{"id":1495,"date":"2026-03-02T10:49:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T10:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/iob\/?p=1495"},"modified":"2026-03-02T15:16:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T15:16:58","slug":"annual-report-2025-environment-and-sustainable-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/iob\/annual-report-2025-environment-and-sustainable-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual report 2025 – Environment and Sustainable Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congo\u2019s Cobalt \u2013 research through photography<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the FWO-funded Driving Change<\/a> project, research on cobalt mining governance reached wider audiences through the travelling photo exhibition Congo\u2019s Cobalt, <\/em>by Hadassah Arian and Nathan Bushiru<\/a>. After a successful showing in Antwerp, the exhibition travelled to Universit\u00e9 de Lubumbashi and the Institut Fran\u00e7ais de Lubumbashi, accompanied by the launch of the photo book La Cobalt de la RDC<\/em>. By combining visual storytelling with academic research, the project fostered dialogue on mining governance and local livelihoods in Kolwezi and the Kivus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Forest conservation and political ecology \u2013 UAntwerp academic award<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its Academic Awards<\/a>, the University of Antwerp honours researchers whose work drives positive change. We\u2019re delighted that Fergus Simpson has been granted the Research Board Award \u2013 Herman Deleeck<\/em> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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