Background

Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HoA-REC&N)

Brief History

The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HoA-REC&N) was initiated by the Faculty of Science in 2006 through the support from the government of the Kingdom of the Royal Netherlands. In 2010 the University Senate established HoA-REC&N as an autonomous center governed by a board of trustees, chaired by the Vice President for Research and Graduate Programs, accountable to the President of the University. In the current structure of the University, it is placed under the office of the President.

The HoA-REC&N focuses on environmental concerns and sustainable development options within the Horn of Africa. It facilitates, strengthens and advocates for initiatives related to environmental conservation and natural resource management. The Network, hosted by the Center, promotes more than 40 higher learning institutions and research centers, endogenous civil society and community-based organizations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. Eritrea is expected to be part of the network in the future. The Center and Network link initiatives to enhance environmental governance and management, contribute to sustainable development, and improve livelihoods within the region.

The HoA-REC&N is currently located in the Graduate Program building of the College of Natural Sciences, formerly Faculty of Science.  The construction of a new eco-friendly building to house the Center is being completed in the Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG). The GBG is a joint undertaking between Addis Ababa University and the City Administration of Addis Ababa; HoA-REC&N has been providing technical and financial support for its establishment.

The mission and vision of HoA-REC&N are realized through the three partnership programs. The Climate Resilience Partnership Program implements projects focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable energy including Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) and voluntary pro-poor carbon projects. The Social Ecological Resilience Partnership Program deals with ecosystem conservation and management and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems. The Environmental Governance and Education Partnership Program aspires to improve environmental governance at global, regional, national and local levels; mainstream environment and sustainability in education systems, and facilitate demand-driven action research.