African Journalists Trained as Agents of Change to Accelerate Land Restoration

Climate Messenger

The two days capacity building workshop of August 12-13, 2021 was facilitated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the African Union and the Pan African Agency for the Great Green Wall. The Online training took place with the theme: Media as Agents of Change to Accelerate Land Restoration in the Sahel. 

During the two days, journalists listened to presentations from experts from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the African Union, the Pan African Agency for African Great Green Wall, Land Degradation Neutrality as well as experiences from various countries as well. After listening to expert presentations, the general interest was then centered around Africa Great Green Wall (AGGW).

What is AGGW

The aim of the GGW was originally to create a long vegetation barrier between the 100 and 400 mm isohyets, including ramps, and over a length of at least 7000 km along the Sahel, being roughly 15 km wide. In recent years this vision has evolved into an integrated ecosystem management approach, striving for a mosaic of different land use and production systems, including sustainable dryland management and restoration, the regeneration of natural vegetation as well as water retention and conservation measures. Elvis Paul Tangem of the African Union contextual, AGGW efforts by adding that a one dollar investment in restoration yeilds 7 dollars in a very short time. "Globally, every $1 invested in restoring them can bring $7-30 in economic benefits" Elvis emphasized.

Investment in restoration would transfer into a major development opportunity for emerging economies. To him, ecosystems worldwide are worth an estimated $ 125 trillion annually and support infustries like fishing, farming and tourism that employ about 1.2 billion people. He cited the case of Ethopia where sustainable and forest restoration provide an estimated $2 billion worth of jobs. 

On his part James Bigila of UNCCD who moderated the training workshop reminded journalists of their role to inform communities and investors on the opportunities of investing in green jobs.   

Harping on the solutions earmarked by AGGW, Camilla Nordheim-Larsen highlighted the creation of incentive mechanisms such as incubators, subsidies, taxation, technical assistance and regulation for green investments as well as facilitating blended finances through private-public partnership.  

Mr. Soukolo on the other hand disclosed that on 17 June 2010 the 11 Sahel states south of the Sahara created the Pan-African Agency of the GGW to coordinate its implementation and support resources mobilisation. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2p014 Bloggies Finalist)