Profile:

I am an environment officer at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) that is established under the Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA, CAP 387) as the Government’s principal instrument in implementation of all environmental policies in Kenya for a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. I work as a compliance and enforcement officer coordinating the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources in the country under the Nagoya Protocol. I’m also involved in coordination of green growth programme that aims at greening Kenya’s development pathway by improving implementation of policy frameworks for environmental management. Currently I’m interested in developing my capacities in circular economy approaches for resource efficiency and environmental safeguards with focus on life cycle assessments, material flow analysis and costing. 
In 2017 I was awarded a DANIDA fellowship for a post-graduate training in green and circular economy at the Technical University of Denmark. Recently I have been actively involved in the development of an innovative and dynamic ABS online permitting system for Kenya in collaboration with the GIZ / ABS Initiative and we had the honor to showcase at the Nagoya Protocol COP/MOP 3 side-event #2809 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in 2018.

Ms Urvana Menon

Country of origin:India
Workfield:reg. NGO
Position while attending the course:Regional Coordinator - Eastern Himalayas at World Wide Fund for Nature India New Delhi
Academic background:Chemistry (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities:Works with WWF as a regional conservation policy professional and a programme strategist for the Eastern Himalayas, Contributes to the policy space of conservation in India, Nepal and Bhutan with an attempt to optimize sustainability across developmental initiatives of these three countries

Ms Nguyen Thanh Tam

Country of origin: Vietnam
Workfield:Fed./nat. admin.
Position while attending the course:Lecturer and Researcher at Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Academic background:Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Teaching subjects are Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Also teaches in laboratory courses and take part in field program building in environmental field

Ms Nyein Nyein Khine

Country of origin: Myanmar
Workfield:Environmental Conservation
Position while attending the course:Assistant Director at Environmental Conservation Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation
Academic background:Marine Science (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Manages staff officers and deputy staff officers to finish the tasks on time, Coordinates and cooperates with others government organizations to integrate environmental conservation into the development plan that will implement in all sector

Profile:

I am working as an assistant director in the policy and legal affairs division of environmental conservation department. I’m involved in the coordination meeting for the mainstreaming of environmental management into the development process of relevant ministries. I also work on environmental education and awareness activities to the public, and capacity building training programme for new born personnel in environmental conservation department. I support to give policy comment in term of environment management for the policy formulation of line ministries.
In this context, the Fellowship Programme is the best opportunity for me to extend my knowledge and to upgrade my skills on modern nature conservation approaches, environmental governance and ecosystem service valuation and economic.

Ms Iquo Bassey Offiong

Country of origin: Nigeria
Workfield: fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course:Scientific Officer at Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja
Academic background:Biotechnology (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Makes input to deliberations of policy formulations including Science Technology and Innovation(STI) and its implementation, Draft policy on solid waste management - 2017, Also promotes appropriate technical guidelines on sustainable environmental friendly and innovative technologies

Mr Daniel Gyamfi Opoku

Country of origin: Ghana
Workfield: fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course:Research Technician and Nursery Manager at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Forestry Research Institute of Ghana
Academic background:Natural Resources Management (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Assisting and carrying out forest and environmental research on conservation, preservation and management of forest biodiversity and environmental resources, ecological restoration, soil and land management, climate change mitigation and watershed management and manages nursery activities

Mr Nenkompassoboum Alexandre Ouedraogo

Country of origin: Burkina Faso
Workfield:Forest Inspector
Position while attending the course:Head of the Partnership Department of the National School of Water and Forest
Academic background:Biology and Plant Ecology (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
The mission assigned to us are the search for partners, the consolidation of the partnership network, the planning of the various traning courses, the promotion of the National School of Water and Forests inside and outside the country and the development of projects and seek funding

Profile:

I work at the National School of Water and Forest at the division of Partnership and Continuing Training. I am the Head of Partnership Department and my task is to develop environmental project and seek funding, the daily management of agreements and Partnership relation signed with the school and the promotion of the school both inside and outside the country. I also teach Biology and environmental education to students at the school and in a private University. Concerning to CIPSEM course program, given that sustainable environmental management is a challenge facing developing countries, this program was an opportunity for my capacity building. In addition, this training would allow me to strengthen my knowledge in environmental management through the curricula oh the program and the sharing of experience with the others participants from the various countries. I have been Head of Departmental Service of environment. I have been also regional planner at the regional directorate of environment. Currently, i am the Head of Partnership department at the National School of Water and Forest.

Mr Ireneo Jr. Silverio Piong

Country of origin:Philippines
Workfield:fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course:Development Management Officer at Mindanao Development Authority Area Management Office for Northeastern Mindanao, Butuan City
Academic background: Business Administration (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Coordinating the priority development projects and programs of the local stakeholders to the concerned government agencies and special bodies as well as in communicating the banner programs of the Authority to the local stakeholders and partners

Ms Saba Raffay                                                

Country of origin:Pakistan
Workfield:reg. company
Position while attending the course:Senior Research Analyst - Environment at The Urban Sector Planning and Management Services Unit Pvt. Ltd. The Urban Unit, Lahore
Academic background:Applied Environmental Science (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Working on strengthening environmental governance in Punjab, improvement in environmental monitoring and assessments, restructuring and capacity building of EPD Punjab, implementation of environmental and social safeguards, Policy design for informed decision

Ms Rocio Patricia Ruelas Fimbres

Country of origin:Mexico
Workfield:reg. admin.
Position while attending the course:Air Chief of Climate Change Deparment at  Comisión de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Sonora Hermosillo
Academic background:Economic Integration (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities:
On charge of updating the GEI emissions inventory and the public policy of the state climate action plan for adaptation and mitigation to climate change, also colaborate with international organizations to develop policy programs as a methodology for a voluntary local carbon market

Mr Fiseha Bekele Teshome

Country of origin: Ethiopia
Workfield: Environmental Management
Position while attending the course:Lecturer and researcher at Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources
Academic background:Environmental Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Teaches courses related to environmental management,environmental laws and policy, EIA, Undertakes thematic and disciplinary research in the area of environmental management and also plans, coordinates and implements community service works, field works and workshops

Profile:

I am working as a lecturer at Hawassa University Wondo Genet college of Forestry and Natural Resources. My major work task include teaching, research and community service in the area of Environmental management, Environmental impact assessment, water management, waste management, Environmental disaster and risk management. CIPSEM course was important for me to add leadership and experience attributes to environmental management. I learned a lot about the policy, strategic, technical, and socioeconomic instruments of environmental management and most importantly, the course has helped me to believe that I can really contribute and it is possible to change and at least initiate change and mobilize available potential and resources for change. After this course, I strongly believe that, to save our fast deteriorating environment, the most crucial issue is to change our behavior. It starts from us who are experts to believe in change and we need to initiate changes. I no longer believe I am too small or insignificant to initiate change at least in my country thanks to CIPSEM course. I was pioneer African union scholar and I did proposed, plan and implement community service works in Ethiopia to contribute to energy crisis and mitigate climate change. I am active in disciplinary and thematic research activities and have experience of publishing Papers. I have a natural potential and will of promoting and fulfilling my leadership and management skills in Environmental issues.

