Great Green Wall project evolves to combat Sahel desertification

The Great Green Wall, an ambitious ecological engineering and climate adaptation project spanning nearly 8,000 kilometers from Senegal to Djibouti, is shifting its strategic approach. Originally conceived nearly two decades ago as a massive planting of trees in straight lines to physically block advancing sands, the project has transitioned due to scientific findings.

Studies revealed that planting large trees in semi-arid zones led to low survival rates, reduced soil moisture, and depleted local aquifers. Consequently, experts have adopted a mosaic approach, prioritizing the planting of shrubs, which have proven more effective and sustainable for climate adaptation in the Sahel region.

Supported by UN goals for 2030, the initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million jobs. Current efforts also focus on supporting traditional agriculture, as local managed lands often maintain better woody cover than neighboring savannas. While not reaching high forest densities, the established vegetation provides essential services such as shade, water retention, and nutrients for local communities.