The Algerian government has secured $99.5 million in funding for its Green Dam project, aimed at enhancing climate resilience and combating desertification in the country's arid regions. The project, approved during the 46th meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board in Songdo, Republic of Korea, will cover an area of 454,138 hectares across six provinces. The initiative is expected to benefit over one million people, with direct support to more than 142,000 farmers, herders, and pastoralists.
The funding for the project comes from the GCF, which has contributed $43 million, while the Algerian government has provided $56.5 million, accounting for 57% of the total investment. The project, titled "Enhancing Climate Resilience in the Steppe and Dry Forest Areas of the Green Dam," aims to restore degraded lands, promote sustainable forest management, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities. The initiative is part of Algeria's efforts to combat desertification and preserve its natural resources.
The Green Dam project, launched in 1971, is one of Algeria's key national initiatives to combat desertification and protect the country's steppes and pastures from degradation. The project covers an area of approximately 1,500 kilometers across the country's semi-arid regions. The new funding will support the restoration of over 59,000 hectares of degraded landscapes, including forests, pastures, and agricultural lands.
The project will also provide support to rural communities, including the installation of 190 solar kits to provide clean energy for refrigeration, processing, and other productive activities. Additionally, 240 units of hydroponic fodder production will be established to ensure the feeding of over 25,000 heads of livestock throughout the year. The project aims to reduce or sequester 540,355 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by the end of the project.
The Algerian government has emphasized its commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The country's Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Sid Ali Khaldi, has stated that the project will contribute to the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat desertification. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will play a key role in the implementation of the project, providing technical and financial support. The FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Algeria in transforming its agri-food systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. The GCF's contribution to the project demonstrates its commitment to supporting national climate ambitions through targeted investments. The project's success is expected to serve as a model for other countries in the region to follow.
Key points
- The Algerian government has secured $99.5 million in funding for its Green Dam project to combat desertification and enhance climate resilience.
