The Chadian capital, N'Djamena, is hosting a regional workshop from November 9-15, 2026, aimed at enhancing the monitoring of land restoration efforts under the Great Green Wall (GGV) Initiative. This technical assistance and data restitution workshop focuses on analyzing biophysical data to support the GGV's objectives. The event seeks to build the capacity of national and regional stakeholders in interpreting, utilizing, and valorizing environmental data for effective monitoring and evaluation of GGV interventions.
Dr. Abakar Souleymane, National Coordinator of the Permanent Cell of the sectoral meeting on rural development, emphasized the importance of land restoration in addressing the adverse effects of climate change. He commended the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its efforts in producing biophysical data and organizing the workshop. Dr. Souleymane highlighted the need for a strong national coalition to consolidate the GGV initiative and ensure continued collaboration with partners like the FAO.
The Great Green Wall Initiative is one of Africa's most ambitious environmental and development programs, according to Aristide Ongone Obame, Resident Representative of the FAO in Chad. The initiative aims to restore degraded lands, promote sustainable development, and enhance resilience in the Sahel region. Obame stressed the importance of using reliable, updated, and scientifically validated data to inform decision-making and measure the impact of interventions.
The workshop will present and validate the results of biophysical analyses conducted in participating countries, with a focus on enhancing the technical capacities of national experts in data interpretation and utilization. The event will also examine the results of analyses conducted in GGV intervention areas and across national territories, harmonize methodological approaches to land evaluation, and strengthen the regional system of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Koularambaye Koundja Julien, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment, noted that the Great Green Wall Initiative is a landmark program in Africa, focusing on land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and combating desertification. He emphasized the need for reliable and scientifically validated information to guide decision-making and effectively measure the impact of interventions in the face of climate change, demographic growth, and unsustainable land exploitation practices.
The workshop is expected to foster regional cooperation, promote innovation, and leverage science for sustainable development. Participants will discuss the challenges posed by land degradation, desertification, and climate change, and explore ways to address these issues through enhanced monitoring and evaluation of land restoration efforts.
The regional workshop in N'Djamena underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges in the Sahel region. By strengthening the capacity of national and regional stakeholders, the event aims to contribute to the success of the Great Green Wall Initiative and promote sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- The workshop aims to enhance the monitoring of land restoration efforts under the Great Green Wall Initiative.
- The event seeks to build the capacity of national and regional stakeholders in interpreting and utilizing environmental data.
- The Great Green Wall Initiative is one of Africa's most ambitious environmental and development programs.
