Mauritania to Plant Millions of Trees in Sahara, Rajasthan Pioneers Renewable Energy

Mauritania is undertaking the Sahara Renaissance Project (SAREP), an ambitious initiative to plant millions of trees in the Sahara Desert to combat climate change. This project will use renewable energy from wind and solar farms to power a seawater desalination plant. The desalinated water will irrigate drought-resistant trees such as eucalyptus, prosopis, and acacia, which will help bind sand, sequester CO2, and provide resources for local communities. Mauritania has allocated a 2 million-hectare plot for SAREP, aiming to plant trees across the entire area within ten years, boosting job creation, energy security, and food security.

Rajasthan, India, is becoming a leader in renewable energy with grassroots innovation. Dungarpur, a tribal district, exemplifies this, where local women are trained to assemble solar lamps and establish solar module manufacturing units (DURGA). This initiative, driven by community ownership and supported by government, academia, and CSR partnerships, provides clean energy, addresses social issues, and empowers local communities. Rukmani Katara, a woman who once worked as a daily wage laborer, now leads Durga Solar Company, manufacturing solar plates, bulbs, and equipment while employing 50 women from her region.

Rajasthan is leveraging its solar potential through policy support and infrastructure development, aiming to become a global leader in green innovation and climate solutions.