"If we can warm up the earth, we can also cool it down"

Acacia Water and MetaMeta collaborate with Justdigit

Justdiggit (justdiggit.org) holds that “if we can warm up the earth, we can also cool it down”. By collecting rainwater and supporting sustainable agricultural practices Justdiggit aims to regreen dry lands, lower temperatures, promote rainfall and improve the functioning of ecosystems. The organization plans to develop hydrological corridors across Africa in the coming years to mitigate climate change, optimize the hydrologic function of ecosystems, and improve socio-economic conditions.

Justdiggit requested Acacia Water and MetaMeta Research (metameta.nl) to conduct a literature study to investigate the potential for regreening projects in African countries, their impacts and possible monitoring strategies. The main research questions of the assignment revolve around how water, vegetation and climate are interrelated.

Acacia Water and MetaMeta are hence collecting data to analyse the potential impact of individual landscape restoration projects, and the existence of a so-called multiplier effect, i.e. analyse if and how these individual projects eventually reinforce each other. Based on the outcomes, the consultants will propose methods to quantify the potential the impact, and strategies to monitor change in terms of the four Justdiggit metrics: water, vegetation, people and climate.

The assignment is conducted in close collaboration with MetaMeta, JustDiggit and VU University, and builds upon earlier studies by Wageningen University and Research Centre, University of Utrecht and VanderSat. The assignment is funded by AquaforAll (aquaforall.org)

 

For more information contact Mieke.hulshof@acaciawater.com

Potential for hydrological corridor. Adapted from Justdiggit.org Potential for hydrological corridor. Adapted from Justdiggit.org
Restored landscapes effects on livelihoods Source WRI Restored landscapes effects on livelihoods Source WRI
Kuku Project Kenya. Justdiggit.org Kuku Project Kenya. Justdiggit.org