Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s comprehensive approach to combating land degradation and desertification at COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience, Yadav outlined India’s shift from reactive drought responses to proactive, sustainable strategies centered on preparedness and prevention.
In his address, the Ministerial Session at COP16 the minister reiterated India’s commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, a pledge made during India’s presidency of COP14 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He announced that the promised Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management has been established and is actively deploying technology-driven strategies for land restoration.
India’s technological expertise in drought management, were also highlighted citing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre for their roles in providing drought vulnerability assessments and real-time monitoring.
These services are also available to support other nations in their drought mitigation efforts.India’s holistic approach includes practical measures such as issuing soil health cards to farmers and promoting organic farming to enhance agricultural sustainability. These initiatives align with broader objectives, including the creation of green jobs, ensuring food security, and building climate resilience, while fostering rural prosperity.
On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Kenya, focusing on sustainable development and areas of mutual interest. India’s participation in the conference underscores its commitment to global environmental cooperation and sustainable land management practices.
By: Vinod Kumar (UAE)