The federal government has announced plans to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land by 2028 in northern Nigeria.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated this at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), in Azerbaijan.
He said the focus of the ACReSAL project using the GIS for integrated catchment management would address key environmental challenges across the 19 northern states.
“The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project focused on sustainable climate-resilient practices. Using GIS for integrated catchment management, the project addresses key environmental challenges across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” Lawal said.
He further explained that the goals of the project include reducing poverty and enhancing security through climate-smart agriculture. He added it also integrates watershed management, land restoration and community resilience efforts.
“ACReSAL goals include restoring 1 million hectares of degraded land by 2028, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security through climate-smart agriculture. It integrates watershed management, land restoration, and community resilience efforts,” he stated.
The Minister of Environment noted that the project underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling climate change, promoting sustainable development, and empowering local communities with innovative solutions for resilience and long-term environmental health.
He further assured of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the best environmental practices towards ensuring a safe earth.
