Dr Stefano Moncada, lecturer at the Institute for European Studies, took part in the EU Erasmus+ academic exchange initiative between the University of Malta and the University of Mauritius, which took place from 23 June to 8 July 2017. This academic exchange was initiated by the Islands and Small States Institute, where Dr Moncada is also a board member.
During the two weeks Dr Moncada delivered three lectures, entitled 'Climate Change and Economic Development in Small Island Developing States', 'The effects of a foreign aid intervention on health in an informal urban settlement: Does training matter?', and 'The effects of a development aid intervention on livelihood capitals in least developed countries: the role of training in fostering adaptive capacity'. All lectures were well-attended by students and academic staff, and the follow-up questions from the audience signaled an interest in the topics discussed, and in the overall research being carried out at the UM on these topics, especially the focus on economic development and climate change with a focus on islands.
Dr Moncada has also conducted research in Mauritius, in cooperation with Associate Professor Dr Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobu, for a project entitled 'Climate Coping Strategies, Economic Wellbeing and Sustainability in Vulnerable Coastal Communities', originally funded by the 2016 Elisabeth Mann Borgese Award, offered by the International Ocean Institute. The research adopts a mixed methodology involving the collection of primary data from a representative sample of households living in the coastal areas, as well as with participatory focus groups.
This first visit will be followed by staff from the Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Social Studies and Humanities of the University of Mauritius, visiting the University of Malta during the period of October/November 2017.
For further information contact Dr Stefano Moncada.