The Algerian government and the Green Climate Fund have committed $99.5 million to a seven-year project aimed at restoring degraded lands and expanding the country's "green dam." The project, which will focus on six provinces, will see Algeria contribute $56.5 million, while the Green Climate Fund will provide an additional $43 million. The initiative aims to restore over 59,000 hectares of degraded lands and support more than 142,000 farmers, herders, and shepherds.
The "green dam" project, launched in 1971 under President Houari Boumédiène, initially aimed to create a 1,500 km-long belt of plantations to protect the country's northern agricultural lands from desertification. In October 2023, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced the project's revival, with plans to not only plant forests but also restore pastures and cultivate fruit trees. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's environmental and agricultural sectors.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. As part of the initiative, 190 solar energy systems will be installed, and 240 facilities for fodder production will be equipped, ensuring year-round livestock feed in the areas covered by the project. This will help support local communities and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
A national coordination body to combat desertification began operating in Algeria on November 4. The body will oversee the implementation of the project and monitor the restoration and expansion of the "green dam." The project's success will depend on effective coordination and collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international organizations.
The project's impact is expected to be significant, with over 142,000 farmers, herders, and shepherds set to benefit directly from the initiative. The restoration of degraded lands and expansion of the "green dam" will also help to protect the country's agricultural sector and promote sustainable land use practices. Algeria's efforts to combat desertification and promote environmental sustainability are crucial in the face of climate change.
The Green Climate Fund's support for the project highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. The fund's contribution of $43 million will help to leverage additional resources and expertise, ensuring the project's success. The project's outcomes will be closely watched by environmental stakeholders and policymakers globally.
The project's success will depend on effective implementation and monitoring. With the national coordination body in place, Algeria is well-positioned to track progress and make adjustments as needed. The country's commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to combat desertification serve as an example for other nations facing similar challenges.
Key points
- Algeria and the Green Climate Fund have committed $99.5 million to a seven-year project aimed at restoring degraded lands and expanding the country's "green dam."
