Center for Environmental Studies and Academic Collaboration
Name
Center for Environmental Studies and Academic Collaboration
Vision
A Syria where evidence-based environmental solutions drive sustainable development and decision-making.
Mission
To foster academic collaboration and promote environmental sustainability by serving as a bridge between German universities and their counterparts in Syria. The center aims to enhance the scientific capacity of Syrian researchers and support decision-makers through evidence-based studies.
Objectives
- Provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange between Syrian and German institutions.
- Strengthen research capacities and offer professional training opportunities.
- Advocate for science-based policies to address critical environmental challenges in Syria, including the development of a comprehensive report on environmental assessment in post-war Syria.
Services
- Research: Facilitation of collaborative studies and applied research projects.
- Networking: Building partnerships among universities, research centers, environmental societies, and relevant international institutions.
- Training: Offering workshops, courses, and capacity-building programs for students, researchers, and professionals.
Members, roles, and status
| Name | Role | Active | Inactive | New | Idle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahed Farhoud | executive director | × | |||
| Mohamad D. Rajab | head of vocational training unit | × | |||
| Ahmad Jlilati | head of public engagement and awareness unit | × | |||
| Samer Al-Sayed Ali | staff care | × | |||
| Hasan Idrees | head of public relations unit | × | |||
| Rawda Kal | EPA coordinator in air pollution unit | × | |||
| Gabriel Sigmund | head of scientific advisory board | × | |||
| Martin Elsner | member of scientific advisory board | × | |||
| Taher Rojouleh | t.b.d. | × | |||
| Ziad Saadiah | t.b.d. | × | |||
| Mohammad Mohammed | no role could be envisioned yet | × | |||
| Mazen Altayan | no role could be envisioned yet | × | |||
| Abdelrahim Alhamad | no role could be envisioned yet | × | |||
| Nada Ghebe | no role could be envisioned yet | × | |||
| Rani Bakkour | director general | × | |||
| Total | 8 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
Activities
The current activities of the center (A – F) are split into four categories, namely Research, Networking, Training, and Organization. These categories appear in parenthesis next to the dummy title of the activity, followed by a brief description, planned phases and current status, currently involved members, and the anticipated duration to completion.
Establishment of an Environmental Awareness Index Unit (Research)
Description
This project proposes the establishment of a specialized unit to measure the Environmental Awareness Index among individuals and communities, professionals and decision-makers in Syria. By developing a scientific tool to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the environment, the project aims to evaluate awareness levels, identify influencing factors such as education and media, and offer evidence-based recommendations to improve sustainability efforts. The unit will target educational institutions, government bodies, private organizations, and civil society, using surveys, interviews, and behavioral data analysis to generate reliable insights.
Implemented over six to eight months, the project will produce a detailed report on environmental awareness, create a national database, and deliver actionable recommendations for policymakers. By addressing challenges like low participation and data bias through strategic outreach and methodological rigor, this initiative will contribute significantly to guiding Syria’s environmental recovery and supporting sustainable development in the post-conflict context.
Phases (Status)
- Preparatory (completed) = the theoretical framework for the environmental awareness index will be established. This includes defining the key concepts, objectives, possible methodologies, and scope of the index.;
- Development (ongoing) = The team will design the questionnaires and measurement tools needed for data collection. This phase ensures that the instruments are scientifically valid and reliable;
- Pilot Testing (future) = The tools will be tested on a small sample to identify any issues with the survey instruments or data collection methods. This allows for adjustments before full-scale implementation;
- Execution (future) = Data will be collected from the target groups (e.g., students, employees, local communities). The field team will implement the surveys and gather responses;
- Analysis (future) = The data collected will be processed and analyzed to assess environmental awareness levels. Reports and findings will be compiled to understand the current situation;
- Evaluation (future) = The team will present findings through recommendations and workshops based on the results. This phase ensures that stakeholders understand the outcomes and the necessary actions for improvement.
Members
- Ahmad Jlilati (study polls)
- Samer Al-Sayed Ali (psychologist)
- Nahed Farhoud (executive director)
- Rani Bakkour (facilitator)
- still missing (sociologists).
Duration
8 – 12 months
Establishment of an Air Pollution Unit (Research)
Description
The project aims to create a dedicated research unit focused on studying air pollution in Syria. The unit will gather critical data on air quality, identify pollution sources, and assess their impact on public health and the environment. Using advanced air monitoring technologies, field studies, and data modelling, the unit will conduct comprehensive research on pollutant concentrations, their geographical distribution, and the effects of various pollutants on human health and ecosystems.
This research will support the development of targeted air quality management strategies and inform policy decisions for air pollution control. The unit will work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to raise awareness and promote air quality improvement initiatives. The project will provide valuable insights into Syria’s air pollution landscape, helping to guide recovery efforts and build a sustainable, healthy future.
Phases (Status)
- Preparatory (ongoing) = the theoretical framework for the environmental awareness index will be established. This includes defining the key concepts, objectives, possible methodologies, and scope of the index.;
- Further phases have not yet been detailed.
Members
- Rawda Kal (coordinator with EPA),
- Rani Bakkour (facilitator), Nahed Farhoud (executive director).
- Further members to be defined.
Duration
t.b.d.
