COP16: Three billion people globally affected by land degradation

At the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), it was revealed that three billion people worldwide are affected by land degradation, UN website reported.

Abdulrahman Alfadley, the newly-elected President of COP16 and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, warned that this degradation could lead to increased migration, instability, and insecurity.

Currently, up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, impacting climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Droughts, exacerbated by climate change and poor land management, have increased by 29% since 2000. UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw emphasized the urgent need for land restoration, stating that it is essential for nurturing humanity and ensuring a sustainable future.

The conference aims to foster global cooperation, with a call for $2.6 trillion in investments by 2030 to combat land degradation. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, stressed the importance of international collaboration and the inclusion of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.

Delegates are urged to turn the tide on land degradation through ambitious and inclusive actions.