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Largest private sector participation at a UNCCD COP to date builds momentum for sustainable land management UNCCD’s Business4Land (B4L) Initiative releases a guide to help the private sector assess land degradation risks and report on mitigation actions5 December (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) — On Wednesday 4th December, hundreds of private sector representatives from finance, fashion, agri-food to pharmaceuticals, convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss their role in ensuring sustainable land, soil and water management. They responded to a call to action launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the 16th Conference of the Parties.The Business 4 Land Forum brought together high-level decision makers and CEOs from companies that are particularly land-and-water-dependent, including firms in the agrifood, pharma, energy, textiles, ICT, and finance and insurance sectors. Land degradation and drought pose serious risks for businesses and investors, meaning it is in their best interest to mitigate them by contributing to global efforts for healthy lands and drought resilience.The event was part of  Business 4 Land (B4L), an initiative launched by UNCCD earlier this year in Davos with InTent - a platform that can quickly mobilize an influential and diverse group of decision-makers for change - to engage and support private actors in sustainable land management. It is supported by the COP16 Presidency, the World Economic Forum, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, ChangeNOW, the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, the International Chamber of Commerce, the UN Global Compact, and the Saudi Environment Fund. “COP16 has attracted the largest-ever participation of the private sector to a UNCCD COP to date, providing a critical momentum to make sustainable land management a core part of corporate and financial strategies,” said the Executive Secretary of UNCCD Ibrahim Thiaw. “Shifting towards nature-positive operations, supply chains, and investments, is not only about environmental sustainability, but about the long-term profitability and resilience of businesses.”The B4L Forum brought together 60 high-level speakers and 400 guests; among them, more than 40 corporations that recognize the urgent need to address land degradation and drought, and acknowledge their responsibility in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources as a business and social imperative.  B4L’s call to action urges companies to contribute to one or more of the Business 4 Land (B4L) initiative's pillars: promoting sustainable practices across business operations; supporting finance solutions; and advocating for better land and water management policies. “$44 trillion, over half of global GDP, is at risk from nature loss. It is imperative for business to explore innovations that can halt and reverse land degradation while unlocking opportunities for business growth,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director at 1T.org, World Economic Forum. “Through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders, business can accelerate progress on land restoration for a more resilient future for all.”André Hoffmann, member of the high-level advisory committee of COP16 and founder of InTent and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors said: "The private sector, which can play vital role in the sustainable transition we urgently need, must see nature not as a resource to exploit but as our life-support system. The B4L Forum was an opportunity to forge new coalitions to restore land and build resilience. By shifting from extraction to collaboration, we can drive investments in nature-based solutions that secure human prosperity and planetary health."The forum highlighted the need to align business, policies, and finance to protect land as a critical asset. Participants discussed how to account for the corporate impacts on land, how to mitigate the risks of land degradation - for example, by setting measurable targets both in direct operations and across supply chains - and by reporting on progress.New guidance for the private sectorThe Business 4 Land initiative launched a guide to help corporate actors navigate land-related disclosures and target-setting and align their strategies with national policies and global goals for a fair land transition. "Corporate disclosures are essential for land-positive businesses. Today, many companies still lack a clear understanding of their land-related impacts and dependencies, leaving them vulnerable to significant risks”, said Razan Al Mubarak, Co-Chair of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and President of IUCN. The report, ‘Corporate Disclosures and Target-Setting on Land Guide’, was developed together with the (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), in consultation with actors like the WEF and the COP16 Presidency.  The costs of land degradation and drought are steep. For example, U.S. farmers may face short-term costs of up to USD 40 per acre for regenerative agriculture practices, but long-term profits can increase by up to 120%. B4L's guide supports companies in harnessing these opportunities.“In a context of rising nature risks, businesses have a key role to plan in taking action for land and reversing the trend of degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss impacting our societies and economies, across value chains and industries,” concluded a member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum Nicole Schwab.