According to the UN desertification president, Alain Richard Donwahi, the green wall of Africa won’t meet its 2030 completion goal due to insufficient funds. The project was launched in 2007 to cover over 100 mln hectares, and is currently only 30% has been completed.
The initiative intends to rebuild a 8,000-km (5,000-mile) corridor, stretching from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. It will benefit nations affected by climate change, including Sudan and Mali that have suffered from extreme heatwaves.
Alain Richard Donwahi will in June 17 launch a new funding strategy for the project in Bonn. “The project faces substantial challenges, primarily in terms of financing and implementation,” he said.
He aims to leave the project in effective progress, as he vacates the UN Summit seat in the next event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He highlights lack of coordination amongst the 11 involved countries as a limiting factor. However, these countries have faced a fair share of crises through civil, religious and political wars.
Additionally, only $2.5 billion out of $19 billion pledged funds has been contributed. Dinwahin hopes the funding can be completed by the 2025 deadline.
Also, falling short on the pledges is lagging other related projects like solar energy investment. This halts the development of a sustainable economy and environment.
The world awaits the June 17 meeting to discuss new strategies to support the growth of the African green wall.
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