As the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) approaches, there is a sense of hope and anticipation among delegates. Many are calling for this to be the convention’s own “Paris moment” – a reference to the historic Paris agreement signed by UNFCCC signatories in 2015. However, the success of this meeting will heavily depend on the seriousness and commitment of the UN parties to combat drought, desertification, and land degradation.
The UNCCD COP16, to be held in New Delhi, India from September 2-13, is a crucial opportunity for countries to come together and address the pressing issue of land degradation. This year’s theme, “Investing in Land, Unlocking Opportunities”, highlights the importance of investing in sustainable land management as a means to combat desertification and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Desertification, land degradation, and drought are global challenges that affect over 2 billion people and threaten the livelihoods of millions. The consequences of these issues are far-reaching, from food insecurity and displacement to social and economic instability. It is imperative that we take action now to prevent further degradation of our land and secure a sustainable future for all.
The Paris agreement, signed by 195 countries, was a landmark moment in the fight against climate change. It set a goal to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement also recognized the importance of addressing land degradation and the role it plays in climate change. However, the success of the Paris agreement depends on the implementation and action of its signatories. Similarly, the success of the UNCCD COP16 will depend on the commitment and actions of its parties.
The UNCCD COP16 presents an opportunity for countries to showcase their efforts in combating land degradation and to make new commitments towards achieving land degradation neutrality. Land degradation neutrality is a concept that aims to achieve a balance between land degradation and restoration, ensuring that the amount of land being degraded is equal to or less than the amount being restored. This is crucial for achieving the SDGs, as healthy and productive land is essential for food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
The UNCCD COP16 also provides a platform for countries to share best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable land management. This exchange of knowledge and experiences can help countries to learn from each other and implement effective strategies to combat land degradation. It is essential that countries work together and support each other in this fight, as land degradation knows no borders and affects us all.
One of the key challenges in combating land degradation is the lack of funding and resources. This is where the role of the private sector becomes crucial. The private sector has the resources and expertise to invest in sustainable land management practices and technologies. By engaging the private sector, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable land management and create a win-win situation for both businesses and the environment.
The UNCCD COP16 also presents an opportunity for countries to address the issue of land rights and tenure. Secure land rights are essential for sustainable land management and for the empowerment of local communities. By recognizing and protecting the land rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, we can ensure that they have a say in the management of their land and resources.
In conclusion, the UNCCD COP16 has the potential to be the convention’s own “Paris moment”. However, this will only be possible if the parties show their seriousness and commitment to combat land degradation. This is a global issue that requires global action. We must work together to invest in sustainable land management, unlock opportunities, and secure a sustainable future for all. Let us make the UNCCD COP16 a turning point in the fight against land degradation and a step towards achieving the SDGs.