***COMMENTSPhilippe Zaouati, CEO of the MIROVA sustainable investment fund, said: “Companies stand to gain significantly by transforming their value chains to incorporate sustainable practices, not only to reduce their impact on nature but also to seize the economic opportunities that arise. Mobilizing funding for land restoration requires a concerted effort by the public and private sectors. By working together, we can create an enabling environment for restoration, which is essential to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a sustainable future.”Henri Bruxelles, CSO of Danone, said: “The livelihoods of more than 2.5 billion people, many of them smallholder farmers, depend on agriculture, which is both a significant contributor to climate change and one of the most impacted by its impacts. Collaborating across sectors of society is vital to address the intertwined climate and water challenges; guarantee food security and nutrition; and secure the livelihoods of the communities that feed the world; and build a sustainable food system.”Erin Billman, Co-lead of SBTN’s Land Hub & Executive Director of the Science Based Targets Network: “Connecting corporate actions and their science-based targets to party commitments under the UN conventions is an important lever in delivering the promise of global targets.”Maryanne Gichanga, CEO of AgriTech Analytics Ltd, who won a USD 50,000 grant provided by InTent as part of the Land of Opportunities Pitch Competition on 4 December at COP16: “Having our start up, AgriTech Analytics being spotlighted in such a global stage during Land Day has been such an incredible opportunity, spearheading collaborations and partnerships. Receiving the generous prize of 50k USD the Land of Opportunities Pitch competition will enable us to scale and help more farmers in the farming communities in Kenya. We are very grateful for UNCCD for inviting us to join COP16 and for the pitch competition partners for their contributions.”NOTES Media enquiries: Please contact contact UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.int  or unccd@portland-communications.comSocial media: @UNCCD #COP16Riyadh #UNited4Land #Business4LandAbout UNCCDThe United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on good land stewardship. It supports communities and countries in creating wealth and securing nutritious food, clean water and energy through sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 parties also set up robust systems to proactively manage drought risks. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change, and prevents biodiversity loss.About Bussiness 4 Land (B4L)B4L is the UNCCD’s main initiative to engage the private sector in sustainable land and water management. It helps companies and financial institutions manage risks and seize opportunities tied to land degradation and drought. B4L aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global commitment to achieve net zero land degradation by 2030, as well as enhancing drought resilience.

UNCCD COP16:  Advocating for Sustainable Land Management on Agri-Food Systems DayJournalists are invited to attend Day 4 of COP16, which focuses on how resilient crops and healthy soils can drive global food security and sustainable development. The day will spotlight innovative strategies and global action to advance sustainable land management through agri-food system transformation.Key EventsWrapping up a COP year: The Role of Agrifood Systems Across the Three Rio ConventionsWhen: 8:00–8:45Where: MET-33This event will set the tone for Agri-food Systems Day, focusing on the transformation toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. It will discuss the restoration of agricultural land to achieve multiple co-benefits, including food security, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), carbon storage, and biodiversity. The session aims to enhance the interlinkages between the three Rio Conventions, soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.World Soil Day CelebrationWhen: 10:30–11:30Where: MET-33A live stream of the World Soil Day celebration from Bangkok (Thailand) observing its 10th anniversary, followed by a panel discussion led by World Food Prize 2020 recipient Prof. Rattan Lal. The panel will focus on the current status and challenges facing global soils, emphasizing the urgent need for action to preserve and restore soil health.High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food SystemsWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33A high-level, interactive, multi-stakeholder dialogue that will discuss the contributions of governments and non-state actors to catalyze the transformation toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems. The session will launch the Agri-Food Systems component of the Riyadh Action Agenda and outline a collaborative pathway to meet the UNCCD’s land degradation neutrality commitments.Other Press EventsWorld Soil Day Press Conference and Daily BriefingWhen: 12:30-13:00Where: MET-17Speakers:Juan-Carlos Mendoza, IFAD Director Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion DivisionAbdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-GeneralLifeng Li, FAO Director of Land and WaterWorld Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. The theme for this year is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," which underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information to understand soil characteristics and support informed decision making on sustainable soil management for food security.This press conference is held in conjunction with the daily briefing for journalists at UNCCD COP16.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule Future Key COP16 Events for Media 6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

