TRANS‑SAHARA took part in ChangeNOW 2026, a global summit dedicated to solutions that address today’s environmental and social challenges hosted in the beautiful Grand Palais, in Paris. This year’s edition focused on the Planetary Boundaries framework, highlighting how climate, biodiversity, water resources, land use, and pollution are interconnected, and why new approaches are needed to stay within a safe operating space for the planet. As one of the initiatives selected to participate, TRANS‑SAHARA joined the event with a booth and a pitch in the Food & Agriculture – Early Stage – Pre‑seed to Series A session, offering a valuable moment to present the work taking place across the Sahel and Sahara regions.
The summit provided an important opportunity to showcase the results achieved so far, including the progress made within the project’s Living Labs established along the Great Green Wall initiative and beyond. These Living Labs bring together local communities, scientists, and practitioners to co‑develop practical solutions for sustainable land management, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration. By combining scientific knowledge with local insights, TRANS‑SAHARA aims to strengthen climate resilience and food security in regions exposed to severe environmental pressures, while contributing to long‑term landscape regeneration.
Throughout ChangeNOW, the team engaged in conversations on regenerative agriculture, nature‑based solutions, and climate adaptation, gaining insights into emerging practices and complementary initiatives from around the world. These exchanges reinforced the importance of community‑driven, place‑based strategies — an approach that sits at the core of TRANS‑SAHARA’s work. The pitch session further highlighted how the project’s integrated model can inform wider reflections on sustainable food systems and land stewardship beyond the Sahel and Sahara.
ChangeNOW offered a dynamic platform to present ongoing work, connect with practitioners and innovators, and position TRANS‑SAHARA within a broader movement seeking to rethink how land, resources, and ecosystems are managed. The project continues to advance its mission with renewed momentum, building on the interest and exchanges generated during the summit, and aims to attend next year’s edition as well to showcase the project’s advancements and much more!
