Visit of the Vice-Rector of the University of Bern to the Thiafoura Living Lab

On 12–13 July 2025, CREATES had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Hugues Abriel, Vice-Rector of the University of Bern, to the Thiafoura Living Lab, where the organisation is actively engaged in sustainable territorial transformation and is currently setting up its future office.

Group photo under a baobab tree at the Thiafoura Living Lab

Part of the Initiative Afrique

The visit took place in the context of the Initiative Afrique, the university’s effort to deepen partnerships on the African continent through engaged, transdisciplinary research.

CREATES has strong ties to the University of Bern. Both co-founders spent a significant part of their careers at the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), the Wyss Academy for Nature and the Institute of Geography. The work carried out by CREATES today builds on that foundation, bridging research and real-world transformation.

Exchanges with local communities under the trees

Exchanges on territorial action-research

Discussions focused on how CREATES, through action research, co-develops territorial food systems that are locally grounded and ecologically resilient. This includes intensifying agroecological production, strengthening small-scale value chains, revitalising indigenous medicinal knowledge, connecting producers with markets and supporting community governance of natural resources.

Visit of the Thiafoura Living Lab

Discussion in the field between the CREATES team and the Vice-Rector

A dialogue that is only beginning

CREATES thanks the University of Bern for its continued support and commitment to grounded and useful science. This dialogue is only beginning, and both institutions look forward to the path of collaboration ahead.