Germany’s Bonn, June 17, 2024 — In honour of Desertification and Drought Day 2024 and the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the Federal Republic of Germany, through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), organised a historic event in Bonn. With the theme “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future,” the gathering of world leaders emphasised group efforts towards sustainable land stewardship against the growing difficulties of drought and land degradation.
Global Commitment to Sustainable Land Management:-
The need of coordinated action was underscored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who said, “Governments, businesses, academics, communities, and more must come together to accelerate the implementation of the UNCCD.” Let’s plant the seeds of a prosperous future for both humanity and the natural world.”
In order to ensure a sustainable future, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasised the basic significance of soil health and sustainable practices and called for inclusive decision-making engaging youth.
Challenges and Calls for Action:-
Underscoring the gravity of land degradation worldwide, UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw declared, “Every second, we lose the equivalent of four football fields to land degradation.” Women and young people, as well as rural households, smallholder farmers, and indigenous populations are among the most severely impacted groups.
Recognition of Young Leaders and Innovators”
The UNCCD honoured “Ten Land Heroes,” young trailblazers honoured for their global contributions to drought resilience, land restoration, and sustainable farming practices, during the event. These leaders are excellent examples of how young people are essential to fostering environmental innovation and community resilience.
Launch of New Initiatives:-
The introduction of a programme to teach young negotiators about sustainable land management was one of the major announcements. Through this effort, young leaders from more than 30 nations will be given the opportunity to actively shape policy deliberations at the next UNCCD COP16, which will take place in December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Global Participation and Initiatives:-
Every country in the world commemorated Drought Day and Desertification with a variety of events. Kenya started a large tree-planting initiative, and Italy released a commemorative stamp. High-level talks on sustainable land management were arranged by India and Myanmar, while educational webinars were presented by Nigeria and Tunisia. In the meantime, regional conferences and local awareness campaigns were held in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and Moldova to discuss the problems associated with land degradation and drought.
In overview
The Bonn Desertification and Drought Day 2024 provided a crucial forum for global cooperation and dedication to sustainable land management. Ahead to COP16, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to halting desertification and its far-reaching effects, highlighting the critical role that young people and creative thinking play in attaining global sustainability.