RECC-LUM WEBINAR: Shaping and Integrating Sustainable Land Use Management and Energy Transitions in Africa: The RECCLUM Way

Wednesday 14 May 2025, 12:00 → 13:15 GMT

ToRs - Webinar Series – Maiden Session

Date: May 14, 2025

Time: 12:00 – 13:15 GMT

Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes (15-minute keynote + 40 minutes panel discussion + 15 min for Q&A)
Platform: Zoom / MS Teams / YouTube Live (TBC)

Proposed Topic:

Shaping and Integrating Sustainable Land Use Management and Energy Transitions in Africa: The RECCLUM Way

 

Background and Rationale

The RECCLUM Project—“Feasibility Study on Climate Change, Land Use Management, and Renewable Energy in The Gambia”—addresses the urgent need for integrated, climate-resilient, and energy-smart land use solutions in Africa. As the climate crisis deepens and energy demands grow, especially in vulnerable regions like The Gambia, there is a pressing call to rethink how land, energy, and livelihoods intersect.

This maiden webinar serves as the official opening of the RECCLUM Webinar Series. It offers a unique platform to introduce the project to a wider audience and reflect on how RECCLUM’s integrated approach can inspire national and regional strategies for sustainable development. It brings together the project’s leadership to showcase the vision, methodology, early insights, and transformative potential of RECCLUM.

Objectives of the Webinar

1. Introduce the RECCLUM project’s purpose, scope, and relevance within the African and Gambian context.
2. Frame the interlinkages between land use management, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
3. Engage the project’s PI and Co-PIs in a dynamic panel to share their perspectives, goals, and expectations.
4. Mobilize interest and partnerships for the upcoming webinar series and RECCLUM activities.

 

Webinar Format

The event will consist of two distinct sessions:

1. Session I – Lead Expert Exposé (15 minutes)

A featured presentation by the Lead Expert setting the scene for the entire webinar series.

• Lead Speaker: Prof. Walter Leal Filho (HAW Hamburg, RECCLUM Coordinator)
• Purpose:
  • Provide a high-level overview of the integrated challenges and opportunities in climate change, land use, and renewable energy transitions in Africa.
  • Contextualize these issues through the lens of the RECCLUM project.
  • Present the project’s ambitions, strategic vision, and expected policy/scientific contributions.

Expected Deliverables:

• 10–12-slide presentation 
• Thought-provoking exposé highlighting the RECCLUM model and its broader relevance to Africa
• Positioning the RECCLUM project as a driver of policy and research transformation

 

1. Session II – Panel Discussion (30 minutes + 15 min Q&A)

A moderated exchange between key project leaders offering multi-perspective insights and reflections.

• Panel Speakers:
• Prof. Sidat Yaffa (WASCAL UTG, Co-PI RECC-LUM)
• Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi (WASCAL Competence Centre, Co-PI RECC-LUM)
• Prof. Yacouba Diallo (Director of WASCAL GSP on CC & Agric in Mali)
• Prof. Walter Leal Filho (HAW Hamburg, RECC-LUM Coordinator)
• Moderator: TBC (Dr. Belko Diallo / Dr Franziska Wolf)
• Panel Format:
  • Each panelist gives a short (5–7 min) thematic intervention (e.g., vision, context, partnership, scientific priorities, visibility)
  • Guided conversation around:
    • The challenges of sustainable land use and energy transitions in The Gambia
    • The RECCLUM approach to integrating climate, land, and energy data and strategies
    • Policy and institutional innovation needed to scale such solutions in West Africa
  • Audience Q&A (15 minutes) to foster interaction and engagement

 

Expected Deliverables from Panelists:

• Contribution to a rich, engaging dialogue on the RECCLUM pathway
• Sharing of visions, early findings, and inter-institutional perspectives

 

Expected Outcomes

• A shared understanding of RECCLUM’s objectives and value proposition.
• Strong public introduction of the project and its leadership.
• Increased visibility and interest among national and international stakeholders.
• Engagement momentum for the subsequent RECCLUM webinar series.

Moderators:

• Dr. Belko Diallo: Welcome and closing remarks
• Dr Franziska Wolf and Dr Belko Diallo: panel moderation 

Contacts

For coordination and materials submission:

• Dr. Belko Diallo – WASCAL Technical Lead, RECCLUM, 📩diallo.b@wascal.org
• Mrs Mame Diarra Diouf – WASCAL – Research Assistant, RECCLUM, 📩 diouf.m@wascal.org 
• Mr Remi Nebie – WASCAL – Intern, Communication Expert, 📩nebie.r@wascal.org