Mr Kamal Thapa

Country of origin: Nepal
Workfield:Climate Change and Protected Areas (Ramsar Site)
Position while attending the course:Project Manager
Academic background:M.Sc. in Environmental Management and M.Sc. in Management of Protected Areas
Responsibilities: 
Local level planning of activities to adapt to climate change and achieve low carbon development, Development of annual work plan and budget and mainstreaming climate change adaptation activities in municipal level planning, Implementation of Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA)

Profile:

While attending the course, I was involved in the Ramsar Site conservation and management project in Nepal. I was responsible for overall management of the project, donor relation, fund raising, local people mobilization, conservation awareness raising, project activity planning, reporting and co-ordination with government agencies such as Division Forest Office, Division Irrigation Office, Municipality and ward offices for the long-term conservation and management of Ramsar Site.
I attended the course to update my existing knowledge of environmental management and to network and learn from the lecturers and course participants in an international setting. I was also motivated to share my experience with fellow participants and my expectations were met.
Immediately before this position, I was associated with the government of Nepal (Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development and Ministry of Forest and Environment) for about three years where I worked as the Environmentalist and Climate Change specialist in two different projects. I had also worked with the international nature conservation organization and my additional work field is protected area management too. Soon, I am pursuing my PhD studies in Australia within the field of Environmental Management for which I am awarded the scholarship.

Ms Liliane Umukunzi

Country of origin: Rwanda
Workfield:Local NGO
Position while attending the course:Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Areco-Rwanda Nziza Kigali
Academic background:Environmental Science (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Implementing and managing the monitoring and evaluation activities, including the coordination of externally conducted evaluations as well as ensuring high quality and timely inputs, and for ensuring that the organisation maintains its strategic vision

Ms Zhou Haili

Country of origin: China
Workfield:fed./nat. admin.
Position while attending the course:Director Level Official, Division of Strategic Environmental Assessment, Department of EIA, MEE at Ministry of Ecology and Environment Beijing
Academic background:Science in Geography (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Reviews and organization activities related to the compilation of Strategic Environmental Assessment Reports covering programmes, regional and sectoral development policies

Duration: 14 November - 07 December 2018

Description

Nowadays, one in five people still lack access to modern electricity. Taking population and economic growth rates into consideration, world energy demand will rise by an estimated two thirds in the next three decades. Thereby, the energy sector accounts for 60% of the man-made green-house effect. Hence, any serious action program to combat climate change has to attend to measures leading to improved energy efficiency as well as to expansion of renewable energy such as solar power, wind power, biomass, geothermal power and hydropower. The course will focus on renewable energy technologies, their implementation and impact on the environment. Engineering as well as social, economic and legal aspects will be covered. Site visits to hands-on examples will demonstrate the potential and feasibility, but also the bottlenecks towards a sustainable energy supply based on “renewables”.

Objectives

After the course participants have acquired professional skills and knowledge on assessing the energy demand and supply situation in their countries. They will be able to actively contribute to the drafting of appropriate national energy strategies, taking the renewable energy potential of their countries into account.

Represented countries of origin in the course:

Albania	Algeria	Argentina	Brazil	Colombia	Egypt
Ethiopia (x2)	Ghana (x2)	Indonesia	Kosovo	Lebanon	Libya
Madagascar	Mexico	Mongolia	Nepal	Pakistan	Ukraine
		Zambia

Ms Anna Banda

Country of origin: Zambia
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Principal Energy Officer at Ministry of Energy, Department of EnergyLusaka
Academic background: Natural Resources and Environment (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
► Supervises and coordinates preparation and implementation plans of
programs to facilitate promotion of energy management and development
of renewable sources of energy. Key result areas: supervision, project
formulation, promote use renewable and efficient equipment, Energy audits

Mr Natei Ermias Benti

Country of origin: Ethiopia
Workfield: University
Position while attending the course: PhD Student at Addis Ababa University
Academic background: Sustainable Energy (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Research topic: Off-Grid Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Primary
Energy Supply in Ethiopia

Mr Getachew Beyene Mulaw

Country of origin: Ethiopia
Workfield: Fed./nat. admin
Position while attending the course: Energy Economist at Ministry of Water, Irrigation and ElectricityAddis Ababa
Academic background: Public Mangement and Policy (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Follow up foreign financed renewable energy projects and programs, follow up the country's major renewable energy project, involved in the preparation of national energy balance and statistics report and planning and providing energy sector information for both local and international stakeholder

Mr Enoch Bessah

Country of origin: Ghana
Workfield: University
Position while attending the course: PhD Student
Academic background: Environmental Management (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Research topic: Effect of Climate and Land Use Change on Hydrological
Ecosystem Services in Pra River Basin in Ghana

Ms Rosa Monique Emefa Djangba

Country of origin: Ghana
Workfield: fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: Assistant Project Officer at Kumasi Institute of Technology Energy and Environment Accra
Academic background: Renewable Energy Technologies (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Assisting in project development and/or implementation in various
programme areas within the organisation, including energy, renewable
energy, climate, environment, policy and advocacy

Mr Abderrezzaq Bouharchouche

Country of origin: Algeria
Workfield: fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Research Associate in Electrical Engineering at Renewable Energy Development Center CDER
Algiers
Academic background: Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Studies and develops renewable energy systems. Evaluates and monitors
national renewable energy projects

Ms Mariam Mohamed El Forgani

Country of origin: Libya
Workfield: Fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: Energy Expert at Director at REEO, the Libyan Renewable Energy and Environment OrganizationTripoli
Academic background: Electrical and Electronic Engineering (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Working for the Libyan renewable energy and environment organization
as energy expert, studies and researches in the field of renewable energy
and energy efficiency in Libya

Mr Alfonso Fernandez Arancibia

Country of origin: Argentina
Workfield: Fed./nat. admin.
Position while attending the course: Senior Economic Analyst at Undersecretariat of Renewable Energies, Ministry of Energy and MiningBuenos Aires
Academic background: M.Sc. in Energy Regulation
Responsibilities: 
Analytics and economic assessment of energy projects (including, solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass, biogas, landfill biogas, WTE, geothermal, thermal and hydro technologies). Support and assessment for renewable energy regulation drafting, including Open Call for Tenders, Corporate PPAs (MATER), etc.

Ms Rosane Yumi Fukuoka

Country of origin: Brazil
Workfield: Fed./nat. company
Position while attending the course: Partner and Energy Efficiency Consultant at Mitsidi Serviços e Projetos Ltda, Sao Paulo
Academic background: Architecture and Urbanism (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: Working with energy management in buildings sector, energy
benchmarking for public buildings, the energy efficiency national plan
in buildings sector for 2030 for EPE and Ministry of Energy, and
Brazilian Efficient Cities Project

Mr Putu Indy Gardian

Country of origin: Indonesia
Workfield: Fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: Researcher at Indonesian Institute for Energy Economics FoundationJakarta
Academic background: Mechanical Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Conducting research on various energy issues by desk-study analysis as
well as field activity research, e.g. assessment on renewable energy
sourced power installation in remote areas, doing community
development which promotes sustainable energy and energy efficiency

Ms Keti Gjinali

Country of origin: Albania
Workfield: Reg. NGO
Position while attending the course: Environmental and Energy Efficiency Specialist at Creative Business Solution AlbaniaTirane
Academic background: Environmental Engineering - Energy Profile (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Implementation, maintenance and internal communication of the Environmental Management System. Preparing and developing energy audit services - Developing Energy Saving Methods for CBS Albania - Research on open calls on Environmental and Energy Efficiency projects

Mr Shahnawaz Farhan Khahro

Country of origin: Pakistan
Workfield: Regional administration
Position while attending the course: Deputy Director Alternative Energy at Directorate of Alternative Energy, Energy DepartmentKarachi
Academic background: Control Science and Engineering (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Promoting alternative energies from all natural sources such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass and ocean waves in the province of Sindh. Facilitate local and foreign investors for development of Renewable Energy power projects. Coordinate with private and other government organizations

Mr Pankaj Kumar

Country of origin: Nepal
Workfield: Fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: National Expert, Capacity Building at SNV Netherlands Development OrganisationKathmandu
Academic background: Rural Development (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Renewable energy context, promotion, development, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting and planning and capacity building for local body and federal government as new constitution established in Nepal, The Project is Renewable Energy for Rural Areas (RERA), funded by GIZ

