Sahel

Giraffes range across diverse African habitats − we’re using GPS, satellites and statistics to track and protect them

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
GPS, Farmer, Giraffe, Livestock, Female, Movement, Organization, Animal, Sahel, Risk, Climate change, Habitat, Hunting, Agriculture, Surveying

The remarkably detailed Dabous giraffe rock art petroglyphs are among many ancient petroglyphs featuring giraffes across Africa – a testament to early humans’ fascination with these unique creatures.

Key Points: 
  • The remarkably detailed Dabous giraffe rock art petroglyphs are among many ancient petroglyphs featuring giraffes across Africa – a testament to early humans’ fascination with these unique creatures.
  • To understand how giraffes are faring across Africa, conservation ecologists like me are studying how they interact with their habitats across vast geographic scales.

Many habitats and challenges

    • By our best estimates, there are roughly 117,000 giraffes remaining in the wild, living in 21 African countries.
    • For example, in the relatively arid Sahel region of Niger, they live among communal farmers entirely outside of formally protected areas.
    • There is no one-size-fits-all approach for protecting giraffe habitats and promoting coexistence with people.

Tracking wide-ranging animals

    • Each tracking operation contributes to local studies by telling us something interesting about giraffe behavior.
    • To look at these patterns at a larger scale in our recent study, we analyzed GPS tracking data from 148 giraffes, representing all four species from across 10 countries.
    • We used environmental data from satellite imagery, linking the giraffes’ locations to the exact conditions that the animals were moving through.
    • They traveled faster and covered larger areas when they were moving between resource-rich zones and more heavily developed areas.

Giraffe movements inform conservation

    • Conservation strategies will need to account for giraffes’ changing movements as the animals respond to these shifts.
    • Conservation groups and governments are increasingly using conservation translocations – capturing wild giraffes and moving them to new habitats – as a tool to reestablish populations in areas where giraffes had previously become extinct.

Long-time Collaborators Botond Roska and José-Alain Sahel Win International Prize for Translational Neuroscience

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Molecular biology, Faculty, IOB, Human, Natural science, University, Doctor of Philosophy, Optogenetics, Max Planck Society, Eye, Light, Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board, Brain, Retina, COVID, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Cell, DSM-IV codes, Science, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Patient, Louis Pasteur University, Neuroscience, Botond Roska, Translational neuroscience, Gene, Distinguishing, Wilfrid Sellars, International Prize (Fyssen Foundation), Sahel, Pharmaceutical industry, Nature Medicine, Medicine, Ophthalmology

The two scientists met in 2001 while Roska was studying for a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology in Berkeley, US. He had come to Strasbourg, France, to spend a month at Louis Pasteur University, where Sahel was then a laboratory director. Late one night, Roska succeeded in recording the activity of some retinal cells, and his boisterous reaction prompted Sahel --who was upstairs and still working-- to investigate the commotion. “Suddenly, Dr. Sahel was there at the door, asking ‘What is going on here?’” Roska says. “So, I showed him my recordings, and we spent hours discussing the research.”

Key Points: 
  • The €60,000 annual prize rewards biomedical scientists and clinicians who make exceptional contributions toward the understanding of neurobiology and neurological diseases.
  • The two scientists met in 2001 while Roska was studying for a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology in Berkeley, US.
  • “Suddenly, Dr. Sahel was there at the door, asking ‘What is going on here?’” Roska says.
  • Roska and I share a common enthusiasm and keen interest in science, and our collaboration continually produces new ideas.

Flooding in Nigeria is on the rise – good forecasts, drains and risk maps are urgently needed

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Review, Pressure, Human, Sahel, Office of emergency management, Awareness, Climate, World Weather Attribution, Ghana Meteorological Agency, Data collection, Intelligence, Lagdo Reservoir, Capacity building, Temperature, Meteorological Administration, Forecasting, Government, Meteorology, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Death, Climate change, Flood, COP27, Weather, Risk, Machine learning, Anomaly, Water, City, Federation, Environment, Lake, Dam, Agriculture, Road, Film industry, Risk management

Nigeria is one of the most flood-prone countries in west Africa. Many areas experience annual flooding. This happens during heavy rainfall and one of the reasons is poor drainage systems. The country therefore needs to make improvements. As researchers who have specialised in meteorology for about two decades we believe there are several ways it can do this. The key interventions needed are: These actions are necessary to build resilience to floods. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have predicted severe flooding this year. And recent devastating flooding incidents are still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.Flooding in NigeriaNigeria is increasingly prone to them.

