For this first Expert Talk of the TRANS-SAHARA series, we are honoured to host Professor Kazuhiko Takeuchi (President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan) and Professor Osamu Saito (Program Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)/Visiting Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), The University of Tokyo) who share their research on building resilience to climate change in Asia and Africa. They introduce the innovative Ghana Model, showing how science, traditional knowledge, and community collaboration can come together to shape sustainable futures. The session was moderated by Professor Daphne Gondhalekar (TUM) and Mr Gilles Amadou Ouédraogo (UNCCD).
Expert Talks
The “Expert Talks” series is a curated collection of interviews and discussions with leading voices in agroforestry, sustainable land management, and climate resilience. Hosted under the framework of the TRANS-SAHARA project, these talks aim to foster dialogue, share practical knowledge, and highlight innovative approaches that support ecosystems and communities across arid and semi-arid regions.
Each episode features experts from diverse backgrounds—researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and local leaders—who bring valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with nature to restore landscapes and improve livelihoods. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply curious about agroforestry and sustainability, this space is designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
New videos will be added regularly, so stay tuned and explore the growing library of expertise.
The “Expert Talks” series is a curated collection of interviews and discussions with leading voices in agroforestry, sustainable land management, and climate resilience. Hosted under the framework of the TRANS-SAHARA project, these talks aim to foster dialogue, share practical knowledge, and highlight innovative approaches that support ecosystems and communities across arid and semi-arid regions.
Each episode features experts from diverse backgrounds—researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and local leaders—who bring valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with nature to restore landscapes and improve livelihoods. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply curious about agroforestry and sustainability, this space is designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
New videos will be added regularly, so stay tuned and explore the growing library of expertise.
Expert Talks: Episode 1: with Prof Takeuchi (President of IGES) & Prof Saito (Program Director at IGES)
Expert Talks: The Great Green Wall and Ecosystem Restoration
In this inaugural episode, Dr. Birguy Lamizana Diallo (UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)) delves into the ambitions and realities of the Great Green Wall Initiative, a bold effort to restore degraded landscapes across the Sahel and Sahara. She discusses its ecological impact, the role of local communities, and how it contributes to regional climate resilience.
Expert Talks: Climate Finance and Carbon Markets in Action
Simon Pfluger (Climate & Company) explores how climate finance mechanisms, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and carbon credit systems, can unlock investment for agroforestry and sustainable land management. His insights highlight the potential of financial tools to drive long-term resilience in dryland regions.
Expert Talks: Episode 2: Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus
On 2 October 2025, Dr. Daphne Gondhalekar (Technical University of Munich) joined the Expert Talks Series to present her research on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus. Her talk explored how this integrated planning framework can support equitable and regenerative transitions in urban and regional contexts. Moderated by Anna Lorenzini (Zabala Innovation), the session highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder co-creation and systems thinking for sustainable development.
Expert Talks: Episode 3: State and Future of Forest Certification in Africa
The third episode of the TRANS-SAHARA Expert Talks Series featured Prof. Demel Teketay (Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources), a globally recognised forest scientist, who shared his extensive expertise on forest certification and its potential to promote sustainable land use in Africa. Moderated by Dr. Mengistie Kindu (Technical University of Munich), the session explored practical approaches to forest governance and highlighted the need for collaborative, science-driven solutions to ecological challenges.
CHECK PROF. TEKETAY’S PUBLICATIONS PRESENTED DURING THE WEBINAR:
- Forest Certification in Africa
- Forest Certification
- Status of Forest Certification in eastern and southern Africa sub-regions
- The Role of Certification in accelerating sustainable forest management on the continent
- Status of Forestry in Africa Opportunities and Challenges
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme Grant Agreement Nº: 101182176. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Copyright 2025 Trans-Sahara