Ms Bayarmaa Lkhagvadorj

Country of origin: Mongolia
Workfield: Fed./nat. admin.
Position while attending the course: Lead Consultant at UNDP-MCUD "NAMA in Construction Sector in Mongolia" Project Ulaanbaatar
Academic background: Earth and Environmental Studies (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Supporting the implementation of project such as: Establishment of baseline energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in the building sector, Development and implementation of appropriate mitigation actions in the building sector; and (MRV) system for NAMA in the building sector

Mr Jose Baltazar Lopez Iñiguez

Country of origin: Mexico
Workfield: Local administration
Position while attending the course: Energy Engineering Team Leader at Cleaner Production Mexican Center- National Polytechnic InstituteMexico City
Academic background: Electrical Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Technical advice and participation with companies in cleaner production process and energy efficiency diagnostic evaluation, workshops, courses, forums, integral ISO 9001 and 14001 management system audits monitoring, courses and projects material review (design and development)

Mr Oleksii Mykhailenko                                                

Country of origin: Ukraine
Workfield: Fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: Analyst at NGO Dixi GroupKyiv
Academic background: Public Administration (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Analytics in energy sector focus on electricity market and renewable energy in Ukraine. Analysis of financial data in energy sector in Ukraine, financial modelling, review of legislative and regulatory changes in energy sphere, support of USAID project "Transparency in energy sector"

Mr Rila Albani Rakotomanana

Country of origin: Madagascar
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Air Pollution Management Division at Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Forests General Directorate of Environment, Antanananarivo
Academic background: Environment and Spatial Planning (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities:
Finding solutions concerning the environmental problems related to the
galloping exploitation of the forest resources for the production of
charcoal and firewood in order to solve the indoor air pollution

Ms Ana Maria Ramirez Tovar

Country of origin: Colombia
Workfield: Sustainable energy
Position while attending the course: Research Assistant at Universidad Autónoma de OccidenteCali
Academic background: Mechanical Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Ph.D. on Sustainable Regions, Working on sustainable energetic projects focused on hydrokinetic technologies low environmental-impacts in the rural areas project. Directing the Sustainability group of TuHouse UAO-USB team for the Solar Decathlon LAC 2019

Profile:

I am working as a professor in the Universidad Autonoma de Occidente, Cali-Colombia. In addition, I am studying a PhD in Sustainable regions and my research field is impacts of the energetic infrastructure and, how these impacts can be taking into account in the planning energetic process.
In this context, the Fellowship Programme is the best opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge of energy transition and renewable energy as well as to improve my skill for facilitating complex discussions. My expectations were to know the German energy transition, how they could finance the renewables and the social acceptance of them. CIPSEM was a great opportunity to know colleagues working on the same field and construct not just a work network but friends.

Mr Rawad Rizk

Country of origin: Lebanon
Workfield: Regional NGO
Position while attending the course: Sustainable Energy Specialist at Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE)Cairo
Academic background: Clean Technology (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Author and sustainable energy analyst of the Arab Future Energy Index (AFEX), 2017. Catalysing the deployment of solar PV technology and developing an investment friendly environment for renewable energy in Iraq and Yemen in collaboration with UNDP and the World Bank

Mr Admir Shala

Country of origin: Kosovo
Workfield: Local Company
Position while attending the course: Chief Executive Officer at Publc Owned Enterprise District HEating J.S.C. Gjakova Gjakova
Academic background: Energy, Environmental Technology and Economics (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
All tasks and duties in compliance with the legislation, statute and other regulations in force for public enterprises in Kosovo. Leading and managing activities to provide and enable the public service for the hospital, university, schools, commercial and other private buildings

Ms Eman Adel Mohamed Sadek Soliman

Country of origin: Egypt
Workfield: Regional NGO
Position while attending the course: Renewable Energy Engineering Specialist at Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE)Cairo
Academic background: Electrical Engineering (Bachelor);  Business Administration - Project Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Coordinating one of the main projects in RCREEE: TaqaWay, the Arab sustainable energy online portal: http://taqaway.net Key player in the Knowledge Management Unit in RCREEE and involvedin most of RCREEE projects

Profile:

Coordinating renewable energy and energy efficiency related projects in cooperation with the league of Arab stats, UN-ESCWA, UNEP and GIZ to support the Arab region. In addition to her contribution on a country based assessment projects in Iraq with the UNDP, In Yemen with the World Bank Group, in Egypt with Politecnico di Milano (POLIMO) and in the SEMC countries with the Mediterranean Association of the National Agencies for Energy Conservation (MEDENER) on “Mitigation Enabling Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Region project(MEETMED)”.

( 10 October - 02 November 2018 )

Description

Good environmental governance at global, regional, national and local levels is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embarked by the United Nations. By now, one-half of the world's population is living in urban areas. Already today 70% of the world's urban population lives in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The ecological footprint of cities as an indicator of sustainability continues to grow and demands urgent rethinking of current urban development practices.

The course will focus on the interaction between all stakeholders in Local Agenda 21 processes, implementation of these processes and their impact on the environment. Engineering as well as social, economic and legal aspects will be covered by lectures and seminars. Interactive role-playing and group work will be used to demonstrate the importance of public participation in urban environmental governance. Besides the institutional framework of urban governance, the course curriculum includes modules on technical infrastructure development for energy, drinking water, wastewater, urban ecosystem services, transport and solid waste, as well as housing and spatial planning.

The lectures and workshops are mainly held by internationally renowned professors of Technische Universität Dresden as well as of the Leibniz-Institute of Ecological and Regional Development Dresden (IOER). Site visits and excursions to Berlin and other German cities will demonstrate accomplishments and challenges of urban environmental governance.

Objectives

Participants are expected to acquire state-of-the-art expertise as well as environmental communication and mediation skills to be able to contribute to a sustainable development of urban communities and their sustainable management in the respective countries.

Target Groups

This course is designed mainly for managers and decision-makers with pertinent professional experience in urban land use management and planning. The nomination by the delegating institution is mandatory.

Participation

Our International Steering Committee selects the 21 participants of this course by July 2018. Participants stay in our comfortable private studio apartments and receive a stipend to cover basic living expenses. Flights, health insurance etc. will be provided. Our course office provides further manifold assistance. Participants successfully completing this course will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Sustainable Cities.

Represented countries of origin in the course:

Mr Patrick Apraku

Country of origin: Ghana
Workfield: Land Use Planning and Management
Position while attending the course: Ag. Director, Spatial Planning Division, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Ghana
Academic background: Rural Planning and Environmental Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
► Formulates national planning policies, standards and regulations and
prepares spatial plans. Review of Environmental Assessment Reports.
Research into urban issues at the National level

Profile:

I applied for the CIPSEM course on Sustainable Cities to deepen my understanding and knowledge of mechanisms for making cities sustainable in light of the SDGs Goal 11. I sincerely appreciate the fellowship award. I have been part of a team that formulated the National Spatial Development Framework for Ghana and the Regional Spatial Development Frameworks for Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana. I also played a key role in the new spatial planning law for Ghana (Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016, Act 925). I am a member of the Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP), the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), and Regional Studies Association (RSA). I am also a recipient of the following awards; Tullow Scholarship Scheme 2011, Danida Fellowship 2009, Sida Fellowship, 2009.

Mr Roberto Auchen

Country of origin: Bolivia
Workfield: Fed-/nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Urban Planner Advisor, La Paz Municipality - Bolivia
Academic background: M.Sc. Urban Planning
Responsibilities: 
Adviser of policies, plans and projects, focused on the projection and
monitoring of regulations, plans and structural projects – all within the
framework of the "Plan 2040".

