A webinar that shed light on the inspiring Great Green Wall Initiative in Africa. This innovative project aims to combat climate change, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss by creating a belt of forested areas across various regions of Africa.
We invited all those interested in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and Africa’s challenges in the face of climate change to participate to the webinar.
And 25 people did.
Jane Kruse, Director at Nordic Folkecenter welcomed the participants, and thanked the speakers for their time to present at the webinar.
Hereafter Daniele Pagani, Capacity Building Coordinator at Nordic Folkecenter, introduced Ibrahim Togola, founder of Mali-Folkecenter Nyetaa, and his presentation “Energising the Great Green Wall Initiative through the adoption and Combining Renewable Energy and AgroEcology – the case of Agrivoltaic promotion by Mali-Folkecenter Nyetaa in Mali”
Ibrahim Togola presented AgroVoltaic-projects and stated that all PV panels in Africa should have some sort of relation to agriculture. But most important is working with a nexus of renewable energies and other actions to compensate for the consequenses of climate change.
Then Dr. Elvis Paul Nfor Tangem, coordinator of the Great Green Wall Initiative (hereafter GGWI) took over the screen, and told about the foundation of the GGWI, which among other things was, that in these times it’s essential that the African countries think as a unit, and not individually.
GGWI is a collection of initatives, where knowledge transfer and capability building is very important for future work. Though the GGWI is better said than done – it costs a lot of money; though not as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar:
“Estimated costs to attain the 2023 midterm target of 100 million hectares stands between 36 an 53 billion USD. This may sound a lot until when one learns that the cost of organizing the FIFA World Cup in Qatar stands at USD 200-220 billion, for a month-long game”
Dr. Elvis Paul Nfor Tangem, slideshow
Last, but not least, Ruth Kiwanuka, CEO of JEEP Uganda presented her part “Tree Conservation and Planting Initiative in Uganda”. The participants was introduced to JEEP Folkecenter, and their focus on tree planting, creating jobs, empowering women and creating awareness. Uganda has had a great reduction in forest, as to the need of biomass – a loss counting 1,03 million hactares of tree cover in a 21 year period. JEEP is working to restore the tree cover in Uganda.
As with Ibrahim Togola and Elvis Paul Nfor Tangem, Ruth Kiwanuka, stated that training, capacity building and knowledge transfer is essential for the work of trying to overcome the climate changes in Africa.
The time was short, when Ruth Kiwanuka ended her presentation; though there was enough time to initiate partnerships among the presenters and participants – e-mail adresses were shared, and suddently the webinar became a platform for networking and concept development in what hopefully will become valuable future partnerships and an addition of Uganda in the GGWI.
Presentations
Energising the Great Green Wall Initiative through the adoption and Combining Renewable Energy and AgroEcology – the case of Agrivoltaic promotion by Mali-Folkecenter Nyetaa in Mali – Ibrahim Togola, founder of Mali Folkecenter
Presentation of the initiative – Dr. Elvis Paul Tangem, coordinator of the Great Green Wall Initiative
Tree Conservation and Planting Initiative in Uganda – Ruth Kiwanuka, CEO of JEEP Folkecenter Uganda
About the The Great Green Wall
The Great Green Wall initiative is a ambitious and innovative environmental project aimed at combating desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss in Africa. The project involves the creation of a massive forested belt spanning across the Sahel region from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east, covering over 8,000 kilometers.
The Green Wall project is implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. This collaborative effort ensures the participation of local communities in decision-making processes, fosters ownership of the project at the grassroots level, and promotes the sharing of knowledge and best practices.
What makes the Green Wall particularly intriguing is its potential for replication and adaptation in regions beyond Africa facing similar environmental threats. The project’s emphasis on utilizing indigenous plant species, implementing agroforestry techniques, and harnessing renewable energy for sustainable land management showcases innovative solutions that can be applicable in diverse geographical contexts.
About the organizers
Nordisk Folkecenter for Vedvarende Energi
The Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy is a Danish non-profit independent organisation working for a world running on renewables since 1983. Our ultimate long term goal is a complete replacement of fossil fuels and atomic power with renewable energies & energy savings while promoting the sustainability, resilience and development of local communities around the world.
Mali Folkecenter
Mali Folkecenter is based in Bamako in Mali.
Mali Folkecenter (MFC Nyetaa) is a Malian NGO founded in 1999. Since its start, MFC Nyetaa has grown considerably and has activities all over the country today. MFC Nyetaa’s mission is to get different institutions to work collectively towards the goal of sustainable development in Mali. MFC Nyetaa works with sustainable resource management, to inspire and motivate the young to take action, poverty alleviation and they have a strong focus on renewable energy.
JEEP Folkecenter Uganda
JEEP is a non-governmental organization working for a green Uganda with an environmentally safe and clean habitat for the present and future generations. Located in the Pearl of Africa, where biomass accounts for 93% of the entire energy used, our mission is to combat environmental destruction, promote efficient management of natural resources and conserve natural resources. JEEP was founded in 1983 after deforestation and soil erosion were identified as major threats to the health and welfare of Ugandans.