Second Batch of SPIBES Students Commences Studies at AAU

The second batch of students enrolled in the Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change (SPIBES) Master’s Programme arrived in Ethiopia on 5 October 2026 from across East Africa to begin their studies at Addis Ababa University (AAU).

The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center & Network at Addis Ababa University (HoA-REC&N-AAU) warmly welcomed the 16 incoming students and facilitated their arrival and related arrangements to support their transition into academic life in Ethiopia. Classes commenced the following week, marking the beginning of a new academic journey for the second cohort.

SPIBES is a two-year interdisciplinary Master’s programme under the Capacity Development for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Experts (CABES) Project. The programme equips early-career scientists with the knowledge and skills needed to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and other environmental challenges through science-based policy and decision-making.

The CABES Project, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), strengthens capacity development in biodiversity and ecosystem services and supports engagement with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

As the East Africa Regional Partner of the CABES Project, HoA-REC&N-AAU is proud to contribute to developing the next generation of African experts in biodiversity and ecosystem services, strengthening the links between science, policy, and practice for sustainable development.

HoA-REC&N-AAU