Key Points: 


Nigeria is one of the most flood-prone countries in west Africa. Many areas experience annual flooding. This happens during heavy rainfall and one of the reasons is poor drainage systems. The country therefore needs to make improvements. As researchers who have specialised in meteorology for about two decades we believe there are several ways it can do this. The key interventions needed are:
These actions are necessary to build resilience to floods. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have predicted severe flooding this year. And recent devastating flooding incidents are still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.

Flooding in Nigeria

    • Nigeria is increasingly prone to them.
    • There are many predictors of floods, chief of which is increasingly heavy rains over the west African Sahel.
    • In recent decades parts of Nigeria have experienced summer rainfall extremes that are more intense than before.
    • Thirdly, flooding in Nigeria is made worse by the poor management of drainage systems.

Building resilience against floods

    • These initiatives will reduce the speed of water flow and reduce the impact of floods.
    • Another easy intervention is the process of risk mapping, assessment and planning for floods.
    • Capacity building is required to improve the reliability of forecasting in the country.
    • Access to the funding depends on having systems for data collection, recording and reporting of loss and damage finance needs.

Avoiding a repeat of disaster

    • The Nigerian Emergency Management Agency) estimated a total economic loss to be about US$16.9 billion.
    • In 2022, the flooding caused over 600 deaths and affecting an estimated 3.2 million people across 34 of the country’s 36 states.
    • As a matter of urgency, states should set up local disaster management committees to assist in creating awareness and relocating communities living in flood-prone areas.

Education for Peace & Security: UN Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 24, 2022
Education, Anatomical terms of motion, Sahel, Conference, Hope, Private sector, Federal government of Switzerland, First Nations in Ontario, Multimedia, Safe Schools Declaration, United Nations Office at Geneva, Adolescence, Learning, International humanitarian law, United Nations Day, United Nations, Optimism, Charter of the United Nations, UN, Maintenance, Child, ECW, School, Birth control, Tourism, Emergency

In 1945 and the ensuing years, there was optimism, hope and determination to achieve peace, security and human rights for all.

Key Points: 
  • In 1945 and the ensuing years, there was optimism, hope and determination to achieve peace, security and human rights for all.
  • Since its formation in 1945, the United Nations has stood as a universal symbol of hope and humanity.
  • The UN Charter encompasses our vision for sustainable development, respect for human rights, and maintenance of peace and security.
  • Without education especially for those suffering in wars, climate disasters and as forcibly displaced how can we ever achieve the vision of the United Nations?

Education for Peace & Security: UN Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 24, 2022
Education, Anatomical terms of motion, Sahel, Conference, Hope, Private sector, Federal government of Switzerland, First Nations in Ontario, Safe Schools Declaration, United Nations Office at Geneva, Adolescence, Learning, International humanitarian law, United Nations Day, United Nations, Optimism, Charter of the United Nations, UN, Maintenance, Child, ECW, School, Birth control, Tourism, Emergency

In 1945 and the ensuing years, there was optimism, hope and determination to achieve peace, security and human rights for all.

Key Points: 
  • In 1945 and the ensuing years, there was optimism, hope and determination to achieve peace, security and human rights for all.
  • Since its formation in 1945, the United Nations has stood as a universal symbol of hope and humanity.
  • The UN Charter encompasses our vision for sustainable development, respect for human rights, and maintenance of peace and security.
  • Without education especially for those suffering in wars, climate disasters and as forcibly displaced how can we ever achieve the vision of the United Nations?

DGAP-News: J. Peter Pham to Promote Africa's Leading Role in the Energy Transition, Enhance U.S.-Africa Partnerships at African Energy Week in Cape Town

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 20, 2021
VIP, Cobalt, Phạm, African Energy Commission, Mining, Government, Sahel, Hari Shivdasani, Sahel Region, Great Lakes region, Mineral, APO Group, Energy transition, Solution, DGAP, AEW, Congo, News, Economic development, Democratic republic, General store, Security (finance), Drug, Renewable energy

J. Peter Pham to Promote Africa's Leading Role in the Energy Transition, Enhance U.S.-Africa Partnerships at African Energy Week in Cape Town

Key Points: 
  • J. Peter Pham to Promote Africa's Leading Role in the Energy Transition, Enhance U.S.-Africa Partnerships at African Energy Week in Cape Town
    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
  • J. Peter Pham to Promote Africa's Leading Role in the Energy Transition, Enhance U.S.-Africa Partnerships at African Energy Week in Cape Town
    Johannesburg, South Africa, August 19, 2021/ -- Following several other international VIP confirmations, J. Peter Pham, the former U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel Region of Africa, has issued his support of and participation at African Energy Week (AEW) 2021 in Cape Town.
  • Additionally, Pham is a strong advocate for the role of African resources in the global energy sector.
  • Pham is a strong advocate for U.S.-Africa partnerships and will promote American strategic interests in Africa at AEW 2021 in Cape Town.

