Great Green Wall Project

The Great Green Wall is an initiative to combat desertification in Africa.

The "Great Green Wall" project is an ambitious, Africa-led initiative aimed at combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and improving living conditions in the Sahel region. This vast, semi-arid region stretches from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east and borders the southern edge of the Sahara. The goal of the project is to create a mosaic of green, productive landscapes that is 8,000 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, making it one of the largest ecological restoration projects in history.

Originally launched by the African Union in 2007, the concept was designed as a continuous "wall of trees" to stop the southward advance of the Sahara. Over time, however, the approach has evolved from simple afforestation measures to an integrated strategy that includes sustainable land use, water management, and the protection of existing vegetation.

The project currently encompasses 11 countries, supported by international organizations. By 2030, it aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land and store 250 million tons of CO₂. Additionally, it focuses on creating 10 million jobs for local communities and improving food security for 20 million people. However, the implementation of the project faces significant challenges such as political instability and funding gaps.

The "Great Green Wall" symbolizes the collective fight against the climatic challenges of the Sahel region and aims to transform this area into a flourishing and sustainable ecosystem. A successful completion of the project could not only significantly improve the quality of life for the affected communities but also contribute to the global fight against climate change.