Biography
Dieudonne Ilboudo is a Burkinabe water and environmental specialist committed to sustainable water resource management, climate change adaptation, and environmental preservation. With a bachelor's degree in water resource management and a strong background in mathematics and natural sciences, he has developed expertise in water governance, conflict resolution, and nature-based solutions for ecological restoration.
He currently works at the General Directorate of Agropastoral Development and Irrigation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso. Previously, as a senior water and environmental technician at the Cascades Water Agency in Banfora, he played a crucial role in water resource management, environmental protection, and conflict resolution between farmers, herders, and fishermen in a region affected by terrorism and water scarcity. His work focuses on sustainable irrigation systems, climate resilience, and community engagement to ensure water security and agricultural sustainability.
His innovative approaches to environmental challenges have earned him international recognition. In 2024, Dieudonne Ilboudo was a finalist in the World Water Challenge and the UNFCCC AI Innovation Grand Challenge, highlighting his innovative solutions in water management and artificial intelligence. His project, "AI-Driven Strategies for the Management of Invasive Aquatic Plants in Water Reservoirs of Burkina Faso", leverages machine learning, deep learning, and AI-driven drones to monitor and limit the spread of invasive species. This approach not only restores water quality and biodiversity, but also supports a circular economy by transforming invasive plants into biochar and organic compost.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dieudonne Ilboudo has participated in prestigious international training programs, including the Lucerne Summer School on Ethics in a Global Context in Switzerland and courses at IHE Delft in the Netherlands on water economics and citizen science for water management. He has also completed specialized training on climate change and AI, human rights in integrated water resources management (IWRM), and sustainable development.
As a youth facilitator and international speaker, Dieudonne Ilboudo advocates for climate action, water security, and the ethical use of AI for environmental preservation. He is passionate about integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovation to develop sustainable, community-based solutions to urgent environmental challenges. Through his work, he continues to develop policies and projects that promote resilience, sustainability, and economic empowerment for vulnerable communities.