UNCCD COP16:  Driving Business Innovation and Sustainable Practices for Land RestorationJournalists are invited to attend Day 3 of COP16, which focuses on practical solutions and innovative partnerships to tackle land degradation and promote sustainability. Highlights include the Business for Land Forum, showcasing how businesses are driving change in land restoration, and Fashion for Land, exploring the environmental impact of the textile industry and its role in sustainable land management.The day also features expert-led discussions, report launches and press briefings, providing valuable insights into global efforts to build resilient landscapes and communities.Key EventsBusiness 4 Land ChampionsWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 8:00–9:45Where: MET-25A high-level gathering to showcase the intersection of business, finance, and policy in driving sustainable land management. The forum will spotlight private sector contributions to soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.Global Rangelands Standards: A Framework for Sustainable Pastoral FuturesWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 15:00–15:45Where: MET-24The launch of a comprehensive framework to promote sustainable pastoral practices, focusing on building resilience in communities and ecosystems reliant on rangelands.The Nature of Business: The Path to Prosperity and SustainabilityWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 9:30–11:00Where: MET-21André Hoffmann presents a visionary approach for businesses to align profitability with sustainability. Drawing on case studies from companies like Roche and IKEA, the session outlines actionable strategies for a balanced and inclusive future.High Level Interactive Dialogue : Gender Caucus. HerLand: Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Land Management When: Wednesday 4 December,  10:00–13:00Where: MET-11A critical platform for promoting gender-responsive solutions in land management. This session will highlight women-led initiatives, practical tools, and the use of sex-disaggregated data to inform future strategies for drought resilience.Fashion 4 LandWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 18:00–20:00Where: MET-25This event  explores the intricate connection between the fashion industry and land health, focusing on the impact of fiber production on soil and sustainable land use. It will encourage innovative approaches to fashion’s environmental footprint.Press briefings & conferencesICARDA Press Conference for the Launch of the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient DrylandsWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 14:00–14:30Where: MET-17Speakers: Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director CGIAREng. Aly Abousabaa, Director General ICARDA & Regional Director CWANA of CGIARDr. Stanford Blade, acting Deputy Director General, ICRISATDr.RebbieHarawa, Africa Director ICRISATDr. Michael Baum, acting Deputy Director General, ICARDAOn behalf of collaborating CGIAR Centers, partners, and stakeholders who played a vital role in its development, ICARDA and ICRISAT are thrilled to launch the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) – a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize dryland agriculture and generate thriving and resilient livelihoods in dryland communities across the world.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing for European Investment BankWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 15:00–15:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice PresidentThe EIB Vice President, Gelsomina Vigliotti, and expert colleagues will discuss the EIB’s commitment to financing sustainable land management and drought resilience projects globally, with a focus on the interconnectedness of the three Rio Conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD).To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing on Business 4 Land When: Wednesday 4 December 15:30–16.00Where : MET-17Speakers:Sarah Toumi, Monitoring Officer at the UNCCD Global MechanismNeo Gim Huay is Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic ForumWEF The media briefing will highlight private sector actions to restore soil and water resources, showcasing innovative solutions and strategies for scaling sustainable land management.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing on a Arab Coordination Group’s USD 10 bn pledge to reverse land degradationWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 16:15–16:45Where: MET-17Speakers:Representative from Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (TBC)Representatives from the Arab Coordination Group will discuss the pledge in greater detail and what it means for land restoration. Caribbean Small Island Developing States Press ConferenceWhen: Wednesday 4 December 17:00–17:30Where : MET-17Speakers:Minister Vaughn Miller, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources - the BahamasMinister Alfred Prospere, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development- Saint LuciaThe Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) wishes to convene a briefing session to further discuss the formation of the UNCCD Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Forum and convene an interim executive committee to oversee the further work necessary to the launch of the Forum.