It was an absolute privilege to welcome Werner Sels from Lignaverda to The Innovation Podcast. As a company dedicated to building the Great Green Wall in Africa, Lignaverda’s mission to combat desertification and “Let’s Make The Desert Green” deeply resonates with us. We were incredibly excited to dive into the challenges, motivations, and innovative technologies behind this ambitious project.
Werner, a true “bosplanter” (forest planner), shared profound insights into how Lignaverda develops forests on the edges of deserts to counteract climate change. From their beginnings in 2007 with a feasibility study in Burkina Faso to planting 10,000 hectares there, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Our conversation truly highlighted the immense challenges of planting in semi-arid regions with low rainfall. Werner explained Lignaverda’s ingenious “ferani technique,” which involves creating crescent-shaped basins to meticulously capture rainwater for the trees. This dedication to smart solutions is exactly what we champion on this podcast.
A particularly moving aspect of their work is the deep involvement of local populations, ensuring a significant socio-economic impact and fostering invaluable cooperation. Werner’s positive experiences with the hospitality of people in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Namibia painted a vivid picture of the human connection at the heart of this environmental endeavor.
We were fascinated to learn about Lignaverda’s scientific approach and their embrace of cutting-edge technology. Their collaboration with institutions like UGent and the establishment of a “Lin Verde” chair demonstrates a commitment to using AI technology and drones for monitoring tree growth, biodiversity, and CO2 capture. This crucial data helps provide accurate, open-source information, actively combating “greenwashing” by other organizations.
Werner’s personal motivation, stemming from proving doubters wrong, is a testament to his unwavering resolve. His ambition to expand Lignaverda’s planted area to 100,000 hectares and potentially extend their work to other African countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Gambia is truly visionary. He shared his personal drive, emphasizing his desire to understand life and contribute to a better world, which fuels his immense passion.
We believe this episode is packed with innovation, great plans, and smart solutions that will inspire anyone interested in how technology can address global challenges.
Tune in for an episode that truly showcases how innovation can drive monumental change!
