The Great Green Wall is an ambitious project that aims to restore the degraded ecosystems of the Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Djibouti. Launched by the African Union, this initiative seeks to combat desertification, improve living conditions, and promote sustainable development.
Spanning over 8,000 kilometers in length and 15 kilometers in width, the Great Green Wall will become the largest living structure on the planet. The project involves 11 countries, including Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan, which are the most affected by desertification and have the highest potential to benefit from the initiative.
Objectives and Benefits of the Great Green Wall
The African Union aims to restore 100 million hectares of land, store 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. The project goes beyond planting trees, as it involves a series of complementary interventions, including sustainable agricultural practices, water resource management, renewable energy development, and employment opportunities in the environmental sector.
The restoration of degraded ecosystems will contribute to improving food security, regulating the climate, conserving biodiversity, and protecting water resources. The project will also generate significant economic benefits, creating jobs and promoting the development of new industries based on natural resources.
A Natural Barrier for a Sustainable Future
The Great Green Wall will serve as a natural barrier against desertification, restoring the degraded ecosystems of the Sahel region. The project will also create an ecological corridor that connects diverse ecosystems, protecting the region from devastating sandstorms and promoting sustainable development.
While some countries have made significant progress in implementing the project, climate change, demographic pressure, and armed conflicts pose threats to its success. Nevertheless, the Great Green Wall remains a vital initiative for promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of millions of people in the Sahel region.