The intertwining issues of environmental/climate change and poverty/inequality have become increasingly central on the international policy agenda, giving rise to heated debates on multi-level governance structures. The urgency of these challenges adds to the complexity, with sustainable development now framed within the intricate context of a ‘green economy,’ relying on market-based conservation mechanisms and conditional finance instruments. Our research delves into the dynamics and interactions at global, national, and local levels, where actors and policies grapple with the complexities of tackling climate change and ensuring the provision of global public goods, all within the context of socio-political struggles and unequal access to natural resources.
Congo’s Cobalt – research through photography
Under the FWO-funded Driving Change project, research on cobalt mining governance reached wider audiences through the travelling photo exhibition Congo’s Cobalt, by Hadassah Arian and Nathan Bushiru. After a successful showing in Antwerp, the exhibition travelled to Université de Lubumbashi and the Institut Français de Lubumbashi, accompanied by the launch of the photo book La Cobalt de la RDC. By combining visual storytelling with academic research, the project fostered dialogue on mining governance and local livelihoods in Kolwezi and the Kivus.
Forest conservation and political ecology – UAntwerp academic award
With its Academic Awards, the University of Antwerp honours researchers whose work drives positive change. We’re delighted that Fergus Simpson has been granted the Research Board Award – Herman Deleeck for his remarkable research on the political ecology of nature conservation in conflict-affected areas, especially in the DR Congo. A well-deserved recognition. See the video with the interview here:
The EU regulation on deforestation-free products seen from ‘the ground’
Some results of the EPICC research project have been put together in an IOB blog and Policy Brief, including key takeaways from a roundtable with policy advisors, international civil society, and producing countries’ delegations on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). But also make sure to have a look at their website for more extensive reports as well as a beautiful comic that explains in a didactic way what is behind the EUDR.
Valentía Montes y la guatila encantada
One of the successfully defended PhDs in 2025 was by Juan Sebastián Vélez Triana, whose thesis offers valuable insights into social-ecological transformation, campesino struggles for territorial autonomy, and participatory action research in Colombia. His work stands out for its commitment to engaged, transdisciplinary scholarship that bridges theory and practice.
As part of his broader engagement, Juan Sebastián co-created the children’s comic Valentia Montes y la Guatila Encantada, which brings key themes from his doctoral research to life through storytelling. The book was developed in close collaboration with the community of Upper Venecia, Colombia, and features illustrations by María Camila Ramírez Cuervo (Montespeso). It translates complex ideas about territorial care, community struggle, and ecological justice into an accessible, engaging narrative for young readers.
