WASCAL showcased the remarkable achievements of the CICLES Project during a dedicated side event at the International Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3C-JET 2025), held in Abuja.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, Executive Director of WASCAL, underscored the central vision of the CICLES Project to co-produce customized and integrated climate services that empower decision-makers, communities, and institutions across West Africa.
“Through CICLES, we are not only producing knowledge but turning it into action helping communities make informed decisions, protect livelihoods, and build resilience,” he said. “Today, we gather to celebrate collaboration and innovation to build a West Africa that is not only resilient to climate change but also equipped with science-based tools and services to anticipate and adapt to its impacts,” he added.
Implemented in partnership with the Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), the project has made notable progress in advancing climate resilience across West Africa. It has, among other achievements, informed over 2,800 practitioners, scientists, and policymakers through Climate Bulletins such as “Migration under (Multi)Hazards” and “The Scorching Heat,” addressing critical issues like climate-driven migration, public health, and food security.
The project has also strengthened science–policy linkages through dialogues that help decision-makers manage uncertainty in adaptation and investment planning. In agriculture, CICLES has enhanced resilience by training 475 people, including 62 women, on the PlanteSaine digital platform to detect and control crop diseases early, and by reaching 380 farmers and extension officers with seasonal forecasts to support climate-informed planning. Additionally, it has built local scientific capacity by training 37 researchers and practitioners in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and crop modelling, fostering innovation and regional expertise in climate science.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jens Liebe, representative of the German Aerospace Center-Project Management Agency (DLR-PT), emphasized three key aspects of useful science services: they must address real challenges, be grounded in solid scientific evidence, and lead to tangible impact on the ground. He reaffirmed the continued support of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) to WASCAL and commended its vital role in advancing science-based climate action and sustainable development across West Africa.
The session brought together partners, policymakers, scientists, and development actors to celebrate collaboration and innovation in advancing a climate-resilient West Africa. It highlighted key lessons and innovations from the CICLES Project, strengthened partnerships for scaling climate services, and reaffirmed WASCAL’s commitment to transforming science into actionable, inclusive, and data-driven solutions that drive long-term resilience across the region
