Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is developing partnerships in Mauritania to strengthen climate resilience, renewable energy access, and environmental sustainability for refugees and host communities. The programme focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, clean energy solutions, and community-based climate adaptation in highly vulnerable regions such as Hodh Chargui. It addresses the combined pressures of displacement, climate change, and environmental degradation through an integrated humanitarian-development-peace approach.
Overview of the UNHCR Climate Resilience Programme in Mauritania
The initiative by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees aims to support long-term environmental and economic stability in refugee-hosting regions of Mauritania. These areas face severe climate stress, weak infrastructure, and growing pressure on natural resources due to displacement.
The programme promotes integrated solutions that combine:
- Environmental restoration
- Renewable energy expansion
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Climate adaptation systems
It is designed for both refugees and host communities to reduce vulnerability and improve shared resilience.
Context: Climate and Displacement Challenges in Mauritania
Mauritania is experiencing increasing environmental and humanitarian pressure due to:
- Recurrent droughts reducing agricultural output
- Expanding desertification and land degradation
- Overuse of water, grazing land, and forest resources
- Limited access to essential public services in rural areas
- Long-term refugee presence in fragile ecosystems
Regions such as Hodh Chargui are particularly affected due to fragile soil conditions and dependency on natural resources.
These conditions lead to:
- Food insecurity
- Water scarcity
- Competition over land and resources
- Reduced livelihood opportunities
- Increased environmental degradation
Programme Focus Areas
Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Resource Management
This component focuses on restoring degraded land and improving environmental health through:
- Reforestation and tree planting
- Agroforestry systems
- Soil conservation techniques
- Watershed and water resource management
- Land rehabilitation in degraded zones
- Waste management and circular economy practices
These actions aim to rebuild ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity.
Renewable Energy and Clean Cooking Access
The programme promotes transition away from biomass-based energy by introducing:
- Solar energy systems for households and communities
- Off-grid renewable mini-grids
- Clean cooking technologies to reduce indoor air pollution
- Sustainable fuel alternatives
- Productive energy use for small businesses and services
This reduces deforestation while improving health and energy access.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Green Livelihoods
Agricultural resilience is strengthened through:
- Climate-resilient crop production methods
- Water-efficient irrigation systems
- Soil and water conservation techniques
- Drought-resistant farming practices
- Support for women– and youth-led green businesses
- Income diversification in climate-sensitive areas
These measures help communities maintain productivity under changing climate conditions.
Community Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction
Local communities are empowered through:
- Early warning systems for climate shocks
- Climate monitoring and data collection
- Bushfire prevention and management
- Environmental awareness campaigns
- Strengthening local environmental governance
- Community preparedness and response systems
This improves resilience to sudden environmental disruptions.
Why This Initiative Matters
This programme is important because it addresses multiple interconnected challenges:
- Climate vulnerability
- Forced displacement
- Environmental degradation
- Energy poverty
- Livelihood insecurity
By combining environmental restoration with development and humanitarian support, it reduces long-term dependency on aid and builds self-reliance in vulnerable communities.
Who Benefits
The programme directly supports:
- Refugees in Mauritania
- Host communities in climate-affected regions
- Rural populations in Hodh Chargui
- Women and youth groups
- Smallholder farmers and agro-pastoral households
Expected Outcomes
If successfully implemented, the programme will deliver:
- Restored degraded ecosystems and improved soil quality
- Increased access to clean and renewable energy
- Reduced dependence on firewood and charcoal
- Improved agricultural productivity under climate stress
- Enhanced livelihoods and income opportunities
- Stronger community resilience to climate shocks
Implementation Approach (How It Works)
Step 1: Needs Assessment
Environmental, energy, and livelihood gaps are identified in refugee-hosting areas.
Step 2: Partnership Development
Collaboration is established with NGOs, governments, private sector actors, and local communities.
Step 3: Project Design
Integrated solutions are designed combining climate adaptation, energy access, and ecosystem restoration.
Step 4: Implementation
Projects are deployed, including infrastructure, restoration activities, and livelihood programmes.
Step 5: Capacity Building
Communities are trained in system maintenance, sustainable practices, and local governance.
Step 6: Monitoring and Evaluation
Progress is tracked using environmental indicators, energy access data, and livelihood outcomes.
Key Sustainability Principles
- Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus approach
- Locally led climate adaptation solutions
- Renewable energy transition
- Ecosystem-based adaptation strategies
- Inclusive participation of refugees and host communities
- Long-term resilience and capacity building
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the programme?
To strengthen climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and clean energy access in refugee-hosting regions of Mauritania.
Which areas are prioritized?
Vulnerable regions such as Hodh Chargui, where climate stress and resource scarcity are high.
Who implements the programme?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in partnership with governments, NGOs, and development actors.
What types of interventions are included?
Ecosystem restoration, renewable energy deployment, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster risk reduction activities.
How does it improve livelihoods?
Through green jobs, sustainable farming, energy-based enterprises, and skills development.
Why is renewable energy important here?
It reduces environmental degradation, improves health outcomes, and supports economic development.
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees climate resilience programme in Mauritania provides an integrated solution to environmental degradation, energy poverty, and displacement challenges. By combining ecosystem restoration, renewable energy access, and sustainable livelihoods, it strengthens long-term resilience for both refugees and host communities in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the Sahel.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.