By Water Journalists Africa
The African Development Fund (ADF), a part of the African Development Bank Group, has approved a $9.48 million grant for a new project aimed at protecting important wetland ecosystems in the Sahel. The Community and Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation in the Wetlands of the Sahel Catchment Basins Project will address climate and human threats to key river catchments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal.
This funding, coming from the ADF’s Climate Action Window, will help stop the ongoing damage to Sahelian wetlands caused by overuse, poor management, and climate change. These wetlands support farming, livestock, and fishing, which are vital for local communities but are at risk.
The project will happen in several phases. First, there will be a detailed study of how climate change affects eight wetlands, with local communities taking part. The results will help guide support for green economy projects, especially those that benefit women and young people.
The next part of the project will help communities better manage water resources and develop agroforestry and fisheries, making sure these efforts are fair and sustainable.
The third phase will support the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region (CCRS), improve local climate services, and set up early warning systems to reduce climate risks.
A regional Project Management Unit will be set up to manage the project’s administration, finances, and governance, working closely with national and regional partners.
The project will cover the Oubri and Kuilsé regions in Burkina Faso, Bougouni (Yanfolila) in Mali, several protected areas and Ramsar wetlands in Niger, and the Senegal River Biosphere Reserve in Senegal.
