Great Green Wall

Definition

The Great Green Wall is an ambitious African-led initiative aimed at combating desertification and land degradation by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across the Sahel region. This initiative seeks to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030, which will enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and help mitigate the effects of climate change in a region highly affected by environmental challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Green Wall initiative was launched in 2007, aiming to create a barrier against the advancing Sahara Desert and improve the resilience of local communities.
2. As of recent years, millions of trees have been planted across several countries involved in the project, including Senegal, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, contributing to ecosystem restoration.
3. This project not only focuses on tree planting but also promotes sustainable land management practices and empowers local communities to actively participate in restoration efforts.
4. By improving land productivity, the Great Green Wall also aims to address issues of food insecurity and poverty that are prevalent in the Sahel region.
5. The initiative has gained international support, highlighting the need for collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities to effectively combat climate-related challenges.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Green Wall address both environmental degradation and socio-economic issues in the Sahel region?
  • The Great Green Wall tackles environmental degradation by promoting reforestation and sustainable land management practices, which help restore ecosystems affected by desertification. At the same time, it addresses socio-economic issues by creating opportunities for local communities through improved agricultural productivity and food security. By involving these communities in the initiative, it not only restores the land but also empowers people economically and socially.
• Discuss the impact of climate change on the Sahel region and how the Great Green Wall serves as a response to these challenges.
  • Climate change has led to increased temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts in the Sahel region, exacerbating issues like desertification and food insecurity. The Great Green Wall serves as a proactive response by aiming to restore degraded lands, increase vegetation cover, and enhance local resilience against climatic fluctuations. This initiative is crucial for creating a buffer against climate change effects while fostering sustainable development.
• Evaluate the potential long-term benefits of the Great Green Wall for environmental sustainability and regional stability in Africa.
  • The Great Green Wall has the potential for significant long-term benefits such as restoring biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing water retention in ecosystems. These environmental improvements can lead to enhanced agricultural productivity, which is vital for food security. Additionally, by addressing issues related to land degradation and poverty, it can contribute to regional stability by reducing migration pressures caused by environmental challenges. Ultimately, it promotes a sustainable model of development that could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar issues.

Related terms

Sahel Region: A semi-arid zone in Africa that stretches from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, characterized by its vulnerability to climate change and desertification.

Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and unproductive due to various factors, including climate change, deforestation, and poor land management practices.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience against environmental changes.