Mission Statement
“The new Great Green Wall combines human creativity, artificial intelligence, and technical innovation to combat desertification, control sand movement, and create a sustainable future for humanity and nature.”
The original vision of the Great Green Wall was ambitious but faced significant setbacks due to unrealistic goals, insufficient coordination, and the lack of technological integration. A particularly critical issue was that 80% of the vegetation planted over the last 17 years did not survive due to severe water shortages, resulting in an expansion of desertification in the Sahel region by nearly 3% during this period. These stark realities highlight the urgent need for a new, technically advanced approach.
Today, we stand at a turning point. Leveraging lessons from the past and modern technology, we propose a complete restart, driven by innovation, resource optimization, and groundbreaking technical solutions. Transparency and effective governance will also play a supporting role, ensuring resources are used efficiently and achieving lasting success.
This renewed effort employs advanced methodologies to halt sand movement, tackle water scarcity, and foster sustainable development using the vast potential of resources like desert sand and solar energy in the region.
Lessons from the Past: Innovation and Transparency as Solutions
1. Addressing Sand Movement
Continuous sand transport by wind posed a major challenge for vegetation and infrastructure. The failure to implement adequate measures against sand encroachment significantly hampered the previous plans.
2. Water Scarcity
The inability to ensure a sustainable water supply for the vegetation led to high failure rates. A new focus on innovative water harvesting and storage solutions is critical for future success.
3. Underutilized Resources
The vast quantities of desert sand and abundant solar energy in the Sahel were not sufficiently tapped in previous efforts. These resources can now play a central role in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
4. Lack of Modern Technology Integration
Previous methods relied heavily on manual practices, overlooking the transformative potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automated monitoring, and resource-efficient systems.
5. Transparency as a Supporting Mechanism
While mismanagement of resources in the past undermined trust, the future approach will integrate blockchain technology for financial transparency and rotating oversight committees of local and international experts. These measures will ensure funds and resources are directed where they are most needed.
The Restart: Technology and Resource Optimization at the Core
1. Advanced Solutions to Halt Sand Movement
- Water-Harvesting and Sand-Blocking Nets: Modular structures utilize nets to trap moving sand while simultaneously extracting water from the atmosphere.
- AI-Controlled Sand Barriers: Automated barriers direct wind flows and collect sand in designated zones, reducing the impact of sandstorms.
- Soil Stabilization Using Desert Sand: By mixing sand with chemical or biological binders, stable surfaces can be created to support vegetation and infrastructure development.
2. Utilizing the Potential of Desert Sand
- Sand for Construction Materials: Desert sand, previously underutilized, can be processed to produce sustainable building materials, reducing dependency on other resources.
- Energy Storage Media: Finely ground sand can serve as a medium for storing thermal energy, which is crucial for hybrid solar and gas energy systems.
- Soil Regeneration: Techniques to enrich desert sand with nutrients can help create fertile soil for vegetation.
3. Innovative Water Management
- Atmospheric Water Harvesting: Advanced technologies such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) capture water from the air, even in arid regions with low humidity.
- Underground Water Storage: Excavated reservoirs lined with natural materials can store rainwater and harvested atmospheric water for long-term use.
- Efficient Irrigation Systems: AI-driven irrigation ensures precise water distribution, minimizing waste and maximizing plant survival.
4. Hybrid Energy Solutions for Sustainability
- Solar-Thermal Power: Segmental optics concentrate sunlight to generate heat for electricity production and hydrogen generation.
- Hybrid Energy Systems: Solar energy is combined with natural gas to ensure continuous energy supply, enabling 24/7 operations for water harvesting and sand stabilization.
- Local Energy Use: Energy generated is used to power water pumps, sand processing units, and other essential infrastructure, reducing reliance on external power sources.
5. Multi-Purpose Support Structures
- Integrated Systems:
- Support structures incorporate:
- Solar panels and wind turbines for renewable energy.
- Nets to block sand and harvest water.
- AI-driven sensors to monitor environmental and climatic conditions.
- Support structures incorporate:
- Automated Cleaning Systems:
- Air compression and vibration technologies powered by renewable energy keep optics, nets, and surfaces free of sand and dust.
6. Sustainability and Local Engagement
- Training and Knowledge Transfer: Local communities are educated in the operation and maintenance of advanced systems, fostering self-reliance.
- Economic Opportunities: The utilization of desert resources like sand and solar energy creates jobs in construction, system management, and local manufacturing.
- Community Involvement: Empowering communities to lead and expand local projects ensures long-term commitment and success.
A Beacon of Hope
The restart of the Great Green Wall integrates advanced technologies and local resources to:
- Halt Sand Movement: Implement effective, scalable solutions to stabilize landscapes and protect vegetation.
- Combat Energy and Water Scarcity: Harness abundant desert resources to address critical challenges.
- Ensure Transparency: Modern governance tools such as blockchain and rotating committees enhance accountability and efficiency.
- Create Sustainable Livelihoods: Provide new opportunities for millions of people while fostering environmental restoration.
- Build a Resilient Ecosystem: Develop self-sustaining systems that thrive in harmony with the local environment.
Invitation to Collaborate
This new phase of the Great Green Wall emphasizes the vast potential of technology, resource optimization, and transparent governance to combat desertification. If you are interested in contributing to this transformative initiative, we welcome you to join us in building a greener and more sustainable future.
Contact Information:
DESERTSOLAR UG
Ryszard Dzikowski
E-Mail: rich@desert.solar
Phone: +49 30 5130 0909
(Conversations can be held in German, or Polish)
