EnnediEst

EnnediEst is a multidisciplinary research and conservation initiative focused on the Ennedi region of Chad. It coordinates ecological surveys, cultural heritage documentation, and community-based development projects with the goal of advancing knowledge while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local populations.

Origin and name: The initiative was launched in 2015 through a collaboration of academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities. The name EnnediEst derives from Ennedi, the name of the desert region, and Est, the French word for east, signaling both geography and collaborative, cross-border aims.

Activities: EnnediEst conducts field surveys of plants and wildlife, documents rock art sites and ethnographic practices, and monitors climate and water resources. The program maintains an open data portal, provides training to local researchers and rangers, and supports community-led conservation and sustainable tourism planning.

Organization and funding: The initiative operates as a consortium with a rotating steering committee and field units embedded in partner institutions. It is funded by international research grants, foundations, and governmental agencies, with in-kind support from local communities and authorities.

Outputs and impact: EnnediEst has produced a regional biodiversity atlas, archaeological documentation, and policy recommendations for protected-area management. Its capacity-building activities aim to strengthen local research skills and governance of natural and cultural resources. Partnerships with universities and conservation groups extend into regional networks.

See also: Ennedi region, Chad; biodiversity atlas; rock art documentation; conservation in the Sahara.