The Great Green Wall, a visionary plan to restore millions of hectares of degraded land across Africa’s Sahel region, is struggling to meet its ambitious 2030 completion goal. This raises questions about the project’s future and its potential to combat desertification and boost the economies of some of the world’s poorest countries.
The Dream: A Restored Landscape
Launched in 2007, the Great Green Wall aims to create an 8,000-kilometer ribbon of restored land stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. This massive undertaking encompasses 11 countries bordering the Sahara Desert, a region particularly vulnerable to climate change and desertification.
The Challenge: Funding and Coordination
Despite some progress, the project faces significant hurdles. According to Alain Richard Donwahi, president of the most recent UN desertification summit, the Great Green Wall has only restored 30 million hectares, a mere 30% of its 100 million hectare target.
“It is an understatement to stress that we are not in line with our common objective to complete by 2030,” Donwahi said ahead of The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Bonn on June 17, where he will seek renewed support for the landmark project.
Funding is a major obstacle. The project requires a staggering $33 billion, yet international donors have only delivered a fraction of that amount. Additionally, there’s a lack of centralized monitoring, making coordination between the 11 participating countries a challenge.
“The project faces substantial challenges, primarily in terms of financing and implementation,”
A Glimpse of Hope
Despite the setbacks, there are glimmers of hope. The restored land has already created 3 million jobs, offering a vital economic boost to the region. Furthermore, a new initiative – an “observatory” – aims to improve financial tracking and progress monitoring.
The Call to Action: A Global Responsibility
Donwahi emphasizes the urgency of tackling desertification, not just for Africa but for the entire world. He calls for increased investment from international donors, the private sector, and the participating African nations themselves.
The success of the Great Green Wall hinges on a renewed global commitment. By addressing funding shortfalls, improving coordination, and recognizing desertification as a global issue, this ambitious project can still fulfill its promise of a greener, more prosperous future for Africa’s Sahel.
