Le Bienfaiteur Sagang

Le Bienfaiteur Sagang (Ph.D.) leverages his scientific and technical expertise to support local governments and institutions in protecting and managing their natural ecosystems in ways that also support economic growth. This involves: 1) designing and implementing field and remote sensing-based campaigns, 2) developing AI-based algorithms to map forest structure and disturbances by integrating large scale airborne and spaceborne LiDAR with conventional optical and radar satellite observations and 3) developing digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) platforms to monitor deforestation, degradation and reforestation. The existing collaborations with national partners have strengthened their capacities to implement nature-based solutions for global change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Sagang used to work for the French National Research Institute for sustainable development (IRD) where he oversaw developing geospatial products to support the assessment and monitoring of environmental impacts related to the construction of two major hydroelectric dams in Cameroon: Nachtigal (420 MW) and Kikot (550 MW) along the Sanaga River, the largest in the country. This required an extensive inventory and precise mapping of the structure and biodiversity of the aquatic and terrestrial habitats impacted by the project and the development of a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to comply with the prevention, reduction or offsetting approach. The products ensured that the projects aligned with the performance standards (PS) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) including PS1 (Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts), and PS6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources).

He contributed to field inventory data collection in the Congo Basin rainforests under the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC), supporting the development of a preliminary system for measuring and monitoring forest carbon stocks. This work involved training and engaging local communities in forest-type stratification, tree sampling, and data processing. The data collected enhanced the accuracy of carbon stock assessments in Central African forests, thereby supporting the advancement of national REDD+ strategies across the region.

Dr. Sagang holds a postdoctoral position at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA.