The Hodh El Chargui region, in south-eastern Mauritania, faces challenges related to food security, access to essential services and increasing pressure on natural resources. In this context, also marked by the arrival of people fleeing neighbouring Mali, strengthening community resilience and ensuring inclusive services are key priorities for the territory's sustainable development.

From May 2025 to March 2027, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale is implementing the “Integrated project to strengthen resilience and inclusive access to basic health and protection services for the most vulnerable in Hodh el Chargui”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The intervention is being carried out in the departments of Amourj, Adel Bagrou, Djiguenni and Bassikonou, where the Mberra refugee camp is located, by a consortium led by COOPI together with CISV ETS – Comunità Impegno Servizio Volontariato ETS, in collaboration with the Mauritanian organisations AED – Assistance Education and ECODEV – Ecologie Développement.

The project addresses the root causes of vulnerability through a Nexus approach that integrates humanitarian response with resilience-building, engaging refugees, returnees and host communities in a shared pathway towards inclusion and development. Particular attention is given to women, children and persons with disabilities, promoting their active participation and role within their communities.

Activities to strengthen food security and livelihoods—through support for agropastoral production, community gardens and improved access to water—are complemented by interventions to expand access to inclusive health and nutrition services. The project also promotes the protection of the most vulnerable people and social cohesion through support for women and children who are survivors of violence or trafficking, as well as the establishment of community committees for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.