New Delhi: At the UN Desertification Summit in Riyadh on Monday, India reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable development goals, particularly in addressing food security and the climate crisis through effective land management. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s ambitious initiative to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, presenting a narrative of innovation and commitment to global environmental challenges.
Yadav emphasised that land degradation transcends environmental concerns, representing a significant socioeconomic issue. He reflected on India’s proactive role in international discussions, noting milestones from COP5 to COP15, where India has consistently advocated for community-driven land restoration and recognized land restoration as a viable climate change strategy. “We have been equal partners in this journey,” he stated.
Speaking at the Ministerial Session at COP16 of UNCCD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/njQJZmRXEH
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) December 2, 2024
During his address, Yadav reiterated the G20’s ambitious goal of planting one trillion trees by 2030 to create carbon sinks. He also mentioned India’s “proactive drought strategy,” which employs satellite data from the Indian Space Research Organisation for comprehensive drought vulnerability assessments. “Through effective land management, we are tackling food security and climate change while aligning our actions with sustainable development goals,” he asserted.
The summit saw the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership by Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the UNCCD. This initiative aims to formulate a robust plan for drought mitigation, drawing participation from various countries and international organizations.
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, praised significant commitments made during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at COP16, including 1 billion dollars each from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund towards enhancing drought resilience through 2030. “Major commitments were announced at the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at COP16 Riyadh. The Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund have each committed $1 billion to the Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership through 2030. I applaud this bold investment in building a resilient future for communities, economies and ecosystems,” Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary wrote on X.
COP16 marks a pivotal moment as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, becoming the largest UN land conference held to date and the first in the Middle East and North Africa region. Delegates are expected to outline collective actions aimed at accelerating land restoration efforts, enhancing resilience against increasing droughts, restoring soil health, promoting equitable land stewardship, and ensuring that land continues to provide solutions for climate and biodiversity challenges.
