The winner of the 2018 Alternative Nobel Prize at PAUWES

PAU Institute of Water and Energy Sciences, incl. Climate Change PAUWES had the chance to welcome on the 2nd of May 2019 Mr Yacouba Sawadogo, The winner of the prestigious 2018 Alternative Nobel Prize.

”THE MAN WHO WANTED TO STOP THE DESERT” is a Burkinabe farmer well known for his work in the fight against the advancing desert, and the award is the result of more than 40 years of work.

Thanks to his efforts, today, a forest of more than 40 hectares covers his native village. He used to fight the desert a traditional method of plantation called “ZAI”.

The amazing 80 years old man presented a plenary conference where he presented an entrepreneurship session on water and food security. Through a questions session students discussed,  learned and were inspired by his commitment and project sustainability.

Mr Yacouba Sawadogo is a source of inspiration and motivation to all young Africans. He emphasized that it is important to exercise patience in life and to believe in what we do. 

We celebrate his efforts in helping combat climate change, saving water and food security in Africa.