The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative designed to tackle the challenges of climate change and desertification in the Sahel region of Africa. This ambitious project aims to restore 100 million hectares of land across 11 countries by the year 2030.
This initiative was established in response to the growing threat of desertification that is encroaching on fertile lands, diminishing biodiversity, and worsening food and water scarcity in one of the world’s most impoverished regions.
The project encompasses 11 countries within Africa's Sahel region: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal.
The Great Green Wall plays a pivotal role in restoring degraded land, enhancing soil fertility, and improving water retention. This restoration supports agriculture and boosts biodiversity, leading to better food and water security, job creation, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
Various restoration techniques are employed, including:
While challenges persist, the initiative has achieved notable progress. Millions of hectares of land have been restored, creating numerous jobs and exhibiting a significant improvement in biodiversity and agricultural productivity in the revitalized areas.
By the year 2030, the initiative aims to fully restore 100 million hectares of land, sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon, and create 10 million jobs, thereby significantly mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing lives in the Sahel region.
The initiative receives support from various international donors, including countries like France and Germany, along with partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
These insights provide a clearer understanding of the scale and scope of the Great Green Wall, illustrating its crucial role in environmental sustainability and socio-economic development in Africa.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
