Eden Project Morecambe, UK
This project re-imagines Morecambe as a seaside resort for the 21st Century, inspiring wonder and a connection with the natural world.
Ecological restoration of Lake Chad
Eden is working with UNESCO and the University of N’Djamena on the ecological regeneration of Lake Chad, which is located at the crossroads of Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Niger and Nigeria. It is an important source of fresh water that supports more than 45 million people.
Intro
Between 1960 and 1985, the surface area of Lake Chad was reduced by 95% due to the decrease in rainfall, which led to significant imbalances in ecosystems. However, since the 2000s, it has been expanding.
The area is also plagued by conflicts, exacerbated in recent years by the insecurity generated by the Boko Haram sect, which led to significant population migrations.
The challenges are many: poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and rehabilitation, participatory planning and inclusive governance and science-based decision-making among others.
Eden’s work is in three pilot sites in the Chadian area of Lake Chad and is focused on encouraging a sustainable spirulina (a type of edible algae) harvest, sustainable fishing and the restoration of a wadi, or dry lakebed created by the reduction in the size of the lake. This work will demonstrate how ecological restoration can create social and economic resilience in small, vulnerable communities.
