Human–Environment Interaction in Mauritania: Challenges & Responses

Mauritania faces acute environmental pressures shaped by human activity:

Key Issues

• Desertification – Overgrazing, deforestation, climate change expand dunes; loss of arable/pasture land.
• Water Scarcity – <100 mm/yr rain north; aquifers fossil, non-renewable; pollution from sewage, agro-chemicals.
• Pollution – Urban waste, industrial runoff, plastic in Nouakchott.
• Climate Change – More frequent/severe droughts; sea-level rise threatens coastal settlements.

Human Drivers

• Pastoral expansion into marginal lands.
• Fuelwood cutting for urban charcoal.
• Unplanned urbanisation (Nouakchott grew from 5k to 1M+).

Responses Needed

Sustainable land management, solar desalination, reforestation (Great Green Wall), waste infrastructure, climate adaptation finance.