Concept paper for the long-term use of project-financed infrastructures

A new article deals with the whereabouts and further use of project-financed infrastructure after funding termination, with project periods usually being limited to three years. A case study for flux tower equipment to monitor greenhouse gases is given.

Main author of the study is Mari Bieri, who coordinated the EMS Africa project. She compiled the article with the experience from working with our South African colleagues. It is recommended to reach an agreement with local stakeholders at an early stage to integrate the measurements into existing structures and/or networks in the target country. Within the framework of EMS Africa, a transfer of the tower infrastructure has been successfully implemented with partners from SAEON (South African Ecological Observation Network) and the Universities of Stellenbosch and Venda.

Jointly developed training programs to build up the necessary technical and specialist knowledge and to continue operating the infrastructure are also mentioned as essential features. Transparent, freely accessible data with co-supervision of the students ensures the consolidation of long-term cooperation and rounds off the catalogue of recommendations.

The given aspects can certainly be transferred to comparable situations in other projects.

https://cleanairjournal.org.za/article/view/13081