In The Independent, Nora Berrahmouni, a forestry officer for FAO and Michele Bozzano, forestry researcher at Bioversity International, point out that for the Green Wall project to succeed, "you need to plant the right [tree] species in the right place" and involve and benefit local communities and help change the belief that taking care of the environment is a luxury.

Risk management in the face of climate change is something we can all learn from smallholder farmers. As climate change stalks global agriculture, researchers should collaborate with smallholder farmers in enhancing the diversification of crops to ensure food security, says Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International.