Verdir le désert
Verdir le désert
From Tech to Regenerating Deserts: Werner Sels’ Journey
Werner Sels
In this episode of Green the Desert, Werner Sels shares his remarkable journey from a successful IT career to leading ambitious desert regeneration projects. He reveals how his non-profit blends smart economic models with deep ecological impact – and why true success depends on empowering local communities, especially women.
You’ll discover:
• How sustainable land restoration is transforming lives and landscapes
• The real-world economics of CO2 certification and tree-planting challenges
• The surprising potential of tree products like Arabic gum
• Why biodiversity isn’t optional – it’s essential for long-term success
• Creative, community-led strategies that make reforestation truly work
Werner doesn’t just talk about planting trees – he talks about planting futures. Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation about restoring ecosystems, creating lasting value, and inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
Points clés à retenir
- • Werner made a bold shift from a successful IT career to desert regeneration in pursuit of a sustainable future.
• He founded a non-profit that reinvests earnings directly into large-scale reforestation efforts.
• Engaging local communities is key to building lasting, impactful restoration projects.
• Women are central to driving economic growth and long-term sustainability.
• The initiative has already created jobs for over 32,000 people across affected regions.
• Innovative financial models, including CO2 certification, help secure critical funding.
• Direct seeding often proves more effective than planting nursery-raised trees.
• Letting nature lead ensures trees grow where conditions are most favorable.
• The Great Green Wall provides a powerful blueprint for landscape-scale restoration.
• A long-term vision is essential — lasting success depends on community buy-in and economic incentives.
• Trees that yield valuable products, like Arabic gum, are less likely to be cut down prematurely.
• Quick wins, such as planting grasses, generate immediate income and build momentum.
• Fencing and site protection are among the most costly yet crucial aspects of reforestation.
• Biodiversity is fundamental for forest resilience and disease prevention.
• Monoculture plantations may offer short-term gains but risk long-term ecological collapse.
• Investing in education and entrepreneurship at the local level fuels lasting change.
• Empowering the next generation is key to the future of sustainable forestry.
• Reforestation has the power to create jobs, strengthen communities, and curb forced migration.
• True success in reforestation is driven by moral vision — not just financial return.
Liens utiles
-
