Project partners

The German Institute for Biomass Research (DBFZ)

The DBFZ was founded on February 28, 2008 as a non-profit GmbH. It belongs to the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It is the institute's mandate to theoretically and practically advance the efficient use of biomass as a renewable energy source within the framework of applied research. The scientific effort to establish and integrate biomass into the range of existing energy sources takes into account technical, ecological, economic, social, and energy management aspects. All aspects within the usage chain are taken into account, i.e. from production, to provision, to distribution of the energy to the end consumer. In addition to theoretical and practical research in the field of energetic biomass research, the DBFZ also develops scientifically sound policy-advice. This includes, among other things, the following aspects:

  • Participation in national and international committees, such as for standardization and guidelines creation;
  • Advising private and public institutions on questions related to the energetic use of biomass;
  • Supporting federal ministries on strategic issues in the area of ​​“biomass/bioenergy”;
  • Market observation and data provision in the area of ​​“biomass/bioenergy”;
  • Testing and certification of solid and liquid biofuels and systems for the provision of heat, electricity and, if necessary, fuel.

For further information visit the DBFZ homepage >>>

 

West African Science Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL)

The West African Center for Scientific Services on Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use is a large-scale research-based climate services center with a mission to address the challenges of climate change in West Africa. WASCAL was founded by the member countries - Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo - with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to strengthen the resilience of the socio-ecological systems in the face of climate change and increased volatility. WASCAL consists of three main components:

  1. The Climate Service Department, located at the Ouagadougou Competence Center in Burkina Faso, collects, integrates and analyzes data and creates policy recommendations.
  2. The research department, which is also located at the Competence Center in Burkina Faso, conducts research to increase resilience in cultural landscapes.
  3. The Capacity Building Division strengthens human capacity through its Division of Graduate Studies. The program ultimately aims to strengthen the research, education, and policy-making capacities and competencies of West African countries to address climate change and adaptive land use issues on a scientific basis in partnership with German institutions.

The WASCAL Graduate Program (Masters and PhD) of the Department of Graduate Studies aims to support West African universities to combine their efforts on a regional basis and strengthen their capacity to improve education in the area of ​​climate change and land use.

For more information visit the WASCAL website >>>