What is the Great Green Wall?
The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative aimed at combating the effects of climate change and desertification in the Sahel region of Africa. It involves the restoration of 100 million hectares of land across 11 countries by 2030.
Why was the Great Green Wall initiative launched?
The initiative was launched in response to the increasing threat of desertification, which was encroaching on fertile lands, reducing biodiversity, and exacerbating food and water scarcity in one of the world’s poorest regions.
Which countries are involved in the Great Green Wall?
The project spans across 11 countries in Africa’s Sahel region: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal.
How does the Great Green Wall benefit the local communities?
The Great Green Wall helps to restore degraded land, which in turn improves soil fertility and water retention, supports agriculture, and increases biodiversity. This leads to better food and water security, job creation, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
What techniques are used in the restoration efforts?
Restoration techniques include planting trees and vegetation, using water conservation methods such as zai pits and half-moons, and protecting existing natural vegetation through assisted natural regeneration.
Has the Great Green Wall been successful?
While challenges remain, the initiative has made significant progress. Millions of hectares of land have been restored, numerous jobs have been created, and there has been a noticeable improvement in biodiversity and agricultural productivity in the restored areas.
What are the future goals of the Great Green Wall?
By 2030, the initiative aims to fully restore 100 million hectares of land, sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon, and create 10 million jobs, significantly contributing to the mitigation of climate change impacts and the improvement of lives in the Sahel region.
How is the Great Green Wall funded?
The initiative is supported by various international donors, including countries like France and Germany, as well as partnerships with international 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.
SRIRAM’s
