India Highlights Green Initiatives at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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