The Great Green Wall was initiated in 2007 with the goal of rehabilitating degraded land across the Sahel region, spanning from Senegal to Djibouti. Great Green Wall Sahel, The initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030 while capturing 250 million tonnes of carbon and creating 10 million jobs in the green sector.
How Much Progress Has The Great Green Wall Achieved?
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) stated in 2024 that almost 18 million hectares have been restored, 350,000 jobs have been created, which is roughly 30 percent of the total target set for the initiative by 2030. However, according to Reuters, the target for 2030 now seems unattainable.
What Has Gone Wrong With The Project?
The Great Green Wall Programme needs roughly $33 billion to achieve its objectives, but only a small portion of the promised funds has been received. The research shows that only a small number of seedlings survive, while a lack of safety is blocking recovery efforts in various regions of the Sahel.
What Is Being Changed In The Project? – Great Green Wall Sahel
Instead of a wall of trees, the Great Green Wall now represents a mosaic consisting of agricultural land, soil and water management activities, taking place in 11 countries.Protecting natural regrowth and encouraging farmer-led regeneration is replacing mass planting, and that also helps to tackle soil degradation and drought.
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