Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project by Alinea

Funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project strengthens the climate resilience of ecosystems and marginalized communities in a region especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The project implements nature-based climate solutions across six Ramsar-designated wetlands in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. It restores degraded ecosystems, supports sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthens the equitable management of natural resources.

Women and youth are at the heart of the initiative. The project encourages their active involvement in environmental stewardship, builds their capacities, and supports their leadership in local governance and conflict prevention. It also implements the Gender-Based Model Family approach, encouraging open dialogue, a more balanced distribution of responsibilities, a more equitable sharing of responsibilities, and a rethinking of traditional gender roles. This work is carried out with the support of volunteer couples, local leaders, and trained community-based organizations.

The project also advances women’s economic empowerment through a range of complementary activities. Male community leaders engaged in gender equality efforts support women-led initiatives in value chains and nature-based solutions. In parallel, a microgrant program supports local associations with gender-balanced representation to develop sustainable economic activities.

In collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and a network of Canadian and African partners, the project creates opportunities for dialogue and implements practical solutions to improve water access, safeguard biodiversity, ease tensions related to natural resource utilization and promote environmental peacebuilding.

By building on traditional knowledge and local dynamics, the project supports an integrated conservation approach that addresses immediate community needs while advancing long-term, climate-resilient strategies across the Lake Chad Basin.