We’re excited to introduce a new initiative from the TRANS-SAHARA project: the Expert Talks series—a platform for open dialogue, expert insights, and in-depth discussions on the future of climate resilience and sustainable land use in Africa’s drylands.
This series brings together voices from across sectors and regions—scientists, policymakers, and practitioners—who are shaping transformational adaptation on the ground. Through a series of short, insightful video episodes, Expert Talks aims to build shared knowledge and highlight innovative approaches to some of the most pressing climate and environmental challenges of our time.
Episode 1: The Great Green Wall and Ecosystem Restoration
In our first episode, we were honoured to speak with Dr. Birguy Lamizana Diallo, from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Dr. Lamizana Diallo explores the ambitions and realities of the Great Green Wall Initiative, reflecting on its role in restoring degraded landscapes, supporting local communities, and driving regional climate resilience efforts across the Sahel and Sahara.
Episode 2: Climate Finance and Carbon Markets in Action
The second talk features Simon Pfluger from Climate & Company, one of Europe’s leading think tanks on sustainable finance. In this session, Simon shares his expertise on how tools like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and carbon credit systems can unlock investment for agroforestry and sustainable land management—critical for long-term resilience in dryland regions.
What’s Next?
Future episodes of TRANS-SAHARA Expert Talks will continue to explore urgent topics such as water security, community-led innovation, and agroecological transformation, with guests from our network of partners and international collaborators.
