The Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maiga, Head of Government, Minister of Territorial Administration, presided over the official signing ceremony in Bamako on Thursday of 118 sub-projects within the framework of the Project of Restoration of Degraded Lands in Mali (PRDT-Mali).

This programme, funded by the World Bank, aims to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen the resilience of local communities.

The PRDT-Mali targets key areas of the country, including the Niger River delta and the Great Green Wall route in the Kayes, Kita, Nioro, Nara, Ségou, Mopti, Douentza and Koulikoro regions. It covers 87 municipalities with a total budget of CFAF 90 billion.

It was attended by Ms. DOUMBIA Mariam TANGARA, Minister of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development, several members of the Government, governors from eight regions, mayors of 87 recipient municipalities, the Director of Operations of the World Bank for Mali, technical and financial partners, representatives of the technical services of the State and beneficiaries.

In her speech, the Minister pointed out that these 118 sub-projects mobilise an overall envelope of 6.9 billion CFA francs, of which 6.5 billion direct grants will cover 142,025 people, with particular attention to women and young people representing 52% of the beneficiaries.

An initiative that aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030 while improving people's living conditions.

The Prime Minister said that this project is fully in line with the enlightened vision of the Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta Army, which focuses on a strong and resilient economy, improving the education system and promoting employment, especially for young people.

Clara De Sousa, Director of Operations of the World Bank for Mali, said these 118 sub-projects will focus on concrete actions such as the rehabilitation of banks, reforestation, agricultural land development and the creation of water bodies to strengthen the environmental and economic resilience of local communities.

Finally, a preparation on the implementation review was presented by the national coordinator.