Profile:

As advisor in urban issues in the Municipality of La Paz (La Paz City Hall), it is my duty to accompany and reenforce plans formulation processes of organizing land and urban development, as well to organize external and internal events of training, diffusion of plans and urban norms of development. At the same time to support to assess in the environment of the planning and urban design. and to control and to carry out the monitoring procedures in cadastral and land administration as well to maintain control and registration of the procedures, projects, plans and urban design projects. I decided to apply for the Sustainable Cities Course, because it is my intention to encourage cities of Bolivia (beginning with La Paz), to focus and aware about climate changes and the consequences of many cities are going in their growth. Advice with all the knowledge learned, and from the experience of my course and different realities and contexts from colleagues. Also to show La Paz experience in plans and projects that may work for some other cities too, generating a debate and experience interchange in a network.

Mr Alpha Ibrahima Bah

Country of origin: Guinea
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Section Head of the Section of Control of Industrial Pollution at National Direction for the Environment, Conakry
Academic background: Rural Economics (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Inventory sources of greenhouse gases emissions, persistent organic
pollutants and ozone depleting chemicals, Inspection and control of
classified establishment (factories, quarries, mining sites...), Assessment
of pollution risks and recommendation of measures. Facilitating set-up of
community projects and conflict resolution.

Ms Wala Bashari

Country of origin: Sudan
Workfield: Urban planning / Architecture
Position while attending the course: Urban planner at UNHABITAT
Academic background: Architecture (B.Sc.); Urban Planning and Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Works on national urban policies and in the green housing committee,
contributes to adapting the Sustainable Development Goals to the Sudanese
context, considering the unique context of the federal states. Works also as
an urban planner at UNHABITAT in land management projects.

Profile:

I am directly involved in development projects and especially land use planning issues, as I work as a consultant for the ministry of environment in the project of Sudan National Urban Policy (green housing committee); it is a project aims to draw a road map of development in Sudan till 2031 based on the SDGs. Moreover, I work for UNHABITAT in the project of strengthening land management for peaceful co-existence in five Darfur States; this project is designed and focused on the (16^th SDG) on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice, and committed to using its principles to achieve the SDGs in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Furthermore, as a researcher at the University of Khartoum, I am very inspired and motivated towards urban equity issues, Recently I have immersed myself in the subject, I did my master’s research on special impact of gender variation in public open spaces (Khartoum River Nile front as a case study), and I have published a paper on the same theme  in the fourth conference of Sudanese architects association. Nowadays I am working on joint research between University of Sussex IDS and University of Khartoum. I believe my motivation to apply for CIPSEM program can be understood out of my studies and professional experience, but most of all, I have a genuine interest in adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to build peaceful, inclusive societies. I believe that urban equity in development and sustainable development is not just an ideal, something that operates in the realm of ideas or aspirations. It is a concept framework that guides decision-making to enhance lives in cities for all; a useful tool needed to redefine the urban policy agenda at local, national and regional levels to ensure shared prosperity; and a factor to enhance the city‘s transformative capacity to bring about collective well-being and fulfillment of all. Subsequently to the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU course I was promoted at UNHABITAT to Urban Planning Officer.

Mr Danny Bunonga Chibinda

Country of origin: Zambia
Workfield: Local administration
Position while attending the course: Assistant Director Housing and Social Services at Chipata City Council
Chipata
Academic background: Sustainable Development (M.Sc.); Environmental Science (M.Sc.)
 

Profile:

My main responsibilities under the city council are: coordinating the development and management of community amenities such as markets, bus stations, public housing units and skills training centres (for youth, women and disabled people empowerment); upgrading informal settlements through provision of basic services like safe water and proper sanitation, drainage/roads and issuance of security of tenure documents; and managing human, financial and other resources to enhance operations. I also work as a consultant for the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) where I give technical support to municipalities on localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG number 11 on sustainable cities and communities. The opportunity to participant in the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU Course in Sustainable Cities at CIPSEM honed my skills in facilitating transformation of our cities to more sustainable centres. The skills and knowledge will be useful to the work I do at the city council and as a consultant.

Mr Kiran Man Joshi

Country of origin: Nepal
Workfield: Architecture and Planning
Position while attending the course: Planner at Maze Solution; Founding Member of 'Nepal Cycle Society'; Visting Lecturer at 'Kathmandu Engineering College'
Academic background: Urban Planning (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Mostly leading planning projects undertaken by the institution, usually
government projects, e.g. physical development plans, integrated urban
development plans, municipal transportation master plan, etc.
Special interest in mapping and architectural works.

Profile:

Professionally I work as an architect and planner in a private firm ‘Maze Solution’. I am founding member of ‘Nepal Cycle Society’ a voluntary non-profit organization which is working to make Kathmandu valley a cycle friendly city. We are trying to achieve that by promoting cycling as a medium of transport and mobility within Kathmandu. This was also my primary reason for applying at the CIPSEM as I hoped to get firsthand knowledge and insights on approaches to sustainable mobility in cities. I also take studio classes in ‘Kathmandu Engineering College’. I am hopeful that I will be able to share my experience, techniques and knowledge on sustainability issues with my dear students.

Mr Tsegay Kidanu Kahsay

Country of origin: Ethiopia
Workfield: Teaching, research and community service
Position while attending the course: Lecturer and Head of Department at Adigrat University Adigrat
Academic background: Urban Management (MA)
Responsibilities: 
Instructor and department head of urban planning and design in Adigrat
University, Researcher especially in urban green space, land use efficiency
and sustainable urban land management as principal investigator

Profile:

I am working as a lecturer and researcher in the public university of Ethiopia (Adigrat University). The university has three core responsibilities (teaching learning process, conducting research and community services); I am participating in these three core responsibilities of the university.
My educational background is Geography and Environmental Studies (BA) and Urban Management (MA) and I have worked for more than 5 years in urban planning & development Bureau as Geographer, Demographer & Environmentalist expert in the preparation of urban plans and supervising implementations before I joined to the university.  In similar way, since the last 3 years, I am working in the university at urban planning and design department in the above-mentioned duties.
Since my educational background & work experience is related to environmental management especially in cities, when I got the chance to apply for the course sustainable cities, rely very glad. Because, I was expecting to learn more & share experience from this international institution CIPSEM and I have satisfied for my expectation practically in the course.
In my career, I have conducted some research assessments in solid waste management practices, urban green spaces & urban land management challenges. Now I become eager to search for scholarship fellowship here in Germany to develop my career (PhD) and contribute my part for sustainable development of cities.

Mr Nika Chitishvili

Country of origin: Georgia
Workfield: Local administration
Position while attending the course: Senior Specialist of Division of Infrastructural Project Management
Academic background: Economics (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Planning and managing whole cycle of infrastructural pojects

Ms Le Phuong Lan Thi

Country of origin:  Vietnam
Workfield: Architecture and Urban Planning
Position while attending the course: Vice Director at Institute of Housing and Public Works under Vietnam Institute of Architecture, Hanoi City
Academic background: Urban and Rural Planning (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Proposing to Ministry of Construction (MOC) about sustainable housing
development, Support MOC in building the annual plan of responding
to climate change and green growth strategy

Profile:

I am Deputy Director of Institute of Housing and Public Works under Vietnam Institute of Architecture (VIAr) - Ministry of Construction (MOC). My responsibilities are: Formulation for MOC  about Housing Development Strategies and Implement Residential Construction Projects. I am also a representative of VIAr in Group supporting Ministry of Construction in Building Annual Planning of Climate Change Responding and Green Growth Strategy. Therefore knowledge of Sustainable Development would be very rewarding for my mandate and surely is one of the responsibilities of my organization. I do expect to discover many keys to sustainable urban management and planning from Germany. I hope to share experiences and challenges with international experts about adaptation climate change, resilient habitat, sustainable development, Bioclimatic Architecture. I won the Rural House Design Award of the Vietnam Architects Association in 2009. I have been awarded funds from some local governments in Vietnam for research adaptive solutions to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise. I have also received scholarships from international organizations for intensive courses.

