Mali Climate Resilience and Environmental Governance

Over the last decades, Mali has faced a profound and multifaceted crisis encompassing economic, social, environmental, political, and human dimensions. The situation is further influenced by the effects of climate change, which contribute to ecosystem changes, affect livelihoods, and increase social tensions over access to natural resources. This report delves into the intricate and interconnected impacts of climate change on Mali, highlighting its role in exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, environmental degradation, gender inequality, malnutrition, and escalating violence. Central to the analysis are two critical pillars for addressing Mali’s crisis: climate resilience and environmental governance. The report suggests integrating these two priorities into development strategies to address Mali’s challenges. The report’s insights and recommendations apply to many Sahelian countries that share the challenges of climate change, governance, and socio-economic fragility. Similar dynamics of environmental degradation, social inequities, and institutional weaknesses across the region necessitate that climate resilience and robust environmental governance also be incorporated in development strategies beyond Mali. The interconnectedness of climate resilience and environmental governance is a central theme of this report. This report argues that addressing Mali’s complex crisis requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental governance and climate resilience into broader development strategies. By fostering sustainable land and resource management, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting social cohesion and gender equality, Mali can build a more resilient and equitable future for its population. Chapter 1 offers an analysis of climate change impacts on Mali’s rural communities, highlighting how it depletes natural resources, worsens vulnerabilities, and disrupts livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion. Chapter 2 draws on the Nexus conceptual framework to analyze the intricate interconnections of climate change issues more deeply. Chapter 3 explores the political, legal, and institutional challenges in Mali’s natural resource management and environmental governance. Chapter 4 highlights five key policy challenges in Mali: climate resilience, governance and social cohesion, social equity, economic innovation, and partnerships. Chapter 5 stresses the need for a multifaceted approach to address Mali’s fragility, emphasizing environmental governance and the nexus of climate change, land degradation, and social cohesion.