Social Ecological Resilience Partnership Programme

Overview

The Social Ecological Resilience Partnership Programme (SERP) is an initiative of HoA-REC&N designed to strengthen the resilience of both communities (social systems) and ecosystems (ecological systems) in the Horn of Africa. The programme responds to the region’s environmental degradation, climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and fragile livelihoods by promoting integrated, participatory, and ecosystem-based solutions.

Core Objectives

  • Enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities against climate and socio-economic shocks.
  • Promote nature-based solutions for sustainable development.
  • Strengthen governance systems for land, water, forests, and biodiversity.
  • Empower local communities, women, and youth through capacity building and participatory decision-making.
  • Build cross-border partnerships and networks to address shared environmental challenges in the Horn of Africa.

Key Thematic Areas

  1. Ecosystem Restoration & Biodiversity Conservation
    • Rehabilitation of degraded forests, rangelands, and wetlands.
    • Conservation of biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
  2. Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience
    • Community-based climate adaptation practices.
    • Integrated water and land management to reduce vulnerability.
  3. Sustainable Livelihoods & Food Security
    • Promotion of climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry.
    • Support for beekeeping, fisheries, and other nature-based income sources.
  4. Governance & Policy Support
    • Capacity building for local institutions and policymakers.
    • Development of inclusive governance frameworks for natural resource management.
  5. Knowledge, Innovation & Partnerships
    • Research and knowledge-sharing on social-ecological resilience.
    • Networking between governments, NGOs, academia, and communities.

Approach

  • Integrated Social-Ecological Systems: Treating communities and ecosystems as interdependent.
  • Participatory Planning: Involving grassroots communities as active partners, not just beneficiaries.
  • Cross-Border Collaboration: Addressing shared ecological challenges (e.g., watersheds, migration routes).
  • Partnership Model: Works with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and international donors.

Expected Outcomes

  • Restored ecosystems that provide sustainable goods and services.
  • Strengthened community capacities to manage shocks and stresses.
  • Improved food security and livelihoods through diversified, sustainable options.
  • Stronger institutional frameworks and governance for resilience-building.
  • A replicable model of resilience programming for the wider Horn of Africa.

Ongoing Flagship Projects under this program:

Horn of Africa Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (HoA-ESR) Project (2019–2023)

News and Events Post under this program:

https://hoarec.org/category/projects/the-social-ecological-resilience-partnership-programme