Desertification is a silent, invisible crisis that is destabilizing communities on a global scale. As the effects of climate change undermine livelihoods, inter-ethnic clashes are breaking out within and across states and fragile states are turning to militarization to control the situation. The effects of desertification are also felt globally as victims turn into refugees, internally displaced people and forced migrants or people turn to radicalization, extremism or resource-driven wars for survival.

The Great Green Wall (GGW) of Africa can be considered to be one of the coolest projects you may hear about! Launched in 2007 by the African Union, this super-ambitious project wants to stop desertification and improve the lives of millions living in the Sahel region. The GGW initiative’s ambition is to restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land; sequester 250 million tons of carbon and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. It will help communities living along the Wall to grow: 

• one of humanity’s most precious natural assets: fertile land 
• economic opportunities for the world’s youngest population 
• food security for the millions that go hungry every day 
• climate resilience in a region where temperatures are rising faster than anywhere else on Earth 

The initiative has evolved from its initial focus on tree planting towards a comprehensive rural development initiative by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across 22 African countries…. a world wonder spanning 8000km!