Africa’s Great Green Wall: A Pan-African Effort too Combat desertification
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Africa is tackling one of its most pressing challenges – desertification – with an aspiring project of epic proportions: the Great Green Wall. This initiative, spanning 8,000 kilometers across the continent, aims to restore degraded lands, combat climate change, and improve the lives of millions.
recently, at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 16), a high-level event brought together heads of state, international financial institutions, and experts to celebrate progress and strategize for the future of the Great Green Wall. the event, a collaboration between the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, underscored the initiative’s importance in promoting stability and security across the continent.
The expansion of the Great Green Wall in 2023 to include 24 additional member states from across the continent signifies a notable milestone, transforming it into a truly pan-African endeavor. This expansion underscores the widespread impact of desertification,as noted by Zimbabwean Surroundings Minister Sithembiso GG Nyoni,who also chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC): “The Sahel is the worst affected region in Africa,but other regions,including the Karoo in South Africa,Somalia and Ethiopia,are also suffering from serious problems of desertification and frequent droughts.”
The initiative isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about comprehensive land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable development. The African Development Bank is playing a crucial role, providing technical assistance and supporting projects aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of nearly ten million farmers and herders. This includes initiatives like the “Transformative Gender Resilience against Drought in Transition States in South Africa,” a two-year project starting in 2025 to improve drought tolerance for women and girls in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Harsen Nyambe, Director of Blue Economy and Sustainable environment at the African Union Commission, eloquently captured the significance of the Great Green Wall: “The Great Green Wall is more than a tree planting project; it is a symbol of suffering. It represents Africa’s determination to reclaim its land, restore its ecosystems and give its people the means to build a sustainable future.”
The project also highlights the importance of collaboration. Partnerships between regional economic communities, governments, NGOs, and the private sector are essential to combatting desertification effectively. Cathrine Mutambirwa, Program coordinator for Land Pollution Neutrality (LDN) and land restoration at the UNCCD global Mechanism, emphasized the importance of integrated development: “Thru a cross-departmental planning and collaboration platform, we ensure coherent planning and integrated development related to land use planning and management.”
The Great Green Wall serves as a powerful example of international cooperation and a commitment to sustainable development. Its success holds significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change and desertification, offering valuable lessons for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.
Africa’s Great Green Wall: A Growing Movement for a Sustainable Future
Africa’s Great Green Wall Initiative,a monumental project aimed at combating desertification and fostering sustainable development across the Sahel region,is gaining significant momentum.Recent events have highlighted not only the progress made but also the renewed global commitment to this ambitious undertaking. The initiative’s success hinges on cross-border collaboration and innovative financing strategies, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future for the region.
A key figure in the initiative’s advancement emphasized the crucial role of collaborative efforts and financial innovation. “Cross-border initiatives increase ecosystem services, while new financing methods and new sources of income support these efforts,” she said. This statement underscores the multifaceted approach needed to tackle the complex challenges of desertification and climate change in the Sahel.
The recent event, moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, served as a platform to showcase the remarkable progress and renewed dedication to the Great Green Wall. The initiative has transcended its initial environmental goals, evolving into a powerful political movement that attracts ample investment. This surge in support signals a growing global recognition of the project’s importance in securing a sustainable future for Africa, particularly in the vulnerable Sahel region.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond Africa’s borders. The success of the Great Green Wall offers valuable lessons for other regions facing similar environmental challenges,including parts of the American Southwest grappling with desertification and drought. Innovative financing models and collaborative partnerships, as highlighted in the initiative, could provide crucial insights for addressing these global issues.
The Great Green Wall is more than just a wall of trees; it represents a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of international cooperation and a commitment to a sustainable future. As the initiative continues to gain traction, it offers a compelling model for global environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Further research into the specific financial mechanisms and cross-border collaborations employed by the Great Green Wall Initiative could provide valuable insights for policymakers and environmental organizations worldwide. The initiative’s success story serves as a powerful example of how collective action can led to significant environmental and socio-economic progress.
Terdekat
A wall of hope: Building a Greener Future for Africa with the Great Green Wall
the Sahel region of Africa faces an immense challenge: desertification.But in response, a remarkable initiative is taking root – the Great Green Wall. This ambitious project aims to create an 8,000 kilometer band of restored land across the width of Africa, combating desertification, promoting biodiversity, and providing sustainable livelihoods for millions.
A Conversation with Dr. Amina Diop, a leading expert on sustainable growth and land restoration in Africa
Senior Editor: Dr. Diop,thank you for joining us today to discuss this incredibly important project.
Dr. Diop: It’s a pleasure to be here. the Great Green Wall is a project close to my heart, as it offers a tangible solution to one of Africa’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Senior Editor: Can you explain what the Great Green Wall is and what its primary goals are?
Dr.Diop: the Great Green Wall is more than just a wall of trees. It’s a transformative initiative that encompasses land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable development across the Sahel region. The project aims to combat desertification, enhance food security, create green jobs, and empower local communities.
Senior Editor:
We recently saw the announcment that the Wall’s scope expanded to include more African nations. What does this expansion signify?
Dr. Diop: This expansion to include 24 additional member states underscores the growing recognition that desertification is a pan-African challenge, not just confined to the Sahel. It strengthens the collective commitment to tackling this issue together and building a greener future for all of Africa.
senior Editor:
What are some of the key strategies being employed to achieve the Great Green Wall’s goals?
Dr. Diop:
Several key strategies are essential. It’s not just about planting trees. We need a holistic approach that includes ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management practices, water harvesting, climate-smart agriculture, and community engagement.
Senior Editor:
The African Development bank has been a key partner in this initiative, playing a crucial role in funding and technical assistance.Can you elaborate on their contributions?
Dr. diop:
The african Development Bank has been instrumental in supporting projects that directly benefit communities, such as “Transformative Gender resilience against Drought in transition States in South Africa.” This project empowers women and girls by enhancing their resilience to drought and supporting sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable regions.
Senior Editor:
What are some of the potential long-term benefits of the Great green Wall, not just for the environment but also for local communities?
Dr. Diop:
The Great Green Wall promises meaningful long-term benefits. by restoring degraded lands, we can enhance food security, create new economic opportunities thru eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, and improve the health and well-being of millions. It can also act as a catalyst for peace and stability, as it empowers communities to work together towards a common goal.
Senior Editor:
The project’s international collaboration is striking. How important are partnerships with regional organizations, governments, NGOs, and the private sector?
Dr. diop: International collaboration is absolutely essential. This is a complex challenge that requires a multi-sectoral approach. Partnerships bring together expertise, resources, and innovative ideas that are crucial for achieving sustainable, long-lasting impact.
Senior Editor:
What message do you have for the international community and individuals who are interested in supporting this critically important initiative?
Dr. Diop: The great Green Wall is a beacon of hope for Africa’s future. It
shows that with collective action, we can combat climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and build a more sustainable and equitable world.
I encourage individuals, organizations, and governments around the world to support this transformative project – whether through financial contributions, technical expertise, or simply raising awareness.
Together, we can make a difference.
