Her research project will exploring the interplay between climate and growth in Benin's ancient indigenous tree species, and characterize their ecological potential for sustainable management of the urban cultural and agricultural landscape. Large old trees (LOTs) are important ecological structures for maintaining ecosystems and landscapes, both urban and rural, and play a particularly important role in soil fertilization and yield of agricultural products. They are also an important source of data on long-term climatic variability, through dendrochronological (tree-ring) analysis. In Africa, they are increasingly considered as emblems and cultural heritage. This project will compute correlations between the ring-width index and regional climate variables for LOTs in Benin, which will inform conservation efforts and policies for adoption of indigenous species in urban reforestation, leading to more climate-resilient cities.