Integrating Innovation into Geographical Education and Research for SDG Achievement in Libya
Welcome to the homepage of our project, “Integrating Innovation into Geographical Education and Research for SDG Achievement in Libya.” This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU Giessen) and several esteemed Libyan universities. The project focuses on enhancing and modernizing geography curricula in Libya by aligning them with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
The project is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the “SDG Partnerships” funding program, which is financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Project Concept
The concept of the project “Integrating Innovation into Geographical Education and Research for SDG Achievement in Libya” revolves around fostering academic collaboration between the Libyan partner universities and JLU Giessen, with a focus on curriculum development in geography. The project aims to align Libyan geography curricula with selected SDGs, particularly addressing clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and climate action (SDG 13).
Scientific collaboration is at the heart of this initiative, emphasizing the comprehensive evaluation and prioritization of sustainable water management practices. This collaboration involves establishing an SDG partnership between German geographers from JLU Giessen and four Libyan partner universities to address challenges related to water scarcity and climate change impacts in Libya. The participating Libyan universities are the University of Sabratha, University of Zawia, University of Benghazi, and University of Tripoli. The project recognizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches by engaging students and young scientists in field research and data collection on traditional practices to develop comprehensive approaches for climate adaptation and water management.
Through a structured three-phase approach, the project facilitates knowledge exchange, workshops, seminars, training in research methodology, practical training, and field research. These activities aim to familiarize participants with the SDGs, modern research methods, and traditional knowledge related to climate adaptation and water resource management. Additionally, the project focuses on curriculum development and implementation by collaborating with Libyan partner universities to update geography curricula, integrate SDG-related topics, and emphasize the importance of traditional knowledge in sustainable development practices. Overall, the project aims to strengthen academic collaboration, enhance curriculum development, and promote sustainable development in Libya by integrating innovative methods and fostering collaboration between Libyan universities and JLU Giessen.