The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has taken a significant step forward by entering into a landmark agreement with the Republic of Uzbekistan on October 10. This Host Country Agreement represents a crucial development in preparation for the 21st session of the UNCCD Committee on the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21).
This event will take place from November 13 to 17, 2023, in the culturally rich city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. CRIC21 is set to provide a global platform for addressing land degradation, drought, and assessing progress in restoring productive land.
UNCCD in Central Asia
For the first time in its history, the UNCCD is holding one of its most significant meetings in Central Asia, signaling the region's growing importance in the fight against land degradation. CRIC21 is eagerly anticipated and will serve as a global forum for discussing land degradation and drought issues while evaluating the progress made by countries in rejuvenating their land resources.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, warmly welcomed the UNCCD delegation to Samarkand, underscoring the conference's vital role in strengthening global partnerships and fostering environmental innovation. Minister Abdukhakimov highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to combating land degradation and its dedication to significant projects in land restoration. One such initiative is the ongoing effort to plant trees on 2mn hectares, aimed at mitigating the environmental crisis surrounding the Aral Sea.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw acknowledged the increasing environmental challenges the world is facing, including catastrophic heatwaves in Europe and North America, devastating droughts in the Horn of Africa, and extreme weather events in Asia. He emphasized the critical role land degradation plays in both contributing to and being a consequence of these phenomena.
Data
Recent United Nations data presented a concerning picture, revealing that 420mn hectares of fertile and productive land were degraded between 2015 and 2019. This area surpasses the combined landmasses of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Such degradation emphasizes the urgent need for collective efforts to combat land degradation and promote sustainable land management.
CRIC21 Agenda
CRIC21 is set to host delegates from 196 nations, including the European Union, representatives from civil society, academia, and international organizations. The symposium will focus on assessing progress regarding the Convention's strategic objectives, encompassing sustainable land management, drought resilience, gender equality in land rights, and addressing challenges such as sand and dust storms and wildfires, intensified by climate change and environmental degradation.
The UNCCD secretariat expressed its deep appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan for hosting this pivotal event. The Silk Road Samarkand Congress Centre will be the venue for CRIC21, where nations, experts, and leaders will gather to address pressing issues related to land restoration and sustainable land management.
Uzbekistan's commitment to environmental restoration and hosting this crucial event highlights its dedication to creating a sustainable future for the planet.
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