Interview: Darius Saviour | IDOS

1. Tell us about your educational and professional background and what led you to a career in Environmental Governance and Transformation to Sustainability

My journey into environmental governance and sustainability is rooted in both academic pursuit and personal experience. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Land Resource Management from the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Agriculture and Food Economics at the University of Bonn in Germany. I am privileged to be a recipient of the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship (ICPF).

Studying at UDS, a university situated in northern Ghana, a region on the frontlines of climate change, deepened my understanding of the complex relationship between human activities, natural resources, and climate resilience. The moment that truly transformed my path came in 2016 when, on a scorching day exceeding 40°C, a friend began bleeding from his nose on our way to lectures, a direct result of the extreme heat. Witnessing this personal encounter with climate vulnerability was the turning point that compelled me to dedicate my career to addressing environmental and climate crises. Since then, my work has been guided by the conviction that sustainability is not just about ecological balance but also about protecting human life, culture, and dignity.

2. Tell us about the vision that established the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is a leading non-university research institute and policy think-tank based in Bonn, Germany. Its vision is to “co-shape a collaborative multipolar world for sustainable futures,” uniting research, policy advice, and trans-regional knowledge cooperation to address global development challenges. IDOS aims to generate actionable knowledge that informs policy and fosters transformative change toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Institute’s mission rests on three pillars: high-quality interdisciplinary research, practical policy advice, and international training programs that build capacity for sustainability governance. It promotes evidence-based solutions that connect economic, ecological, and social systems while fostering partnerships across regions. This vision resonates strongly with my own belief that true sustainability must be inclusive, globally cooperative, and grounded in social and cultural realities.

3. Which research areas do you conduct research for IDOS?

At IDOS, my research focuses on climate mobility, displacement, and psychosocial resilience. I study how climate-induced migration affects communities, especially youth and displaced populations, and explore how social, cultural, and governance systems can strengthen resilience in such contexts. My research pays particular attention to the cultural heritage dimension of mobility: how the loss of place, memory, and identity affects displaced people and how integrating cultural heritage into climate adaptation strategies can enhance psychosocial well-being.

4. Tell us about ICPF & DAAD Leadership for Africa and your responsibilities

The International Climate Protection Fellowship (ICPF) of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports emerging leaders from developing countries who are working on projects related to climate protection and sustainable resource management. The fellowship provides an opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with German institutions while fostering international networks for long-term climate cooperation.

The DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship, on the other hand, enables talented young Africans to pursue Master’s studies in Germany, with leadership training that focuses on democracy, peace, and sustainable development.

As an ICPF Fellow, I am conducting research on climate mobility and the psychosocial resilience of displaced communities, while also experiencing Germany’s sustainability cooperation systems. My role involves acting as a bridge between German and African sustainability frameworks, sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and promoting resilience among climate-affected youth. Under the DAAD programme, I pursue my Master’s degree while contributing to research and leadership training aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity for sustainable transformation.

5. Tell us about AYCCA – Alliance for Youth in Climate Change Action, and your responsibilities

The Alliance for Youth in Climate Change Action (AYCCA) is a youth-led organisation I founded in Ghana to empower young people to take action against climate change while protecting our cultural heritage and environment. AYCCA works at the intersection of climate action, culture, and community resilience, implementing projects that integrate adaptation and heritage preservation.

At the community level, we have undertaken restoration projects such as the rehabilitation of the Zayaa Mosque-Shrine in Wulugu and the reforestation of the degraded Kore and Kassana Forest Reserves. Nationally, we have established displaced youth task forces in Keta’s coastal communities to support livelihood recovery, advocacy for sea defence infrastructure, and integration of culture into resettlement planning. Internationally, AYCCA leads youth consultations ahead of global climate events such as the Conference of Youth 20 (COY20) and COP30, developing the Global Youth Statement on Culture and Climate Action.

As Executive Director, I oversee strategic direction, partnerships, funding, and project execution—ensuring that youth voices and cultural heritage are central to climate solutions.

6. Tell us about your involvement with the Climate Heritage Network

The Climate Heritage Network (CHN) is a global coalition of cultural institutions, civil society organisations, and governments working to harness the power of cultural heritage to drive climate action. The network believes that culture and heritage are not passive victims of the climate crisis but powerful catalysts for climate adaptation and sustainable transformation.

I serve as the Co-Convener for Africa and the Arab States in the CHN Youth Forum. In this capacity, I coordinate youth engagement in these regions and globally, supporting collaborations that advance CHN’s objectives. At COP30, I helped lead efforts to strengthen youth participation and ensure that cultural heritage remains a central part of the climate agenda. Through these engagements, I work to amplify African youth voices in global discussions on how culture can inform climate resilience and policy.

7. Africa is the most impacted continent by climate change. What are the key issues/challenges your Secretariat, which is the Co-Chair (representing the Region) on the CHN Steering Committee, is addressing at COP30?

At COP30, our Secretariat is championing the inclusion of cultural heritage at the heart of global climate policy. We are advocating for heritage to be fully integrated into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring that cultural heritage receives adequate climate finance for adaptation and protection.

We are also working to safeguard the eight cultural-heritage indicators among the 100 indicators proposed for adoption at COP30, refining them to reflect the collective aspirations of local communities. Beyond advocacy, our Secretariat is addressing challenges related to climate displacement, mobility, and psychosocial resilience, recognising that protecting cultural heritage is essential to maintaining identity, continuity, and hope in the face of climate impacts.

8. Tell us about the reasons why several African nations are making significant strides towards achieving a 100% renewable energy grid

Africa’s progress toward renewable energy is driven by a combination of abundant resources, economic necessity, and climate imperatives. Many countries are endowed with high solar and wind potential, making renewables the most cost-effective and sustainable path to energy access. Declining technology costs, supportive policy frameworks, and international investment are further accelerating this transition.

In Ghana, for instance, government sustainability targets and rising energy demand have catalysed investments in solar and hydropower infrastructure. The country’s energy strategy aims to diversify supply, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security. Similar trends are seen in Kenya’s geothermal investments, Morocco’s solar megaprojects, and South Africa’s renewable auctions, all pointing to a continental shift toward green energy as both a development and climate strategy.

9. Anything else you would like to add

Looking ahead, I believe that the path to sustainable transformation must integrate culture, identity, and heritage into the core of climate action. Africa’s youth represent an unparalleled resource in this endeavour, innovative, resilient, and deeply connected to community values. My vision is to expand youth-led, heritage-based climate initiatives that strengthen resilience, inform policy, and shape inclusive solutions for a shared future.

10. How can people reach you?

I welcome collaboration and dialogue through my LinkedIn profile and via email at dariussaviourankamah@gmail.com.