WYSS ACADEMY FOR NATURE
Regional Hubs
Context-Specific Innovation around the Globe
Transformations to sustainability for nature and people, according to the Wyss Academy’s vision and mission, are context-specific and describe ‘solution-scapes’. Accordingly, the Wyss Academy will engage directly with civil society, policymakers, and the private sector in multiple regions. Our initial work encompasses activities in East Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and the canton of Bern in Switzerland.
Each of our Hubs has three basic components
Knowledge Platform
A Knowledge Platform, designed according to local interest but globally connected and accessible. This knowledge platform operates both online and offline – think of it as a bar or meeting place. Here you can find excellent research data, innovations for conservation, resource management, and people who share your interest. The knowledge platforms benefit from the Hubs’ networks of in-country researchers and a close involvement of the Transformational Research Teams at the University of Bern.
Incubator
The Incubator is our main form of collaboration. This is where promising approaches and innovations are jointly designed, tested, and adapted to the given realities. The idea is to respond to local interests and overcome divides through knowledge diplomacy. Our demand-oriented and experimental approach bridges research and practice. With a view to subsequent upscaling, we think long-term and share our experiences with others.
Engagement
Platform
The Engagement Platform aids building alliances. Each hub will build up a broad network of partners from research, civil society, government, and the private sector. Exchange among its members will be facilitated through the Engagement Platform comprising both virtual and face-to-face elements. These Engagement Platforms will serve to identify current and emerging conservation and development challenges, to build diverse alliances for concrete actions, and to discuss policy options.
