‘No life without land’ says campaigning athlete at UN desertification meeting
- Date: 2024-12-06 12:00
- Source: UN News
Overview:
Climate activist and Olympic athlete, Eliud Kipchoge, has urged world leaders to prioritize land restoration efforts at the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Key Points:
- Kipchoge, a renowned marathon runner, highlighted the crucial importance of land to human survival and well-being.
- He emphasized that land degradation affects billions of people worldwide, leading to food insecurity, displacement, and conflict.
- The athlete called on governments to invest in sustainable land management practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity.
- Kipchoge urged decision-makers to recognize the role of indigenous knowledge and local communities in protecting and restoring land.
UNCCD COP15:
- COP15 is the biennial meeting of the UNCCD, bringing together governments, scientists, and civil society organizations to discuss land degradation and its impacts.
- The conference is taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from May 9-20, 2024, under the theme “Land. Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity.”
Land Degradation and Its Impacts:
- Land degradation refers to the loss or reduction of land’s productive capacity due to human activities or natural processes.
- It can result from deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agriculture, urbanization, and climate change.
- Land degradation has severe consequences, including:
- Loss of soil fertility and crop yields
- Reduced water availability
- Degradation of ecosystems
- Increased vulnerability to climate change
Solutions and Recommendations:
- Kipchoge stressed the need for a global effort to restore degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices.
- He called for:
- Increased funding for land restoration projects
- Capacity building for local communities
- Promotion of innovative technologies
- The UNCCD advocates for the following solutions:
- Sustainable grazing methods
- Agroforestry and reforestation
- Water conservation techniques
- Education and awareness campaigns
Conclusion:
Eliud Kipchoge’s powerful message at COP15 underscores the urgent need to prioritize land restoration efforts for the well-being of both humanity and the planet. By investing in sustainable land management, we can combat land degradation, ensure food security, and create a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
‘No life without land’ says campaigning athlete at UN desertification meeting
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