The Ugbaad project, funded with $79.7 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Somali government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has been officially launched.

The project is a significant initiative aimed at addressing climate resilience and sustainable development in Somalia. Here are the key objectives and impacts of the project:

Landscape Restoration

The project focuses on restoring degraded landscapes, which is crucial for improving ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable land use. This will help combat desertification and soil erosion, which are major challenges in Somalia.

Strengthening Livelihoods

By restoring landscapes and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the project aims to improve the livelihoods of over 2 million Somalis. This includes supporting farmers and pastoralists with better access to resources, training, and technologies to increase productivity and income.

Building Climate Resilience

Somalia is highly vulnerable to climate change, with frequent droughts and floods. The Ugbaad project will implement measures to enhance the resilience of communities to climate shocks, such as water management systems, drought-resistant crops, and early warning systems for extreme weather events.

Community Engagement

The project emphasizes the involvement of local communities in planning and implementation, ensuring that the initiatives are culturally appropriate and meet the specific needs of the people.

Long-term Sustainability

By integrating climate resilience into development planning, the Ugbaad project aims to create long-term sustainable solutions that will benefit current and future generations in Somalia.

This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the intertwined challenges of environmental degradation, poverty, and climate vulnerability in Somalia, contributing to the country’s broader goals of stability and sustainable development.