25th February 2026
By Marc Belemsobgo
WASCAL hosted a high-level media engagement in Cotonou, bringing together leading Beninese journalists to showcase its key achievements, deepen strategic collaboration with the media, and emphasize the critical importance of science-driven responses to climate challenges across West Africa.
The engagement formed part of WASCAL’s commitment to ensuring that scientific knowledge, data, and solutions are effectively communicated to decision-makers and citizens. By fostering closer cooperation with journalists, the institution seeks to enhance public understanding of climate science and support informed, evidence-based action.
Focusing on the pressing climate and water-related risks affecting the region, the engagement highlighted WASCAL’s contributions in Benin. It emphasized the importance of strengthened collaboration among research institutions, public authorities, and the media to foster informed decision-making and effective climate action.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé highlighted Benin’s growing role in climate and water science, particularly through the Doctoral programme in Climate Change and Water Resources at the University of Abomey-Calavi. “This programme is strengthening national and regional capacity in sustainable water management, flood prevention, drought response, and climate adaptation. To date, 52 PhD candidates and 33 Beninese master’s students have been enrolled in WASCAL programmes, contributing to the development of a new generation of specialists in climate science, water resources, and sustainable development.”
Prof. Ramdé also highlighted WASCAL’s significant investments in Benin, encompassing capacity building, research, innovation, and strengthening climate data systems. He noted that, to date, WASCAL has mobilised over CFA 3 billion (approximately €4.57 million) to support these initiatives, directly enhancing the quality of climate data and enabling science-based decision-making. Emphasizing the broader purpose of these efforts, he stressed that “science must extend beyond laboratories and publications; it needs to be understood by the public, embraced by decision-makers, and effectively communicated through the media.”
Prof. Flora Josiane Chadare, Benin’s representative and First Vice-Chair of WASCAL’s Governing Board, underscored the institution’s investments in research, innovation, and climate-related infrastructure, including the installation of meteorological and hydrometeorological stations to strengthen national climate services. She further stressed the strategic role of the media in ensuring that scientific knowledge reaches citizens and informs public policy. “Science has an impact only when it is understood, shared, and owned. The role of the media is therefore fundamental in bringing science closer to citizens, informing public decision-making, and strengthening the resilience of our societies,” she stated.”
The participation of WASCAL alumni provided additional perspective on the institution’s impact, illustrating how its capacity-building programmes contribute to national and regional climate resilience.
As in many countries across West Africa, Benin continues to face increasing climate-related risks, including recurrent floods, droughts, and growing pressure on water resources. Through sustained engagement and collaboration, WASCAL remains committed to advancing science-driven solutions that support sustainable development and resilience in the region.
