UNCCD CoP16: India’s Global Leadership in Land Restoration and Drought Resilience

Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, highlighted India’s significant progress in combating land degradation and desertification during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at CoP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Yadav emphasized the country's transformative journey in aligning with the objectives of UNCCD, addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges, and contributing to global goals.

India’s Commitment to Combat Desertification

Speaking at CoP16, Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav traced India’s trajectory from recognizing land degradation as an environmental challenge at CoP5 to adopting community-driven strategies at CoP10 and emphasizing land restoration as a pivotal climate change strategy at CoP14.

"Our journey represents a transformative narration of commitment, innovation, and sustainable development," he said.

India’s efforts culminated in a landmark moment at CoP14, where the country committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. This initiative was backed by the establishment of the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management, promoting a scientific approach to tackling land degradation issues.

Linking Desertification and Poverty

Yadav acknowledged the inextricable link between desertification and poverty, highlighting that land degradation is not just an environmental issue but a critical socio-economic challenge.

"Recognising the inextricable link between desertification and poverty during CoP at Geneva, India too realised that land degradation was not just an environmental issue but a critical socio-economic challenge."

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has transitioned to proactive and sustainable strategies for addressing drought preparedness and prevention.

Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Practices

India’s robust space program, led by organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre, has been instrumental in:

• Providing drought vulnerability assessments.

• Facilitating real-time monitoring and early warnings.

• Enabling informed decision-making for drought resilience.

Additionally, programs like the Soil Health Card Scheme and promotion of organic farming have empowered farmers to engage in sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing resilience in rural communities.

Global Leadership and Partnerships

At CoP15 in Abidjan, India advocated for land restoration as a strategy to tackle climate change and foster job creation. The country also supported the G-20’s ambitious goal to plant 1 trillion trees by 2030, a major step towards creating carbon sinks.

India’s strong leadership and its ability to align actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have made it a global partner in combating land degradation.

Ministerial Discussions and Future Commitments

Yadav also held bilateral discussions with ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kenya, focusing on sustainable development and mutual interests. Reaffirming India’s dedication to ecological preservation, Yadav pledged:

• To restore degraded lands.

• Enhance rural livelihoods.

• Protect fragile ecosystems.

• Contribute to global SDG targets.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Sustainable Development

India’s participation in UNCCD CoP16 demonstrates its unwavering dedication to combating land degradation, fostering drought resilience, and aligning efforts with Sustainable Development Goals. By combining innovation, proactive strategies, and strong leadership, the nation has set a global example of addressing critical environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Through initiatives like restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land, leveraging space technology for drought preparedness, and promoting sustainable farming practices, India has reinforced its commitment to ensuring ecological preservation while enhancing rural prosperity.

As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and land degradation, India's leadership and collaborative efforts at CoP16 signal a brighter, greener future built on resilience, responsibility, and global partnership.