Siddhesh Sakore, Farmer From Maharashtra, Named Land Hero by UN Agency

Siddhesh Sakore, a farmer and the founder of AGRO RANGERS from Maharashtra, has been recognized as a Land Hero by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on World Desertification and Drought Day. The announcement was made during a programme in Bonn, Germany, honoring 10 Land Heroes from around the globe.

Recognition on World Desertification and Drought Day

The UNCCD celebrated its 30th anniversary by recognizing 10 individuals from various countries, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Germany, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, the Philippines, the US, and Zimbabwe, along with Siddhesh Sakore from India.

Siddhesh Sakore’s Background and Contributions

Sakore, hailing from a farming family, holds a degree in mechanical engineering. He has developed several cost-effective mechanical devices for converting organic waste into compost and is committed to natural farming and waste management. His initiatives focus on solving soil degradation issues and empowering small and marginal farmers through innovative agroforestry models.

UNCCD’s Citation and Sakore’s Vision

The UNCCD praised Sakore’s dedication to addressing the economic and environmental challenges faced by farmers in Maharashtra. Sakore highlighted the impact of economic crises, toxic chemical usage, and climate change on sustainable farming, stressing the importance of eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies.

Global and Local Impact

The event underscored the critical issue of land degradation, affecting up to 40% of the world’s land and nearly half of the global population, with the highest costs borne by indigenous communities, rural households, and smallholder farmers. Engaging youth in land restoration is seen as a key strategy for creating jobs and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Calls to Action

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other leaders emphasized the need for unified global action to combat land degradation, urging governments, businesses, academics, and communities to collaborate. The UNCCD aims to accelerate the implementation of its goals, particularly as it prepares for COP16 in Riyadh.

The Future of Land Restoration

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, highlighted the fundamental importance of good soil, safe food, and clean water for future generations. UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw stressed the urgency of addressing land degradation, with projections showing a significant increase in the global population’s reliance on land resources by 2050.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): Key points

Headquarters

The UNCCD Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany.

Members

The UNCCD has 197 parties (196 countries and the European Union) as of 2024, making it one of the most universally supported international agreements.

Executive Secretary

Ibrahim Thiaw currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD.

Work

The UNCCD works to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) through promoting sustainable land management practices, restoring degraded ecosystems, and supporting communities affected by these issues. It aims to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 15.