**Planting Trees in Mali to Combat Deforestation and Climate Change**
In the heart of West Africa, Mali is fighting to save its forests, including the Zamblara Forest, despite the growing challenges posed by climate change and population pressure on natural resources. Aida M’bo, a former environment minister, is now the head of the NGO Energia, which is financially supported by the Great Green Wall, a pan-African initiative launched in 2007 to reforest nearly 5,000 miles across the continent to combat desertification.
Decades of deforestation have put fragile ecosystems at risk. Despite awareness-raising efforts and the establishment of reforestation projects, the growing demand for firewood for cooking remains a major challenge. Residents like Salimata Diabate, a firewood seller, point out that alternatives such as cooking gas or solar panels remain inaccessible to many rural families due to their cost.
Despite these challenges, initiatives such as Energia and the Great Green Wall demonstrate the will to take concrete steps to restore forests in Mali. Environmental activist Khady Camara, based in Senegal, highlights the importance of protecting forests for their crucial role in regulating the climate and preventing flooding.
The impact of climate change is already being felt in the region, with devastating floods affecting several countries in the Sahel. Khady Camara highlights the shared responsibility for preserving the environment, while stressing that Africa, although a small contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is bearing the brunt of its consequences.
It is imperative to recognize that protecting forests and combating deforestation is not only an African responsibility, but also a global one. Concerted actions and sustainable investments in ecosystem restoration could help mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a more sustainable future for local communities in West Africa.
Each tree planted represents a hope for renewal and preservation of biological diversity in a region facing major environmental challenges. By joining forces and acting collectively, we can reverse the current trend and ensure a better future for future generations by preserving our planet’s precious natural resources.