Environmental Dialogue: A One-Day Symposium for Stakeholders in Syria (Networking)
Description
Aims to introduce the Center for Environmental Studies and Academic Collaboration to key decision-makers and stakeholders in Syria. The event will highlight the center’s mission to enhance environmental sustainability through academic collaboration, research, and policy advocacy. It will provide a platform to discuss Syria’s environmental challenges, focusing on critical issues such as pollution, resource management, and post-conflict recovery, while showcasing the center’s role in addressing these challenges through evidence-based solutions.
In addition, the symposium will foster the establishment of strong communication channels among stakeholders, including government officials, academics, NGOs,
and local communities. This network will facilitate ongoing collaboration and ensure that future policies are informed by local expertise and global best practices. One of the key outcomes of the event could be a white paper summarizing the discussions, proposed solutions, and recommendations, which will be shared with policymakers and relevant stakeholders to guide future actions in Syria’s environmental recovery and sustainable development.
Phases (Status)
- Preparatory (ongoing) = sending official letters to the stakeholders already defined through 4 Syrian ministries, namely ministry of local administration and the environment, and ministry of energy, ministry of higher education, ministry of pedagogy and education;
- Development (future) = finalizing the symposium agenda, confirming speakers and panelists, preparing materials (e.g., presentations, handouts), and securing the venue. This phase will also involve coordinating logistics and ensuring all technical requirements for the event are in place;
- Execution (future) = the actual one-day symposium will take place. During the event, stakeholders will engage in presentations, discussions, and networking activities to address environmental challenges in Syria and build partnerships. The field team will ensure smooth facilitation and effective communication between participants;
- Analysis (future) = post-event analysis will be conducted to evaluate the success of the symposium, including feedback from participants, identifying key takeaways, and assessing the effectiveness of the networking sessions. A report will be compiled summarizing outcomes, discussions, and any follow-up actions;
- Evaluation (future) = a final evaluation of the symposium’s impact will be carried out. This phase includes presenting the results and any strategic recommendations for future collaboration, followed by workshops or follow-up sessions with key stakeholders to keep the momentum of the dialogue going.
Members
- Nahed Farhoud (executive director),
- Rani Bakkour (facilitator),
- Yamen Al-Salka (facilitator).
- Further members have not yet been identified.
Duration
3 months, 2nd quarter 2025
Wastewater Sampling & Analysis for Process Monitoring (Training)
Description
designed to provide hands-on training for workers in wastewater treatment plants, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively monitor and analyze wastewater processes. This 4-hour workshop, split over two days, will cover the fundamental principles of wastewater sampling, from proper collection techniques to the analysis of key parameters such as pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and suspended solids. Participants will learn how to ensure accurate sampling methods that reflect the true quality of the water being treated, as well as how to interpret the results to maintain optimal treatment plant operations.
Phases (Status)
- Preparatory (ongoing) = sending an official letter to the ministry of local administration and the environment to offer the course;
- Further phases have not yet been detailed.
Members
- Mohamad D. Rajab (trainer),
- Nahed Farhoud (executive director),
- Rani Bakkour (facilitator)
Duration
3 months, 2nd quarter 2025.
Environmental Education in the Classroom: Water, Waste & Sustainable Action in Times of Crisis (Training)
Description
designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to teach students about key environmental issues, focusing on water management, waste reduction, and sustainable actions, especially in times of crisis.
Phases (Status)
Have not yet been detailed.
Members
- Mohamad D. Rajab (trainer),
- Nahed Farhoud (executive director),
- Rani Bakkour (facilitator)
Duration
3rd quarter 2025.
Recruitment and Activation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the center (Organizational)
Description
Key organizational efforts aimed at establishing a high-level advisory body to guide the strategic direction of the Center for Environmental Studies and Academic Collaboration. The SAB will consist of distinguished experts in environmental science, policy, and sustainability from international institutions. Its primary role will be to provide expert advice on research priorities, program development, and partnerships, ensuring the center’s activities align with global best practices and emerging trends in environmental studies. The recruitment process will focus on identifying individuals with diverse expertise and a proven track record in addressing environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on the context of post conflict Syria. Once activated, the SAB will play a crucial role in shaping the center’s research agenda, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing the center’s credibility and impact in the region. Additionally, the board will contribute to fostering academic collaboration between Syrian and international researchers, supporting the center’s mission of enhancing environmental sustainability and academic capacity.
Phases (Status)
Rani Bakkour is activating his international network to form the SAB. Dr. Gabriel Sigmund has joined the SAB, potentially as the head of SAB. Gabriel is valuable for his key roles as head of expert committee on persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) organic contaminants in the German Water Chemistry Society. He is also a board member in the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCC), and a steering committee member in the society of environmental toxicology & chemistry (SETAC).
An appointment with Dr. Sabine E. Apitz has been scheduled to help shaping the SAB. For the last 20 years, Sabine has been the director of Strategic Environmental Assessment Ltd., an independent UK consultancy providing advice to an international group of clients on ecosystems-based sediment, dredged material, catchment, and coastal environmental management and policy. A SETAC fellow and editor-in-chief of its peer-reviewed journal, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
No detailed phases are necessary for this task.
Members
- Gabriel Sigmund (assistant professor at Wageningen University & Research, NL),
- Martin Elsner (full professor at Technical University of Munich, DE),
- Rani Bakkour (director general of CESAC)
Duration
3 months, 2nd quarter 2025.
Organigram
