By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, DEC 03, 2024: UNION Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, delivered India's statement during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience, at CoP16 of UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday. The Minister described the extraordinary journey of India in combating land degradation and desertification, which are aligned with the overall objectives of the UNCCD. He said, "Our journey represents a transformative narration of commitment, innovation and sustainable development. From global recognition of land degradation as a critical environmental challenge at CoP 5, to emphasizing community driven land restoration at CoP 10, and thereafter the recognition of land restoration as a critical climate change strategy at CoP 14, to the global commitment to restore degraded lands at CoP 15, we have all been equal partners in this journey."

Delving deeper into the subject, Yadav stated, "Recognizing 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. It was during India's presidency at CoP 14, under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that became a pivotal moment in our journey where we proudly presented our commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management in India to promote a scientific approach towards land degradation issues and to help share India's expertise with other countries."

Yadav expressed immense pride to inform that India has maintained its track record of delivering on its promises. He stated that the Centre of Excellence has already been established and has taken several initiatives for capacity building, formulation and implementation of technology-based strategies for restoration of degraded lands. Further, the Minister noted that at the CoP 15 in Abidjan, India further emphasized the role of land restoration as a strategy for job creation and climate change adaptation. India also supported the G-20s goal to plant 1 trillion trees by 2030 and thereby creating carbon sinks.

Emphasizing how strong leaderships translate into strong nations committed to proactive actions, the Minister informed that India has transitioned from reactive drought responses to proactive, sustainable strategies, centered on preparedness and prevention. He said, "Our institutions like Indian Space Research Organisation and National Remote Sensing Centre provide drought vulnerability assessments, real-time monitoring and early warnings, enabling informed decision-making. Our robust space programme provides a platform for other countries to benefit, in their own efforts to counter drought."

Yadav continued, and stated that India understands the importance of land, water, rainfall and the effect of climate change on agriculture and livelihoods. Several programmes have been initiated to enhance resilience and recovery. Soil health cards have been issued to the farmers enabling them to engage in sustainable agricultural practices. Further to improve and sustain soil health priority has been accorded to organic farming. By addressing challenges such as food security and climate change, India is creating green jobs and enhancing rural prosperity while building drought resilience. By pledging to restore degraded lands, enhance livelihoods, and protect fragile ecosystems, we align our actions with the Sustainable Development Goals, he concluded.

On the sidelines of the CoP 16, Yadav had a bilateral meeting with the Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Kenya, where matters related to sustainable development and other mutual interest were discussed.