The African Development Fund has approved $9.48 million in new resilience funding programs, aiming to expand climate action and support the sustainable management of fragile ecosystems across the Sahel’s main catchment basins. The investment comes through the Climate Action Window, a climate financing mechanism backed by the African Development Fund.
Strengthening Conservation of Wetland Habitats
The new project—Community and Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation in the Wetlands of the Sahel Catchment Basins—focuses on the conservation of wetland habitats in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. The initiative begins with a detailed vulnerability study across eight key wetlands, allowing local communities and stakeholders to participate directly in planning and adaptation efforts.
Insights from this study will guide green economy activities that support women and youth groups, creating sustainable livelihoods while promoting long-term ecosystem stability.
Addressing Climate and Human Pressures
Sahelian wetlands continue to face degradation due to unsustainable resource use, weak governance, and climate-related stress. The grant aims to introduce wetlands protection strategies that improve agroforestry, fisheries production, and sustainable water management.
The project’s second component strengthens governance and community capacity, promoting equitable resource management while enhancing productivity in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
Building Climate Resilience Through Early Warning Systems
A core focus of the third component is improving climate services across the region. This includes upgrading early warning systems and enhancing the capacity of the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region (CCRS) to better anticipate climate-related risks. These improvements contribute directly to long-term resilience funding programs benefiting vulnerable communities.
Regional Implementation Across Four Countries
In Burkina Faso, activities will target the Oubri and Kuilsé regions, spanning the Volta and Niger cross-border basins.
In Mali, the project covers Bougouni (Yanfolila), including six protected areas such as wildlife reserves and wetland zones.
In Niger, the initiative will strengthen two Ramsar-classified wetlands—the Dallol Bosso and the Mare de Tabalak.
In Senegal, implementation will focus on the Senegal River Biosphere Reserve, particularly in Saint-Louis and Dagana.
Ensuring Effective Coordination and Governance
The fourth component establishes a comprehensive Project Management Unit within the CCRS to coordinate planning, financial management, and technical operations. The regional steering committee will oversee performance monitoring, implementation quality, and adoption of best practices, ensuring transparent execution across all participating countries.
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This story was first reported by APO Group. Read the full article here.
