CoP16: India Emphasizes Land Restoration and Drought Resilience
Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav emphasized India's efforts to address land degradation and desertification on Monday, aligning with the objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
At the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience during CoP16 of the UNCCD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the minister discussed India's initiatives to combat land degradation and desertification.
He stated, 'Our journey symbolizes a transformative story of dedication, innovation, and sustainable progress. From the global acknowledgment of land degradation as a significant environmental issue at CoP 5 to highlighting community-led land restoration at CoP 10, and subsequently recognizing land restoration as a crucial climate change strategy at CoP 14, to the worldwide commitment to restore degraded lands at CoP 15, we have all been equal partners in this endeavor.'
Yadav emphasized the link between desertification and poverty, pointing out that India recognizes land degradation as a socio-economic issue. He also referred to India's leadership at CoP 14, where the country committed to rehabilitating 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
He said, "At the CoP in Geneva, India recognized the clear link between desertification and poverty, acknowledging that land degradation was a major socio-economic problem, not just an environmental one. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's presidency at COP 14 was a significant milestone. We pledged to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management in India to promote a scientific approach to land degradation and share India's knowledge with other countries."
Yadav expressed pride in India's consistent adherence to its commitments, highlighting that the Centre of Excellence had already been established, taking various initiatives for capacity building, and formulating and executing technology-driven strategies to rehabilitate degraded lands.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that at CoP 15 in Abidjan, India underscored the significance of land restoration for generating employment and adapting to climate change. India also supported the G-20's goal to plant 1 trillion trees by 2030, with the aim of creating carbon sinks.
Highlighting the impact of robust leadership on building strong nations dedicated to proactive measures, Yadav noted that India had shifted from reactive responses to droughts to proactive, sustainable strategies focused on preparedness and prevention.
He mentioned that institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation and National Remote Sensing Centre offer assessments of drought vulnerability, real-time monitoring, and early warnings, facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, our strong space programme offers a platform for other countries to enhance their own drought countermeasures.
Yadav further mentioned that India recognizes the significance of land, water, rainfall, and the impact of climate change on agriculture and livelihoods. He emphasized various programs launched to improve resilience and recovery.
He mentioned that farmers had received soil health cards, which allowed them to practice sustainable agriculture and maintain soil health. Emphasis was also placed on organic farming. He noted that India had been tackling issues like food security and climate change, thereby generating green jobs, boosting rural prosperity, and enhancing drought resilience.
Yadav wrapped up by committing to rehabilitate degraded lands, improve livelihoods, safeguard delicate ecosystems, and synchronize efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals.
At CoP 16, Yadav engaged in bilateral discussions with ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kenya, focusing on sustainable development and mutual interests.