We are proud to share that the TRANS-SAHARA project was actively represented at the recent high-level event on Nature Restoration, held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels. Our project coordinator, Prof. Daphne Gondhalekar (TUM), was invited as a guest speaker during the afternoon policy panel, contributing valuable insights from the TRANS-SAHARA perspective.
The event marked a key moment in the EU’s journey toward implementing the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which entered into force in August 2024. With Member States now preparing their National Nature Restoration Plans, the gathering brought together experts from the European Commission, leading Brussels-based associations, and Horizon Europe projects to explore how agroecology, agroforestry, and organic agriculture can support restoration goals while addressing the needs of farmers, foresters, and land managers.
Prof. Gondhalekar presented TRANS-SAHARA’s innovative approach to landscape resilience and sustainable water management, showcasing how our living labs are already contributing to the NRR’s objectives through community-driven solutions in arid and semi-arid regions. Her intervention emphasised the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange across continents, reinforcing the project’s commitment to bridging European and African expertise.
The event was not only a platform for policy dialogue but also a valuable networking opportunity, allowing TRANS-SAHARA to connect with other similar initiatives, policy advisors, and civil society actors.
We thank the organisers and all participants for the enriching exchange. TRANS-SAHARA remains committed to contributing to nature restoration efforts through inclusive, science-based, and locally grounded actions.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey toward sustainable transformation!
