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UN Inter Agency Network on Youth Development (UN IANYD) has issued a statement that calls for a stronger partnership with young people who have a tremendous potential to take action and fight the COVID-19 crisis. The statement calls attention to the specific impact that the pandemic has on young people, noting that the response to the global crisis must take into consideration young people's specific needs. Young people are already part of the solution, proactively combating the spread of the virus and working to address the pandemic’s impacts. For example, they are spreading the word about combating misinformation and stigma related to the crisis, and about measures to stop the spread of the virus. Young people are also connecting communities at a time of separation through innovative ideas and social media platforms to raise community spirit. Young health professionals and students are risking their lives on the front lines of the pandemic. Young farmers and rural entrepreneurs are innovating and using various technologies and communication tools to develop local solutions. These work is critical to maintain supply chains and build alternate, more resilient and inclusive economies, which are vital to ensure access to an adequate food supply for the population. For the world to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in a sustainable and equitable way, young people need support to reach their full potential and thrive. In the fight against the virus and during the post-pandemic recovery, youth development should remain a top priority. UN IANYD remains committed to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the World Programme of Action for Youth and the UN Youth Strategy. Respect for all human rights – including economic, social, cultural, civil and political – is fundamental to the success of public response and recovery from the pandemic. Read more: Full statement UNCCD and civil society organizations
50 years ago people mobilized the world to demand a new social contract with nature. Earth Day was born. Today, our social contract is put in jeopardy. The current COVID-19 crisis is showing how much we depend on each other as well as on other species and nature for our health, food systems and livelihoods. We obtain more than 99.7% of our food from land. For many people and communities in the world, land is the source of livelihoods and the only safety net in the time of crisis. We need to protect nature and continually promote healthy landscapes. And we also need to build back stronger, and smarter, in ways that are healthy, safe, green, just and more resilient. Let us use our strength to fight COVID-19. Let us recommit to what Earth Day is all about. Let us rise again for a new social contract with nature! Happy Earth Day everyone. Read the keynote statement of Ibrahim Thiaw on agricultural and climate change at the Earth Day's 50th anniversary online event.
Banja Luka, Republika Sprska – As a developing country with fragile economy dependent on imported goods and services, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been seriously affected by the COVID–19 crisis. Under the state of emergency declared by the government of the Republika Srpska on March 16, 2020, and due to the limited foreign trade, the agricultural production has become crucial to ensure food security and support local economy during the crisis. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republika Srpska has put in place measures to increase local agriculture production by offering sowing packages for small family farms. In addition, 30 per cent fixed return – with 40 per cent for households over 600 altitude – has been set for investments in agricultural machinery, livestock equipment, plant production and irrigation, and processing of agricultural products for domestic use. Additional funds have been allocated to support planting of industrial crops as well as establishment of organic farms. These measures also address land degradation by encouraging the use of previously abandoned croplands for agricultural production to meet the increased demand. KM 75 million have been allocated to finance current production and capital investments in the republic. For more info please visit https://agroportal.ba/plan-proljetne-sjetve-za-2020-godinu-u-republici-srpskoj/
As the world enters the fourth month of the corona crisis, he new Bureau of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) met online, with the Bureau members dialing in from different corners of the world to represent the five regional UNCCD annexes.
UNCCD Land Ambassador Baaba Maal has released a new song asking people to stop the spread of coronavirus by staying at home and changing their habits.
Today, as we face hard times and new pressures. A social contract with nature is needed more than ever.