Ms Intan Lestari

Country of origin: Indonesia
Workfield: Reg. admin.
Position while attending the course: Analyst at Bappeda Provinsi DKI Jakarta
Jakarta
Academic background: Urban Planning and Policy Design (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Main duties are to prepare analysis regarding welfare policy, specifically
basic urban services such as education, health, and social services.
Responsibilities include providing data, comparing results, and monitoring
the progress of implemented programs, to achieve data-driven policies.

Ms Anita Listyarini

Country of origin: Indonesia
Workfield: Urban Settlement Area Development
Position while attending the course: Planning Analyst, Directorate General of Human Settlements, Ministry of Public Works and Housing
Academic background: International Planning and Development (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Developing of urban settlement especially those related to infrastructure for slum upgrading. Responsible for formulatting policies, controlling, monitoring and strengthening community empowerment to realizing the livable and sustainable settlement

Profile:

While attending this course I was positioned as Planning Analyst and mainly responsible for giving assistance and advice for proposed slum area development in 33 provinces of Indonesia, also involved the formulation strategy for city development in the next development term (2019-2024). Before, I was one of the Project Manager for the City without Slums Program, which has been implemented since in 2016 in Indonesia as a platform program for slum eradication and towards sustainable cities.
I found that this course offer a very relevant topic to what we are aiming to accomplish in Indonesia which is to build sustainable cities. The knowledge and experience from Germany as well as different countries which obtained from other participants will be valuable input for me and my organization.
In the Ministry of Public Works I have been assigned in slum improvement projects since 2014, which took me to see many implementation hindrance. Working with different municipalities and various stakeholders requires not only technical knowledge but also strategic and effective communication skills. This course definitely enrich me with techniques of communication and engineering solutions for development in a more sustainable manner especially in cities. 

Ms Li Yinong

Country of origin: China
Workfield: Environmental Protection
Position while attending the course: Administrative Secretary at China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center
Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing
Academic background: English language and Literature (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Being charge of the important tasks of the center such as administration,
Labor Union operation, conference planning and organization at all levels

Profile:

In charge of implementation of the administrative policies, regulation and procedures; conference planning and organizing at all levels; project management. As I have limited knowledge about sustainable cities in my work, I hope I can learn more about sustainable cities at CIPSEM to expand my business scope and enhance my professional skills.

Mr Don Johnson Lontoc

Country of origin: Philippines
Workfield: Local company
Position while attending the course: Professional Lecturer at Far Eastern University Manila
Academic background: Urban Planning and Policy Design (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Lecturer for university courses: Planning, research methods for architecture, and professional practice. Also: practicing architect and master planner.

Mr Kamel Mnasri

Country of origin: Tunisia
Workfield: Environment and Sustainable Development
Position while attending the course: Regional Expert of Environment - Assistant Director and Member of Municpal Council of City of Kef at Regional Office of Environment of Governorate of Kef
Academic background: Combating Desertification and Sustainable Management of Resources in Arid areas (M.Sc.); Engineer of Water and Forest (Option: Ecology and Natural Resource Management)
 

Profile:

I am working as an Assistant director in the local office of environment of Kef (North West of Tunisia). My main duties are:
- Representation of the M.A.L.E. at the local level
- Participation in the implementation of the Regional Strategy of the Environment and SD jointly with local stakeholders related to this field (Governorate, Municipalities, Department of Equipment, Housing and Spatial Planning, Industry department, local NGOs...)
- Monitoring the state of the environment and SD at the local level
- Giving opinions on various regional projects (urban plan, industrial projects...)
- Participation in the implementation of local agenda 21 and in the elaboration of many Studies, etc.
In addition, I am a member of many local committees: (Sustainable Development Commission; Committee for cleanliness and environmental protection; Advisory Committee for agricultural land; Committee of fight against disasters and rescue organization; Committee for Building Permits)

Mr Artur Monteiro

Country of origin: Brazil
Workfield: Environmental Managemant, Land Planning and Amazon Conservation
Position while attending the course: Research Analyst at Fundação Vitória Amazônica (FVA), Manaus/AM; Executive
Secretary of Manaus Metropolitan Area Obseravatory (ORMM) and; Executive
Secretary of Tarumã-Açu River Basin Committee
Academic background: M.Sc in Urban Planning; B.Sc. in Environmental Management
Responsibilities: 
Focused on the improvement of land-use and urban public policies, the
ORMM is supported by a network of regional experts and the main topics
are urban planning, water management, green areas and conservation

Profile:

Since some time before coming to Dresden, I work at Fundação Vitória Amazônica (FVA), a Brazilian NGO working in the conservation of the Amazon Rainforest since 1990. Our main goal is to foster the amazon socioeconomic development allying a scientific approach with traditional knowledge.
At FVA I manage the Manaus Metropolitan Area Observatory bringing together decision makers and the academia. By doing so we help local and state-level governments into land planning, development and natural resources policies construction and application. I also work at the board of the Tarumã-Açu River Basin Committee, working at the implementation of water management policies in the Amazon.
Prior to that I worked in the Barra da Tijuca Olympic Park Masterplan (Rio 2016 Games), especially in the Energy Efficiency and Water Management Strategies; together with the Angolan federal government implementing Urban Governance courses to technicians and; at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as an intern of the Mercosur-EU Bureau.
Taking part in the CIPSEM 75th course on Sustainable Cities has proven to be a key enriching expertise in my career, especially regarding technical knowledge deepening and networking building.

Mr Mafaldo de Amorim Junior Salomar

Country of origin: Brazil
Workfield: Ministry of Environment
Position while attending the course: General Coordinator of Territorial
and Urban Environmental Management at General Coordination of Territorial and Urban Environmental Management
Department
Academic background: Environment and Public Policies (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Coordination of public policies, plans, programs, projects and actions of
the Brazilian federal government in the scope of territorial and urban
environmental management.

Profile:

As a General Coordinator of Territorial and Urban Environmental Management, I´m responsible for: To propose and technically subsidize the formulation and implementation of national policies, programs, projects, guidelines, strategies and the like related to environmental planning and management territorial and urban environmental management. To act in articulation with other Ministries, civil society and relevant sectors aiming at the seal and implementation of regional and national territorial environmental agendas. To support the States and Cities, eventually other Ministries, in the implementation of planning and management policies, programs and instruments territorial and urban environment. Other activities are technically follow multilateral agreements, projects with national and international partners, and consulting contracts related to territorial and urban environmental planning and management; organize and participate in meetings, workshops, seminars, working groups and which are wholly or partly related to territorial and urban environmental planning and management; and to generate reports, technical opinions and other similar technical documents which on territorial and urban environmental planning and management.
In this context, the Short Course on Sustainable Cities was a great opportunity to develop my acknowledgements about good environmental and urban governance, technical infrastructure development for renewable energy, drinking water, wastewater, mobility and solid waste, as well as assentements, ecocities, urban and spatial planning.

