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Spanning over 6.437 kilometers, this megaproject aims to restore 100 million hectares, create 10 million jobs and capture 250 million tons of CO₂ by 2030, transforming life in the Sahel.
Desertification is a silent threat that is slowly devouring fertile lands and destroying entire ecosystems. In the heart of the African continent, the expansion of the Sahara Desert is challenging the survival of millions of people. But a bold idea is changing this scenario: the Great Green Wall, a megaproject that promises to transform the continent and inspire the world.
Since its conception in 2007, this project seeks to plant a “living wall” of trees along the Sahel, a strip of land that crosses 22 African countries and stretches for more than 6.437 kilometers. But why is this project so important and how is it progressing?
The context of desertification and the expansion of the Sahara
Imagine losing an area of cropland the size of an entire city every year. That’s what desertification is doing in the Sahel. The Sahara Desert, which has grown by about 10 percent since 1920, continues to advance at a rate of 62,76 kilometers per year, impacting agriculture, the environment, and food security.
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The loss of fertile land means reduced harvests, food shortages and increased poverty. And with the Sahel’s population expected to double by 2039, the challenges are only growing. It was in this context that the idea of the Great Green Wall was born.
The Great Green Wall megaproject
The Great Green Wall megaproject is much more than a belt of trees. It is an ambitious response to the region’s environmental and social challenges. Initially planned to be 14,5 kilometers wide and nearly 7.800 kilometers long, the initiative has expanded to include restoration efforts in several African nations.
- Restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
- Capture 250 million tons of carbon dioxide.
- Create 10 million jobs, generating hope in local communities.
This is a real race against time to save the Sahel, drawing inspiration from previous projects such as Algeria’s Green Dam and China’s Green Wall, which faced similar challenges.
Results achieved so far
Although the road is long, the first fruits of the megaproject are already beginning to appear. In Burkina Faso, more than 15 million trees have been planted, restoring almost 35.000 acres. In Senegal, the number exceeds 1,4 million trees, while in Ethiopia, around 8.900 acres have been restored.
Partnerships like the one with Ecosia have been crucial. This eco-conscious search platform has mobilized local communities, proving that small actions can have big impacts.
However, by 2023, only 18% of the restoration target had been met, highlighting the challenges the project faces.
Challenges and future prospects
Like any megaproject, the Great Green Wall is not without its challenges. Broken promises, poor coordination and a lack of funding have slowed progress. Still, the 2030 goal remains: to restore the Sahel and transform the lives of millions of people.
Will this “green wall” be able to fulfill its role? With more international support, greater local engagement and innovative solutions, the chances are promising.
The Great Green Wall is more than a project; it is a symbol of hope and resilience. If successful, it will not only halt the advance of the desert, but also bring new life to the heart of Africa.
This megaproject reminds us that, even in the face of the greatest challenges, solutions start with small steps — or, in this case, trees. May this wall continue to grow and inspire the world!
Excellent initiative!!
Nature is capable of transforming and transferring life anywhere where there is human goodwill.
Building and contributing is better than distributing.