India Highlights Green Initiatives at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh

India is actively participating in the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on combating desertification. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini are leading India’s delegation, presenting the Aravalli Green Wall Project .

Piyush Shukla Published On December 3rd, 2024

India joins 197 nations at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which commenced on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the convention’s first-ever session in West Asia. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lead India’s delegation, presenting the ambitious Aravalli Green Wall Project and showcasing India’s commitment to combating desertification.

Key Highlights of UNCCD COP16

Theme and Focus: The 16th COP centers on the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” emphasizing sustainable land management to reverse desertification and land degradation globally.

Historic Context: The UNCCD, one of the three agreements from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, entered into force in 1996 and includes 197 parties. The conference occurs biennially, with COP15 held in May 2022 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

India’s Role at COP16

“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Initiative: Minister Yadav planted a sapling at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, advocating for eco-consciousness.

Mission LiFE Engagement: He encouraged Indian students to adopt sustainable practices through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

Aravalli Green Wall Project: India is presenting this flagship initiative aimed at restoring 1.15 million hectares of degraded land across four states, signaling its proactive stance on environmental restoration.

Significance of the UNCCD

Global Goals: The UNCCD aims to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) under the Changwon Initiative launched in 2011, with over 120 countries committing to LDN targets.

Scientific Approach: The convention promotes reclaiming degraded lands using innovative scientific methods.

Connections with Other Environmental Summits of 2024

UNFCCC COP29: Held in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 11-22), focusing on global warming and the Paris Agreement targets.

CBD COP16: The biodiversity summit started in Cali, Colombia, but was postponed due to quorum issues and will resume in Rome in February 2025.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India’s participation in UNCCD COP16	– The 16th session of the UNCCD COP is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2024. – Theme: “Our Land, Our Future” focusing on land degradation and desertification. – India’s delegation is led by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini. – India presented the Aravalli Green Wall Project to restore 1.15 million hectares of land across four states in northwestern India.
India’s green initiatives	– Bhupender Yadav planted a sapling under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. – Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) encourages eco-friendly practices among Indian students.
UNCCD Overview	– UNCCD aims to stop desertification, reverse land degradation, and reclaim lands. – Launched after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit; entered into force on 26 December 1996. – Currently, 197 parties are involved in the convention.
Other Summits in 2024	– UNFCCC COP29: Held in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024), focusing on global warming and climate change. – CBD COP16: Held in Cali, Colombia (October 2024), resumed in Rome (February 2025) due to quorum issues.
Changwon Initiative	– Launched in 2011 at COP10 in South Korea, aimed at achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). – Over 120 countries committed to LDN targets.