Hamstead Group

Research Institute for Sustainability Transitions (RIST) is a non-profit, scientific institution that conducts research on transitions within socio-ecological, socio-institutional, and socio-technical systems in Sierra Leone and the sub-region to search for new ways to avoid societal lock-in and mobilise disruptive innovations and transformative capacity for achieving climate-resilient development. We conduct research to build capacity and stimulate agency for sustainable transitions in environmental and climate governance. Our approach enables us to ask new questions for environmental governance- not only for understanding how existing instruments and institutional responses contribute to a sustainable future, but also the inner workings of policy and practice. As such, RIST brings a new perspective to the thinking and practice of sustainable development by working with various partners to identify the most pressing sustainability challenges, mobilise resources, develop effective strategies, and drive innovation to manage climate change risks and impacts effectively.