CAFRINAT is an international centre of excellence for African Great Lakes Natural Capital and was founded at the Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering of Ghent University. The general research, education and societal goals of CAFRINAT focus on the sustainable management of natural capital in areas of conflict in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

CAFRINAT uses an interdisciplinary thematic approach to connect all relevant disciplinary knowledge at Ghent University. Through cooperation with academic and non-academic partners in the African Great Lakes region and around the globe, the network unites and expands upon a diverse base of regional and international expertise to face the challenges that lie ahead.

CAFRINAT has formed a truly cross-disciplinary network to help achieve the following long-term goals:
Facilitate and stimulate interdisciplinary interaction and identify opportunities for collaboration;

Build a basis for the development of local, contextualized research and policy agendas;

Become a visible center of excellence at Ghent University with one single point of contact;

Raise awareness locally and globally.