Research Institute for Sustainability Transitions (RIST)
RIST is an independent scientific organisation that conducts research to build capacity and stimulate agency for sustainable transitions in environmental and climate governance. We also have extensive functional experience in developing and executing high-performing consulting and advisory strategies. Our staff are distinguished by their marked academic success, professional standing, and technical expertise.
Vision
A future where institutions and communities in Sierra Leone and the sub-region adapt and respond better to the impacts of climate change because of the interventions of RIST and its partners.
Mission
Promote a transformation towards a climate-resilient society by developing tools that enhance learning, build capacity, and stimulate agency for sustainable transitions in environmental and climate governance.
Our Motivation for Change
Although the global community has attempted to address environmental and climate issues in Sierra Leone through intensive cooperation, finding optimum solutions for balancing environmental protection and economic growth remains challenging because of unreliable data and poor institutional capacity.
To fill this gap, RIST will work with multiple partners across levels of governance to build a collective vision for climate action through participatory data gathering and capacity building processes that deliver long-term, multidimensional, and transformational impacts. This is urgent for a country:
Where...
80% of the rural population in Sierra Leone lacks access to electricity, which has forced people to use solid fuels that are economically inefficient and environmentally devastating.
With...
With an average forest loss of 19,600ha/year between 1990 and 2020 (USAID 2016), disaster recovery efforts now cost 0.8% of the country's GDP in 2016 (World Bank 2017)
That is...
A laggard when it comes to taking leadership in addressing sustainable development challenges, with only 2% of the population with access to clean, readily available drinking water (CDC 2020)
That is...
The 17th most vulnerable country and 50th least ready to adapt to climate change in the world (ND GAIN Country Index, 2019).
Our Strategy
Conduct rigorous and original research to demonstrate the application of cutting-edge tools and approaches to contribute to sustainable development.
Generate Evidence
Use evidence from local experiments to inform learning and capacity building for cross-level and cross-sector interventions.
Build Local Capacity
Share knowledge from the evaluation of field-based interventions to promote the uptake of best practices and influence policies that deliver value for society.
Share Best Practices
Promote strategic, cross-level, and sectoral partnerships that acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of relevant partners for effective interventions and equitable outcomes.
Promote Partnerships