Chinguetti, Mauritania, an ancient trading post, faces imminent encroachment from the Sahara Desert due to climate change, threatening its historic manuscripts and homes. Residents are concerned about the increasing desertification while efforts to mitigate its effects via tree planting have had limited success. With the community’s survival at stake, the longing for resilience and preservation of culture remains vital as numerous families relocate to escape the shifting sands.
Chinguetti, a historic trading post in Mauritania, is under threat from advancing desert sands. This ancient city, known for its libraries housing invaluable West African manuscripts, is experiencing significant erosion as climate change exacerbates dryness and increases sandstorms. Residents express deep concern as their homes, dating back to the 8th century, become increasingly buried in shifting dunes. Despite tree-planting efforts, the imminent danger continues to loom over Chinguetti’s cultural heritage.
As global temperatures rise, the encroachment of the Sahara Desert has accelerated. The United Nations reports that a staggering three-quarters of the world’s land has become drier in recent decades, threatening not only agriculture but also the health and survival of communities like Chinguetti. Local leader Melainine Med El Wely describes the gradual loss of homes and livelihoods, capturing the emotional toll of this environmental crisis.
Chinguetti, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in Islam, preserving crucial texts on various subjects. However, with wells drying up and vegetation disappearing, agriculture is increasingly challenging. Farmers like Salima Ould Salem are forced to adapt by sourcing water from distant tanks, while the community’s population steadily declines as residents vacate to escape the encroaching sands.
The community has historically relied on local flora, such as palm trees and acacia, to shield homes from shifting dunes. However, extreme aridity and tree loss due to resource needs have opened the door for desert advancement. Retired educator Mohamed Lemine Bahane highlights the perilous conditions, noting that sandstorms increasingly suffocate neighborhoods and disrupt ecosystems, jeopardizing public health and agricultural productivity.
Efforts to combat desertification through local and continental initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall project, have emerged. However, these interventions have yet to halt the desert’s relentless progress. Community leader El Wely emphasizes the daunting reality of desertification while expressing hope that resistance is still viable. The struggle to preserve Chinguetti’s cultural and historical significance amid these changes remains paramount for its residents.
In conclusion, Chinguetti faces an existential threat as expanding desert sands invade its historical landscape. Climate change and increased aridity have accelerated this process, leading to significant cultural and environmental consequences for the region. Local efforts to combat desertification through tree planting and community resilience are underway, yet the urgency of the situation underscores the importance of further action and support to protect both the community and its invaluable heritage.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
