The official launch of the flood forecasting and early warning platform in the commune of Koula, held on 16 December 2025 at the National Directorate of Hydraulics in Bamako, marks a significant milestone in strengthening local flood risk management. The event also included the handover of technical monitoring equipment aimed at enhancing early warning and response capacities at the community level.
This initiative represents a key step in the implementation of a project financed by the Adaptation Fund through the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator, with support from the Climate Technology Centre & Network and the Global Water Partnership in West Africa. The ceremony brought together national authorities, technical and financial partners, and local stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative approach underpinning the project.
Speakers highlighted the importance of national ownership and community protection, emphasizing that the platform is designed to enable both local and national actors to anticipate flood risks and safeguard vulnerable populations. The platform is positioned not only as a technological innovation but as a practical tool for improving safety and preparedness in flood-prone areas.
The project also reflects a broader regional and innovative dimension, positioning Mali as a pioneer in West Africa in the use of artificial intelligence and remote sensing for climate risk management. This approach aims to strengthen resilience while offering a model that could be replicated in other countries across the region.
Local authorities stressed the tangible benefits for communities that face recurring flood threats during the rainy season. With the deployment of the platform and the delivery of equipment, communities now have concrete means to prevent disasters, issue timely alerts, and protect lives and livelihoods.
National representatives emphasized that the project aligns with Mali’s climate resilience policies, reinforcing institutional capacity through equipment provision and training. During the ceremony, participants reviewed key achievements, including flood risk mapping and the development of a hydrological model, alongside a demonstration of the platform’s forecasting and alert functions.
The event concluded with the official handover of monitoring equipment, such as sensors and communication tools, to be installed in Koula. The strong coordination between national institutions, regional partners, and local actors was widely recognized as essential to the project’s sustainability. Overall, the launch marks a major step forward in modernizing Mali’s early warning systems and strengthening protection against climate-related flood risks.