Ms Mayra Alejandra Paz Viteri

Country of origin: Ecuador
Workfield: Local company
Position while attending the course: Project Assistant at Urbana Consultores Paradox CIA. LTDA
Academic background: Geographical Engineer in Environmental Management (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Preparation of maps for urban planning and territorial planning

Mr Nitin Chiranjeev Ramsahye

Country of origin: Mauritius
Workfield: Urban Planning
Position while attending the course: Senior Town and Country Planning Officer at Ministry of Housing and Lands (Planning Division), Ebene Cybercity
Academic background: Urban Planning (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Examining major development projects (e.g Smart Cities). Providing views
to be submitted by this Ministry on international treaties and protocols.
Act as focal point of the Ministry on steering committees on
implementation of SDGs; ISO:Smart and Sustainable Communities;
National Biodiversity Strategy

Profile:

I am an experienced Senior Urban Planner and a trained Cartographer. Amongst my key tasks, I determine planning applications for strategic projects e.g. Smart Cities, tourism-related projects. I tender advice to inter-ministerial committees on several UN/EU projects (SDGs, National Biodiversity Strategy, ISO Sustainable Cities and Communities and EU-ACP post-Cotonou Agreement 2020). I am also assisting Government in the preparation of an International Open Bidding Document for the review of the National Spatial Plan of Mauritius, horizon 2020-2040.
The CIPSEM fellowship is of high relevance in my professional career, as it would enable me to take home the sustainability concepts and good practices in Germany and other EU cities. I am strongly motivated to share and learn the dynamics of planning practice from CIPSEM experts and researches including participants from other developing countries.
I won several University bursaries and prizes during my studies in Mauritius. I attended the Young African Leaders fellowship programme in Urban Environmental Management offered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2011. I also successfully completed my postgraduate under the sponsorship of the Canadian Government. In addition to my duties, I have the responsibility to set up a “Council of Professional Urban Planners Act” in Mauritius.

Ms Emilija Slaridis-Janevska

Country of origin: Macedonia
Workfield: Urban planning
Position while attending the course: Urban planning advisor, Municipality of Kumanovo
Academic background: University for Architecture (Bachelor)
Responsibilities: 
Examining major development projects (e.g Smart Cities). Providing views
to be submitted by this Ministry on international treaties and protocols.
Act as focal point of the Ministry on steering committees on
implementation of SDGs; ISO:Smart and Sustainable Communities;
National Biodiversity Strategy

Profile:

I am responsible for preparing and processing urban plans of the municipality. I prepare annual programms for urban planning and other urban documentation of the municipality, provide analysis and opinions, and give instructions in urban planning processes. I prepare and proceed the decisions for adopting of urban documentation by the side of municipality council. I also work with communities (citizens) in urban planning process. Increase the knowledge of a sustainable planning process that is indispensable and in which my country invests more each day and sharing knowledge and experiences. Learning in an environment where the participants are from different nationalities, religions and cultures. The learned lessons from the training program I will apply to my work and as a participant in the process of drafting and adopting urban plans I will be able directly to implement it. With new knowledge I will be able to contribute to the sustainable development of the urban environment where I live and work, but also an opportunity to contribute to the processes of sustainable city and country. Strengthening the capacity of our local government to plan, develop and manage urban areas in inclusive way by using new methods and tools. I expect to learn, to make a new friendship, sharing experiences and network extension. I have been a part from International Training Program “Enabling Local Democracy and inclusive Urban Development trough the SymbioCity Approach” organized by ICLD and SIDA. From 5 of November 2018 I will be Had of Urban panning Unite and the Fellowship Program is the best opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge on sustainable urban planning methods in order to solve problems which my city are facing  as well as to improve my skills for facilitating complex discussions.

Ms Ezinwanyi Amarachi Udechukwu

Country of origin: Nigeria
Workfield: Environmental governance (Regulation)
Position while attending the course: Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at Lagos Field Office, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Lagos
Academic background: Environmental Engineering and Project Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Heads the Port Operations and Public Awareness Unit, one of three units
(industrial compliance monitoring, port operations and environmental
conservation) in the Lagos Field Office.
The unit heads are rotated every 18-24 months.

Profile:

I work in the Nigeria Environment Agency-the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). NESREA has the mandate of enforcing all environmental laws, regulations, conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory among others as well as ensure a sustainable use of the Nigerian environment.  I have been involved in the development of national environmental regulations on different aspects of the environment as well as in the operationalization of these regulations. Currently, I head the pollution crime prevention/control activities in the Lagos Liaison Office of the Agency. In addition, I supervise the public awareness activities at the Lagos Liaison office which involves proffering advice on safe use of the environment by stakeholders.
The CIPSEM Fellowship opportunity provided me invaluable information and knowledge on sustainable environmental issues which I employ in the discharge of my duties of pollution control and environmental education.

Ms Jaint Yadanar

Country of origin: Myanmar
Workfield: Environmental Conservation
Position while attending the course: Environmental Specialist at E Guard Environmental Services Yangon
Academic background: Forestry (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Project proponents, analyzes collected data which can provide environmental guidance contained explanation of policies and finally prepare report including impacts analysis and mitigation measures in relation to types of the project.

Profile:

Currently I am working as an Environmental Specialist in one of the leading environmental services providing organization in Myanmar. I have to undertake Environmental and Social Impact Analysis for the development projects which may have serious impacts on the environment and communities. Moreover, I have to conduct socio-economic surveys and facilitate in public consultation meetings for knowing the local people perceptions and concerns on these projects. And I analyze collected data which can provide environmental guidance contained explanation of policies and finally prepare reports including impact analysis and mitigation measures in relation to types of the project.
Moreover, I would like to learn urban development practices related to green building, public transportation, renewable energy, wastes and resources management from this course. The knowledge and experiences that I have learnt must be applied to the development plans of our country within the practical, holistic and integrated legal framework, including all the aspects needed to achieve sustainability and finally to become peace, green and sustainable country.

Duration: 30 August - 26 September 2018

Motivation

Two-thirds of the global population already live in areas affected by water scarcity at least one month per year. About 500 Million people are living in regions, in which water consumption is more than twice the amount of locally available renewable water resources.
As the population increases and lifestyles change, the demand for water will rise significantly during the next decades. A substantial share of that demand comes from agriculture, which today accounts for 70 percent of the world's water abstraction, but also from industry and energy production. The projected increase in demand is also due to accelerated urbanisation and, consequently, the expansion of urban water supply and sanitation systems.
Climate change is likely to exacerbate the gap between water supply and demand. The frequency and intensity of floods and droughts are likely to change, with partially drastic consequences on the socioeconomic conditions and the environment. Declining water quality due to the discharge of contaminated wastewater intensifies water scarcity, endangers human health and burdens ecosystems – and consequentially hampering sustainable economic development. Affordable supply and treatment options are urgently needed.
Currently, more than 80% of wastewater is discharged without treatment. Improved management of wastewater towards a circular economy offers excellent opportunities which need to be exploited to deal with the rising pressure on water resources.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has comprehensive water objectives and goes beyond water and sanitation. The Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure the "availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." Subgoal 6.3 aims at improving water quality by 2030 "by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.”
Achieving Goal 6 is central to the entire agenda. Whether the global community can attain it will be decided in low- and middle-income countries, where the share of water treatment and wastewater treatment is extremely low and the need for low-cost implementation solutions and options for safe water use is particularly high.
A focus on “nature-based solutions” is in line with the UN World Water Day 2018 theme “Nature for Water”. Nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of our water challenges. There is a huge potential of ‘green’ infrastructure that should be harmonised with ‘grey’ infrastructure wherever possible. This approach is also emphasised by the UN World Water Development Report 2018 “Nature-based solutions for water” and on other international events such as Stockholm World Water Week.

Course contents

This course, therefore, constitutes a contribution to capacity building for the protection and sustainable use of the available water resources as outlined in target 6 of the agenda 2030. The course addresses both water quantity and quality issues within integrated water management, covering the scientific background, effective governance and appropriate technologies.
The curriculum comprises lectures, seminars, site visits and excursions, with many opportunities for intersectoral exchange and for expanding professional networks. The training will cover

• a basic understanding of the water cycle and the climate system,
• integrated water resources management concepts
• the strongly interlinked aspects of water quality and quantity, with emphasis on health issues, including for example
  • water reuse and recovery, 
  • pollutants of emerging concern, 
  • nature-inspired approaches for improving water quality
  • ecohydrology approaches to water management
• water governance and monitoring frameworks, with innovative approaches to water quality monitoring
• groundwater management, including managed aquifer recharge
• urban water (water infrastructure, water purification and distribution, wastewater treatment), water for agriculture

Participants will be asked to prepare post-training action plans to facilitate the transfer of newly acquired knowledge and skills. Throughout the training, intercultural understanding will be promoted.
After successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Nature-Based Water Resource Management - Quantity, Quality and Health.

