Northern Mauritania faces desertification due to climate change, accelerating sand dune encroachment into farmlands and settlements. Water sources are drying up, pressure is increasing on limited resources, critical infrastructure is inundated by sand, and entire villages have been displaced in some cases. Without urgent action, the Sahara Desert is projected to advance southwards into Mauritania’s most fertile Sahelian zones.

The project aims to enhance climate resilience among vulnerable communities and ecosystems in northern Mauritania by reducing the impacts of climate change-induced desertification in the Sahara-Sahel boundary, enhancing water and livelihood security, and promoting sustainable land use through ecosystem-based adaptation, dune fixation, water resource management, and diversified climate-resilient livelihoods. As approximately 50 per cent of the beneficiaries are women, the project ensures female representation and has income-generating activities that empower women.

Key activities include strengthening governance and coordination for climate adaptation; improving water access and management; supporting climate-resilient livelihoods by promoting climate-smart agriculture and alternative income-generating activities; facilitating community-led adaptation through a Small Grants Facility; and enhancing knowledge generation and dissemination.

The Mauritanian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development will lead implementation, ensuring alignment with national plans. The project also promotes Locally Led Climate Action by actively involving communities in decision-making and ensuring context-specific, sustainable climate resilience.