Mali / National reforestation: A 31st campaign to restore land and combat desertification
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Mali officially launched its 31st major national reforestation campaign. This symbolic and strategic initiative was led by Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga during a ceremony held at the Parc des Sofas. The theme of this year’s edition, “Let’s plant trees to restore our land and fight desertification,” reflects both the ecological urgency and the political will to reclaim degraded lands.
Several government officials, representatives of national organizations, civil society actors, and technical partners took part in this major event. Local authorities, such as the district chief and the mayor of Dogodouman, praised the government’s commitment to this vital battle against the spread of the desert.
Dr. Oumar Tamboura, representative of the UNDP, reaffirmed the support of international partners for Mali’s efforts in sustainable natural resource management. For her part, Minister of the Environment Doumbia Mariam Tangara highlighted the importance of the campaign within the context of the “Year of Culture,” emphasizing the deep connection between nature and Malian identity.
The Minister raised the alarm about the annual loss of 100,000 hectares of forest—a disturbing trend threatening the country’s ecological balance. In response to this crisis, Mali has set ambitious targets for 2025: to plant over 41 million tree seedlings and reforest 32,000 hectares across the national territory.
In parallel, reforms are underway to modernize forest management, including the digitization of certain public services and the revision of the legal framework.
The Prime Minister closed the ceremony by planting a tree—an impactful gesture symbolizing the state’s commitment. He called on every citizen to actively participate, stressing that the success of this campaign depends on collective mobilization. The operation also benefits from financial support through a dedicated project for the restoration of degraded land, a testament to the growing solidarity in the face of environmental urgency.
