Chinguetti in Mauritania is under severe threat from advancing desert sands, worsened by climate change and increased drought conditions. Local communities, while deeply connected to their homes and heritage, are struggling against the loss of livelihoods and cultural resources. Tree-planting initiatives are in place, but the effectiveness remains limited. The situation highlights the urgency of addressing broader environmental issues to combat desertification.
Chinguetti, a historic trading post in Mauritania known for its significant libraries and manuscripts, is rapidly being overwhelmed by desert encroachment. This ancient city, dating back to the 8th century, is witnessing shifting sands burying its core and neighborhoods as climate change exacerbates the situation, leading to more frequent and severe sandstorms. Tree-planting initiatives have been introduced but have not sufficiently alleviated concerns about the future of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
With only 0.5 percent of Mauritania’s land cultivable, Chinguetti holds cultural significance as one of Islam’s holiest cities, housing some of the oldest quranic texts in West Africa. Melainine Med El Wely, a local community leader, described this slow-motion disaster, stating, “It’s a city surrounded by an ocean of sand that’s advancing every minute.” Residents share memories of their community being swallowed by dunes, with even camels unknowingly disappearing into homes now buried beneath sand.
Desertification, intensified by climate change, affects over three-quarters of the world’s land, endangering survival capabilities for plants and animals alike. According to a UN report, human-caused climate change is increasing aridity, which is linked to illness, death, and migration issues globally. Crying scarcity threatens not just Chinguetti but also communities across Africa facing similar environmental challenges.
In Chinguetti, climate impacts are evident as trees die, water sources dwindle, and livelihoods deteriorate. Date farmers struggle to sustain their crops while more families leave the region due to worsening conditions, leading to abandoned homes. “We prefer to stay here. If I leave, my place will disappear,” said date farmer Salima Ould Salem, highlighting the community’s attachment despite adversity.
Native vegetation that once shielded urban areas from advancing sands has diminished due to drought or local resource needs. Retired teacher Mohamed Lemine Bahane noted the escalation of sand intrusions into neighborhoods, requiring residents to depend on mules and carts for sand removal. He emphasized the need for trees to stabilize soils and mitigate further migration of sand dunes into urban zones.
Bahane’s research revealed a significant decline in rainfall, with an average of just 2.5 centimeters annually, exacerbating desert encroachment. As rainfall decreases, ecosystems falter and public health concerns arise from dust inhalation. The proposed solution is planting green belts to protect the community, part of the broader continental initiative known as Africa’s “Great Green Wall,” with local efforts ongoing in Chinguetti.
Although measures have been taken to restore some vegetation, the results have been modest, as deep-rooted trees take years to establish. Community leader El Wely remains hopeful, stating, “We’re convinced that desertification is our destiny. But thankfully, there are still people convinced that it can be resisted.” The struggle against desert encroachment highlights the urgent need for effective, sustainable solutions in Chinguetti.
Chinguetti faces profound challenges from advancing desertification, driven by climate change and exacerbating environmental conditions. Despite community efforts like tree planting and local resilience, the future remains uncertain as more areas fall victim to shifting sands. The global implications of desertification underline the importance of sustained action and collaboration to protect cultural heritage and ensure the survival of vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
