Under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Djibouti, the first International Forum on Climate Change Adaptation (ICAF 2026) was held from 19 to 21 January 2026.

This forum was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the MangMap project among the scientists and institutions in attendance.

The MANGMAP platform was presented by our colleague Mahdi Djama RAYALEH, a researcher at the Djibouti Centre for Studies and Research (CERD), and Eric Delaitre (IRD), a member of the MangMap team. Several mangroves on the north coast of Djibouti are among the MANGMAP mangrove monitoring pilot sites.

This major event brought together more than 350 participants from 23 countries, marking an important milestone for the Horn of Africa and arid and semi-arid regions. Ministers, public officials, researchers, international organisations, civil society actors, innovators and development partners came together to place science at the heart of solutions and people at the centre of priorities.

Led by Djibouti's Ministry of Higher Education and Research, ICAF 2026 aimed to strengthen the links between science, public policy and action. The Forum was part of the Doctoral Alliance for Climate Change Adaptation (ADAC), which aims to strengthen regional capacities in research, training and innovation.

A highlight was the signing of the ADAC Charter by 15 institutions, confirming a long-term commitment to measurable, high-impact cooperation. Concrete solutions were presented through Priority Areas for Adaptation and Innovation and an exhibition of operational innovations.