Success stories in development provide a source of inspiration for people to innovate and think ahead. Though climate change is often viewed as a complex problem to communicate, media experts have noted that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to transform complex topics and break them down into something that feels personal, localized, and solvable. For too long, the narrative surrounding Africa’s development has been one of stagnation and decline, yet there are also numerous lively examples that show how a participatory approach – including all actors – to development can stimulate the creativity of all involved. Natural seawalls in the Seychelles Victorin Laboudallon’s is an inspiring story of how one grandfather from the Seychelles set up his own organization to plant forests and tackle climate change. He built a network of volunteers, from children to retirees, whom he calls upon to help him with replanting. Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate in Seychelles, but instead of leaving the matter to the government, Laboudallon decided to take action by planting mangrove trees, which help defend against the impacts of rising seas and coastal erosion by reducing…