Objectives

Participants are expected to adapt concepts for an integrated water resource management. After the completion of this course, they should be able to actively contribute to the sustainable use of water resources in their respective countries with special consideration of health issues.

Target Groups

This course is designed to meet the professional demand of experts preparing and implementing policy decisions as well as decision makers working in environmental protection with a specific focus on safeguarding water resources. A corresponding professional background (e.g. geology, geography, hydrology, meteorology, hydro-engineering, planning, water management) is essential. The nomination by the delegating institution is a mandatory prerequisite.

Represented countries of origin in the course:

Armenia	Bhutan	Brazil	Cameroon	Ecuador	Egypt
Ethiopia	India	Iraq	Jordan	Kosovo	Madagascar
Namibia	Nigeria	Nepal	Pakistan	Peru	Philippines
	South Africa	Sudan	Zambia

Ms Intesar Albu-Attiya

Country of origin: Iraq
Workfield: Water and environment
Position while attending the course: Senior Engineer at State Commission for Dams and Reservoirs
Academic background: Environmental Engineering (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
► Studying and evaluating the engineering designs and construction documents for small, large dams and reservoirs. Also evaluating the EIA and economic feasibility study of dams. Member of the committee responsible for water allocation and rehabilitation of water infrastructures.

Profile:

I am working as a senior Engineer in the general director office / State commission for Dams and Reservoirs / Ministry of Water Resources from March 2007 until now. My current work is the follow up of the MOSUL dam maintenance grouting & rehabilitation contract with TRVEI the Italian Com. I am preparing the documents required for inviting international companies to study and evaluate the dam safety. Furthermore I am within the committee responsible for water allocation and rehabilitation of water infrastructures.
In this context, the Fellowship Programme is the best opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge on modern nature conservation approaches, governance and conservation economics as well as to improve my skills for facilitating complex discussions.
I did my master in UPM University – Malaysia in 2017 in using Nano materials for water treatment especially water contaminated with spill oil and have a publications regarding this issue.

Ms Abeer Ali Ahmad Mahmoud

Country of origin: Jordan
Workfield: Fed-/nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Head of Planning Division at Ministry of Water and Irrigation Jordan Valley Authority, Amman
Academic background: Water Conflict Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Formulation, implementation and updating of the following: strategy, policies and action plans, projects proposals for funding as well as the yearly water balance of Jordan Valley Authority.

Mr Addisu Gebremedhin Atsibha

Country of origin: Ethiopia
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Senior Environmental Specialist at Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity Office of the Water Resource Development Fund, Addis Ababa
Academic background: Environmental Science (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Mandated to incorporate environmental, climate change and social issues into water supply and irrigation projects. Consideration of sustainability issues regarding water development sources of projects. Focal person for Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE)

Mr Khalid Badr Ahmed Badr

Country of origin: Sudan
Workfield: Reg. administration
Position while attending the course: Senior Water Supply Engineer at Rural Water Administration, State Water Corporation Ministry of Urban Planning and Public Utilities, El Fasher, North Darfur
Academic background: Environmental Science and Engineering (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Review policies on borehole drilling in remote rural areas in North Darfur State. Manage construction and rehabilitation of hand pumps and water points. In charge of planning project budgets and conduct design reviews. Direct RWA technical staff. Liaise between government, donors and INGOs.

Ms Krisha Marie Bautista

Country of origin: Philippines
Workfield: Fed./Nat. company
Position while attending the course: Project Controller at Manila Water Philippine Ventures Quezon City
Academic background: Civil Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Performs technical and management activities to control construction projects' cost, schedule and quality to complete project within budget and timeline, ensuring standards are met. Projects include water and used water facilities and network to supply potable water and treat used water.

Ms Dayanara Antonella Bermudez Zambrano

Country of origin: Ecuador
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Technical Analyst in Desaster and Risk Management at Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del Cantón Durán Dirección General de Gestión de Riesgos, Municipality of Durán
Academic background: Geology Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Participate in the assessment of vulnerability and risk reduction of the hazards that can affect the city of Duran. Find ways to guide the city to a sustainable development. Preparation of physical, social, economic and environmental vulnerability indicators.

Ms Avantika Bhaskar

Country of origin: India
Workfield: Regional NGO
Position while attending the course: Manager Research and Development at Care Earth Trust, Thillaiganga Nagar, Chennai
Academic background: Plant Molecular Biology (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Project coordination and research including data management and documentation, socio-ecological assessments, networking with stakeholders, development of training components, information and communication notes, project proposal development and awareness generation.

Ms Camila do Prado Gonçalves Santos

Country of origin: Brazil
Workfield: Civil Engineer
Position while attending the course: Sanitary System Analyst at CAESB - Environmental Sanitation Company of Federal District Águas Claras - Brasília/DF
Academic background: M.Sc. in Sanitary Engineering
Responsibilities: 
Management of wastewater system projects. Duties are related to planning, implementation and updating activities in the field of civil engineering, such as studies, projects, opinions, research and development of methods, products, processes; environmental and water resources management.

Profile:

I am a Sanitary System Analyst, working in the Management of Projects of Wastewater Systems, linked to the Superintendence of Engineering Projects. My duties are related to planning, implementation and updating activities in the field of Projects of Wastewater Systems, including:
- Designing of wastewater systems, including plumbing, pumping and treatment in areas of Federal District - new systems, relocation and improvements;
- Technical drawing and reports of projects (including environmental and technical feasibility studies);
- Budgets (definition and specification of materials, construction techniques and timelines)
Regarding this course, the Fellowship Programme is the best opportunity for me to learn more about Nature-Based Water Resources Management. Also, to improve my skills in the use of water resources management tools to contribute to the best choice of solutions for the challenges that Brazil and the world will face in the coming decades. So, promoting better access to sanitation services and integrating engineering solutions with environmental preservation.

Mr Lloyd Govender

Country of origin:  South Africa
Workfield: Local NGO
Position while attending the course: Civil Engineer and Project Manager at BORDA South Africa Durban
Academic background: Civil Engineering (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Wastewater treatment system design, which includes designing to preserve and enhance the South African environment. Project manager tasked with ensuring successful project completion and implementation.

Mr Lee Wakalala Hantembe

Country of origin: Zambia
Workfield: Local admin.
Position while attending the course: District Water Resources Development Officer at Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Livingstone
Academic background: Integrated Water Resources Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Manage and coordinate the development of water resources infrastructure projects/programmes in order to improve accessibility and sustainable utilisation of water. Key result areas include policy, infrastructure development, international waters and research.

Mr Roshan Kumar Joshi

Country of origin: Nepal
Workfield: Environment and WASH
Position while attending the course: Environment and Social Management Expert at Ministry of Water Supply / Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Academic background: Environmental Science (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Oversee environment issues in construction of water supply schemes, Review of WASH policies. Preparation of environmental and social management plans and implementation of water safety plans. Assist in construction of costs effective water treatment plants etc.

Profile:

Currently I am working in Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board as an Environment and Social management Expert. We construct water supply schemes and improve the environment and sanitation conditions of the Rural and Urban dwellers. I have to oversee problems related to different environmental issues and sanitation issues including drainage problems for each selective scheme. Furthemore I am assisting in developing mitigation plans for those issues. I also help in the preparation of Environment and Social Management Plans as per the Environment Social Management Framework and review and develop monitoring indicators corresponding to environment and social aspects and support to integrate in overall Management Information System.
This fellowship programme is the best opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge on nature based water resource management areas. Which will further improve my skill for implementing the complex schemes related to water resource management in Nepal
It would also be relevant to mention here that earlier I have worked in District Development Committee Morang, where my responsibilities included carrying out the Pollution Control Procedures, Industrial Compliance inspections, Environmental Audits, IEE, EIA, Solid Waste Management and Environmental Management Plans. I was the member secretary of Environment Sub-committee of Morang, I have taken a lead in compliance monitoring of the most polluting industries in Morang District and as per EPA/EPR, and I have been active in providing Provisional Pollution Control Certificates to more than 50 industries. Furthermore I was also working as lecturer for Bachelor in Public Health Program where I deliver my lectures on different issues related to Environment, public health, biodiversity and climate change.

Mr Kumar Love Maheshwari

Country of origin: Pakistan
Workfield: Environmental Policy
Position while attending the course:Environmental Officer at WWF-Pakistan Karachi
Academic background: Environmental Engineering and Managment (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Formulation of Smart Environmental Management Practices (SEMPs) for better water and energy stewardship and pollution mitigation. Training to industrial workers. Work on alliance for water stewardship. Data/inputs in the studies. Environmental audits, policy briefs, recommendations.

Ms Liana Margaryan

Country of origin: Armenia
Workfield: Fed./nat. NGO
Position while attending the course: Community Outreach Coordinator at Country Water Partnership Armenia Yerevan
Academic background: Hydrology of Land, Water Resources, Hydrochemistry (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Contribute to organising participatory watershed planning, ensuring two-way communication between national and local stakeholders. Prepare the educational materials and conducting training on integrated water resources management for the communities.

Profile:

I am working as a community outreach coordinator in the Country Water Partnership NGO, and am involved in another project as a basin management planning and water quality expert. I have over 13 years of professional experience in water resources management and planning working closely with water government in my country. Since 2014, I was involved in the projects to develop the Southern and Akhuryan river basin management plans as a basin management planning and water quality specialist, accordingly. Currently, as a water quality specialist, I am involved in the development of the GIS-based decision support system (DSS) for decision makers, as well I assess surface and ground water quality for Ararat and Hrazdan basins management districts. In this context, the CIPSEM Natural-based Water Resources Management course is the valuable opportunity for me to become familiar with current developments in water resources management and SDG 6 progress and consider their further application in my professional work.
Since 2017, I am also involved in the reporting and assessing the country progress on SDG 6.3.2; 6.4.1; 6.4.2; 6.5.1; 6.5.2 and 6.6.1 indicators as a trainer/facilitator and I have been actively engaged in the development of Country report 2017 on SDG 6.

Ms Minerve Astride Mengue Mbo Eko

Country of origin: Cameroon
Workfield: Reg. administration
Position while attending the course: Water Senior Technical at Littoral Regional Delegation, Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Douala
Academic background: Geotechnics, major in Hydrotechnics (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
In charge of assessing how water resources are being managed equally between industries, schools, hospitals, rural and urban population. Water law and public participation are decisive here. Putting in place a water information system.

Mr Haytham Mohamed Salem Mohamed

Country of origin: Egypt
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Researcher at Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Desert Research Center (DRC) Cairo
Academic background: Agricultural Engineering (Ph.D.)
Responsibilities: 
Junior researcher in training and research of soil and water conservation and management. Major activities include designing and implementing research projects as well as supervising field and laboratory experiments of the Desert Research Center.

Ms Manoria Nandjila Niingo

Country of origin: Namibia
Workfield: Local administration
Position while attending the course: Education Officer at City of Windhoek
Academic background: Environmental Health Sciences (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Community education on waste management systems, water utilisation and saving techniques. Development of the City Water Demand Strategy. Schedule water distribution to kindergartens. Implementation of several projects on recycling and waste minimization. Dissemination of health related information

Mr John Ituma Onwe

Country of origin: Nigeria
Workfield: Environmental & Water Resources Management
Position while attending the course: Principal Civil Engineer, Hydrology at Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja
Academic background: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Responsibilities: 
Policies formulation on key national environmental and water resources management. Initiation and supervision of key flood, water harvesting and erosion control works. Compliance supervision and monitoring of industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Water Harvesting and climate change management

Profile:

I am currently a Principal Civil Engineer with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, Nigeria. I’m actively involved in Flood Forecasting, Management and Control for Nigeria. My specific tasks also include policies formulation for sustainable management of both Water Resources and the Environment, Initiation and supervision of priority projects in the afore-mentioned areas. Apart from that, I have actively participated in compliance monitoring of industrial effluent treatment facilities as well as in developing a strong National Air Quality Management Program (AQMP) for my Country-Nigeria. A team member in the on-going West Africa Coastal Areas Management program which focuses on increasing the resilience of coastal assets in Nigeria’s Littoral States to climate and other hazards, preservation/rehabilitation of natural coastal resources and ecosystems.  In this context, the Fellowship Programme serves as a platform for me to deepen my knowledge of recent trends on Nature-Based Water Resource Management as well as to improve my skills for facilitating complex discussions under dynamic and diverse cultural environment.   

Ms Carolina Alexandra Perret

Country of origin: Peru
Workfield: Regional NGO
Position while attending the course: Specialist on Environmental Monitoring at Instituto Del Bien Común, Programa Propachitea Oxapampa
Academic background: Chemical Engineer (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Coordinating the monitoring of water, weather, land cover and land use in a watershed located in the andean amazon rainforest.

Ms Ravololonariseta

Country of origin: Madagascar
Workfield: Regional administration
Position while attending the course: Middle Environmental Officer at Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Forests Ampandrianomby, Antananarivo
Academic background: Environmental Assesment (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Working at the Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Forests at the departement of Environmental Evaluation, in the Environmental Monitoring Division as a Middle Environmental Officer

Mr Behar Tërdevci

Country of origin: Kosovo
Workfield: Reg. admin
Position while attending the course: Officer for Water Flow Administration at Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning Kosovo,Regional Authority of River Basins, Pristinav
Academic background: Hydro-Engineering and Planning (B.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Administrative and professional management of water use, utilisation of water flows and use of their hydro-potential. Participates in the process of reviewing technical-investment documentation of the parties' requirements regarding the use of water streams, water balance, etc.

Profile:

I work with the administrative and professional management of water use, the utilization of water flows and the use of their hydro-potential. I am participating in the process of reviewing technical-investment documentation of the parties’ requirements regarding the use of water streams and water balance.
The name itself Nature-Based Water Resource Management – Quantity, Quality, and Health, has pushed me to apply. Because Nature-Based Water can play an important role in improving the supply and quality of water and reducing the impact of natural disasters. Getting the best and best experiences from developing countries in managing water resources, quantity and quality. Also presentations from various and very professional professors, from whom we have received very important and valuable information for water resource management.
Two years ago I started to work in the Environment Ministry, respectively in the Regional Authority of river basins where I have the position as an officer for water flow Administration, dealing with the control of water permits for water exploitation and discharge.
I worked in two private companies as a major Engineer in in the construction of the water supply and sewerage network.
After working in the ministry, I work in an office as a consultant on road drainage projects. (Now we are working the 30-kilometer highway project, where I have completed the calculations for catchment, pipes and lagoons).
I also work as an external expert in reviewing complaints from companies in the public procurement review body.

Mr Phurpa Wangdi

Country of origin: Bhutan
Workfield: Fed./nat. administration
Position while attending the course: Program Officer at Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) Thimphu
Academic background: Environment Management (M.Sc.)
Responsibilities: 
Serves as standardizer besides the additional duty of Member Secretary to Sustainability and Environment Technical Committee. Coordinates meetings for standards development and facilitates at agencies for implementation