In addition to the training activities included in the three multidisciplinary modules
which constitute the main teaching programme, CampusAFRICA will also host relevant institutional events aimed at promoting a committed and proactive social attitude towards some of the most urgent challenges of our time.
These sessions will take place in the afternoons over the second week and in different institutional settings in accordance with the collaboration from the sponsors and supporters of the project. The institutional events
programmed are the following:
1. Macaronesia Day (16/07/2018)
The Mid-Atlantic archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde) share geological, biological, historical and cultural features and they all face similar socioeconomic and environmental challenges. They constitute in fact a unique geostrategic area that may play a relevant tri-continental role within the framework of international relations.
However, as opposed to what happens with other island spaces coined in the middle of the 19th century, (Micronesia, Melanesia or Polynesia), the Macaronesia has not been institutionally recognized yet within the regional geoscheme of the United Nations, nor has it been recognized in an effective and differentiated way at an international level.
With the celebration of the Macaronesia Day, CampusAFRICA intends to contribute to the strengthening of a common Macaronesian awareness, as well as boosting the relevance of such region as an advanced space of knowledge and scientific progress.
Recording of the conference "La Macaronesia: un futuro a construir".
2. Earth Day (17/07/2018)
It is no secret that our planet is currently immersed in an accelerated process of bioclimatic and environmental degradation which is putting the quality and continuity of human life at risk on the Earth. The Sahara Desert, which once was an inhabited and fertile area, has become the future paradigm awaiting some neighbouring territories which are currently undergoing a serious desertification process. Soil, seas and air pollution, if not controlled
and reduced in time, will have devastating consequences for the health of all living creatures. Global warming, with the reality of melting icecaps and climatic alterations, may turn the world we live in into an unrecognizable place.
In this context, prospective reflection initiatives and the adoption of measures to favour a better relationship between human beings and nature are urgent. CampusAFRICA is willing to contribute to this global effort and, to do so, several relevant personalities have been invited to participate and to guide us in this time of environmental confusion.
3. Mandela Day (18/07/2018)
July 18th is a date of special importance for Africa and the rest of the world since it was on this date when Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the year 1918. Mandela put his entire life at the service of peace and freedom as a defender of human rights, as prisoner of conscience and as the first democratic president of a free South Africa.
In recognition of what can be considered an exemplary public career, the United Nations General Assembly appointed July 18th as the Nelson Mandela International Day, in order to highlight the values which Mandela represented and especially in recognition of his dedication to serve humanity through his humanitarian actions in the fields of conflict resolution, interracial relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, children and other vulnerable groups’ rights and the defense of poor and underdeveloped communities.
Therefore, CampusAFRICA will join other international initiatives in celebrating this date by inviting all participants to reflect on good governance in general and more specifically in Africa.
4. Cooperation Day (19/07/2018)
International cooperation, both institutional and non-governmental, has in the last
decades become one of the most effective instruments of solidarity between the peoples of the world. In recent years, however, due to negative economic circumstances, cooperation efforts have decreased dramatically in some countries. The current migration crisis and the incipient economic recovery, have nevertheless brought about a renewed interest from institutions and groups to strengthen cooperation activities.
CampusAFRICA aims at promoting cooperation with the African continent and the surrounding islands and, in order to do so, will provide an opportunity for the exchange of information between institutions and social agents involved in cooperation programmes.
The session dedicated to this objective aims at boosting reflection on the future of official programmes, spreading the aspirations of social organizations and letting those involved know about the plans of governmental agencies with responsibilities in the field of cooperation. Special attention will be given to municipal international cooperation initiatives.
5. Cultural Heritage Day (20/07/2018)
CampusAFRICA takes place in a city which belongs to the international network of areas declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In addition, La Laguna is located on an island which is home to the Teide National Park, the most visited national park in Europe, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The municipality of La Laguna also includes the Anaga Rural Park, an area which owing to its outstanding geological, biological and cultural features has also been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Furthermore, La Laguna is also the headquarters of the prestigious International Centre for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage (CICOP).
All of the above clearly justify the organization of a session dedicated to reflecting on the global challenges, and especially African challenges, regarding the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. This session will also offer the opportunity to share experiences and to establish cooperation bonds between towns, without forgetting the tourist promotion of the valuable Macaronesian and African heritage recognized by UNESCO.
