President of the General Assembly officially opens the High-Level Meeting on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought at the UN General Assembly in New York. Watch live via webcast: bit.ly
President of General Assembly highlights need for forward-looking practical approach to development in drylands with zero net land degradation rate and initiatives to combat desertification to enhance food security.
UN Secretary General addresses UN General Assembly says drought does not need to become famine. The drylands not a lost cause and hold potential for growth. Combating desertification at the core of sustainable development.
UN Secretary General calls for sustainable land management to be a cornerstone of the green economy, important for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Executive Secretary of UNCCD, Luc Gnacadja says land degradation blind spot for global community. Arable land loss at 30-35 historical rates.
To sustain life on earth we must build a land degradation neutral world says UNCCD Executive Secretary, Luc Gnacadja. Needs a global commitment and paradigm shift in the way manage land. We do have the means to combat desertification, land degradation and drought.
Vice Minister of Argentina representing the G77 and China group points out that developing countries most affected drought and land degradation. Expresses solidarity with population of Horn of Africa. Calls for fulfillment of commitments under UNCCD. Highlights the importance of national planning and regional coordination with technical support. UNCCD needs to be put on an equal footing with CBD and UNFCCC.
President of Mongolia say 70% of land affected by desertification causing yellow dust storms. Calls for international panel on land and soil.
President of Nauru says water scarcity critical issue. Land degradation affecting up to 80% of island.
President of Swaziland calls for full funding of GEF Environment Facility to also support efforts to combat desertification, land degradation and drought.
Prime Minister of Fiji calls for panel on #desertification, land degradation and #drought and target of zero net land degradation.
Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal says protection of land is directly linked to human survival in a spirit of solidarity.
#Italian Minister of Environment Stefania PRESTIGIACOMO says urgent action is required as #desertification is a driver or poverty and forced migration. Need to reach beyond the drylands.
Land degradation is a global problem, as the Namibian President Pohamba said at the UN press conference. He called for the joint international efforts.
