Land
Land and its soil are vital to humankind. Soil resources are a complex mixture of eroded rock, minerals, ions, partially decomposed organic material, water, air, roots, fungi, animals, and microorganisms, formed over thousands or even millions of years. Land degradation—the deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of soil—is a global challenge that affects everyone through food insecurity, higher food prices, climate change, environmental hazards, and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Globally, approximately 25% of total land area is already degraded. As land becomes degraded, carbon and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Approximately 24 billion tons of fertile soil is lost each year, largely due to unsustainable agriculture practices. If this trend continues, 95% of the Earth’s land areas could become degraded by 2050. Land degradation is particularly severe in the drylands, which cover approximately 40% of the world’s land area and support two billion people, especially women and children.
Events and Articles
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UNCCD COP 5
Progress was made in a number of areas, including the establishment of the Committee for the Review of Implementation of the Convention, the identification of modalities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Committee on Science and Technology, and the enhancement of the UNCCD’s financial base following strong support for a proposal by the Global Environment Facility to designate land degradation as another focal area for funding.
UNCCD COP 4
Many left UNCCD COP 4 contemplating the missed opportunities, noting time lost to procedural obstacles that hindered progress on substantial issues relating to the review of implementation, a loss of institutional memory, a void in leadership, and apparent disinterest in the UNCCD among some developed countries.
UNCCD COP 3
Many participants came to Recife expecting to discuss and review UNCCD implementation, based on the impressive number of national reports submitted to COP 3 by African country Parties. Instead, delegates found themselves focused on questions related to the structure of the Convention, primarily the role of the Secretariat and the procedures and mechanisms to review implementation in the future.
UNCCD COP 2
Delegates approved arrangements for the institutional linkage between the Convention and the UN Secretariat and the headquarters agreement with the Government of Germany, adjustments to its budget, and the outstanding rules of procedure concerning bureau members, though they retained bracketed language regarding majority voting absent consensus.