Mali's Great Green Wall Initiative Faces Challenges Amid Firewood Dependency

Mali's Great Green Wall Initiative Faces Challenges Amid Firewood Dependency

1506+ Words Refined into 6 Facts by AI • 2 sources • 1d ago

• Activists in Mali's Zamblara forest are collaborating with communities to plant trees as part of the Great Green Wall initiative, a UN-backed project aimed at combating desertification in the Sahel region. Despite their efforts, local residents express a reliance on the forest for firewood, highlighting a conflict between conservation and survival.
• Former environment minister Aida M’bo emphasizes the critical issue of deforestation in Mali, stating, Deforestation is an important issue in Mali. The Zamblara forest, classified as protected, faces threats primarily from excessive wood-cutting, which is a common practice among locals.
• Local resident Salimata Diabate acknowledges the need for alternative energy sources but points out that options like cooking gas and solar panels are too expensive for rural women. This economic reality complicates the efforts to protect the forests.
• The Great Green Wall initiative has faced significant challenges, with only 4% of its original goal achieved due to climate change impacts. An estimated $43 billion is needed to fulfill the remaining objectives, as millions of trees have died from rising temperatures and reduced rainfall.
• In Mali, 64% of total fuel consumption is from biomass, primarily firewood and charcoal, according to a 2019 study. This dependency on firewood persists despite Mali being one of Africa's top gold producers, with many citizens living below the poverty line.
• Environmental activist Khady Camara stresses the importance of forests in mitigating climate change, stating, We need to give more priority to our forests. She highlights that Africa contributes only 3% of global greenhouse gases, with the majority coming from the West.