Sahel: Council approves conclusions on the EU's integrated strategy in the region

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Continents, Africa, Sahel, G5 Sahel, Burkina Faso, Sahel and West Africa Club, Liptako-Gourma Authority

The Council approved conclusions reaffirming the importance of a solid and long-term partnership between the EU and the Sahel, and of stepping up that partnership through an ambitious EU strategy setting the framework for its policies and actions in the region.

Key Points: 
  • The Council approved conclusions reaffirming the importance of a solid and long-term partnership between the EU and the Sahel, and of stepping up that partnership through an ambitious EU strategy setting the framework for its policies and actions in the region.
  • The EU will continue strengthening the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, alongside regional organisations, especially the African Union, ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel.
  • Background

    The main geographical scope of the EU strategy is the five G5 Sahel countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

  • The conclusions were adopted by the Council bywritten procedure.

A young multinational Quebec start-up signs a 20-year contract with Canadian businessman Mr. Yahya Kirdi (President of Laval United FC) & a Member of the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 25, 2021
Ecoregions, Kirdi, Religion in Nigeria, Africa, Continents, Organic food, Sahel, Laval, Quebec

This success of interest is linked to the growing demand of the worldwide population for healthy and organic food products.

Key Points: 
  • This success of interest is linked to the growing demand of the worldwide population for healthy and organic food products.
  • Mr. Yahya Kirdi is also a former professional soccer player, he has justcreatedand set up a new 2nd League soccer team inDubai.
  • Mr. Kirdi is so enthusiastic to work with a Canadian company When hecreatedthe soccer Team, its initial name was Al Sahel.
  • When he became the President of the Club his first initiative was to change its name to FC Laval United.

EUCAP Sahel Mali: mission extended until 31 January 2023 and mandate adjusted

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Politics of Mali, European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali, Geography of Africa, Africa, Continents, Common Security and Defence Policy, Sahel, European Union Capacity Building Mission in Niger, European Union Training Mission in Mali

The Council has decided to extend the mandate of EU civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Mali until 31 January 2023 and has allocated it a budget of over 89 million for the period from 15January 2021 to 31January 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The Council has decided to extend the mandate of EU civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Mali until 31 January 2023 and has allocated it a budget of over 89 million for the period from 15January 2021 to 31January 2023.
  • The decision, adopted by written procedure, was taken as part of the strategic review of CSDP engagement in the region.
  • Background

    EUCAP Sahel Mali is a European Union civilian mission based in Bamako.

  • Mr Herv Flahaut, a French police General with more than 30 years of professional experience, is the Head of Mission of EUCAP Sahel Mali as of 1January 2021.

EIB to support for high-impact investment in 11 Sahel countries under Great Green Wall initiative

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 11, 2021
Continents, Africa, European Union, Desert greening, Multilateral development banks, Desertification, Great Green Wall, Sahel, European Investment Bank, EIB

The EIB financing and technical support will enhance the impact of the Great Green Wall initiative to improve biodiversity in the Sahel and better tackle climate and environmental challenges facing the region.

Key Points: 
  • The EIB financing and technical support will enhance the impact of the Great Green Wall initiative to improve biodiversity in the Sahel and better tackle climate and environmental challenges facing the region.
  • The EU Bank is pleased to join African and international partners in ensuring that the Great Green Wall biodiversity initiative improves lives and opportunities across the Sahel.
  • EIB harnessing global capital markets to support biodiversity investment

    Future EIB investment for sustainable agriculture and environmental projects across Africa will benefit from the EIB being the first international financial institution to issue bonds to support biodiversity investment.

  • Supporting the Great Green Wall initiative to improve lives and opportunities in the Sahel

    The Great Green Wall initiative aims to restore Africas degraded landscapes and transform the lives of people living in the Sahel.