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule Future Key COP16 Events for Media 4 December New Nature of Business Book Launch4 December Fashion for Land6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 2024The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Shenyang University of China have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the sidelines of the 16th Conference of the Parties (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark step underscores a shared commitment to advancing research, capacity building, and technology transfer in the critical areas of black soil carbon and sustainable land management (SLM).The collaboration aims to address the global challenge of black soil degradation, which has significant implications for food security, climate change mitigation, and combating desertification. Both parties recognize the pressing need to fill knowledge gaps and promote sustainable practices that enhance land resilience and productivity.Key objectives of the collaboration:Promotion of south-south cooperation on combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) in general and black soil carbon management in particular.Joint research initiatives: Focusing on black soil carbon dynamics and innovative land management strategies.Knowledge management: Facilitating knowledge sharing and exchange of technologies, experiences and best practices and building capacity among practitioners and researchers to implement sustainable land practices.Technology transfer: Facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge technologies and best practices in combating desertification and land degradation.The LOI also outlines plans to explore the establishment of an International Black Soil Carbon and Sustainable Land Management Research Center. This center will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing and scientific collaboration, driving progress toward achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).Andrea Meza Murillo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, and Zhao Yanzhi, President of Shenyang University, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing global land degradation challenges.This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the fight against desertification, contributing to the broader goals of the UNCCD Strategic Framework 2018-2030 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable land and water management for drought pays off, says new reportRiyadh, Saudi Arabia — As droughts fuelled by human destruction of the environment are projected to affect 3 in 4 people by 2050, investing in sustainable land and water management is essential to reduce their costs, which already exceed $ 307 billion per year globally, according to a new report launched at  the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) earlier today.Drawing on a wealth of evidence and case studies from countries all around the world —like Chile, India, Jordan, Kenya, Spain, and Tunisia— the report makes the economic and business case for nature-based solutions (NbS) to drought. That is, for practices that restore ecosystem functions and soil health to enhance water flow, storage, and supply in support of human wellbeing —for example, reforestation, grazing management, and the management, restoration and conservation of watersheds.The report, ‘Economics of drought: Investing in nature-based solutions for drought resilience – proaction pays,’ is co-authored by the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative (ELD), the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) and the European Union.“Managing our land and water sustainably is essential to unlock economic growth and build resilience for communities that are becoming locked into cycles of drought around the world,” said UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary Andrea Meza. “As talks for a landmark COP decision on drought are underway, the report calls on world leaders to recognize the outsized, and preventable, costs of drought, and to leverage proactive and nature-based solutions to secure human development within planetary boundaries.”Urbanization, deforestation, surface water and groundwater overdraft, and climate change are altering land cover and depleting freshwater reserves, meaning that drought is not only caused by the lack of rain, but also by the way we treat our land and water resources. Thus, the risk of water shortages as well as cyclical droughts and floods can be managed through adequate policies, incentives, and investments in our natural capital.The publication underscores that the long-term economic costs associated with droughts and related disasters are greatly underestimated. Especially, because costs typically escalate within and across borders due to the knock-on effects of drought on sectors like energy and health, as well as the wider economy.The estimated costs of implementing measures as set out by countries in their national drought and related plans amount to a fraction of the costs of drought every year.The triple dividend of natural-based solutions An economy that respects natural systems instead of undermining them could generate up to US$10.1 trillion annually in business value and create up to 395 million jobs by 2030. Tripling investment in Nature-based Solutions up to 2030 could generate 20 million additional jobs.“Proactive drought management is an ecological and societal imperative. It is also a significant economic opportunity”, said German Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Niels Annen. “Every dollar invested in nature-based solutions not only reduces drought impacts, but can generate benefits of up to US$27 - including higher farmer incomes, value chain resilience, and reduced long-term economic costs. We must urgently act to rethink how we value land and relearn how to manage land sustainably.”Nature-based solutions to drought yield a triple dividend: they reduce loss and damage from drought; increase the income of land and water users, and generate co-benefits for climate, nature and sustainable development more broadly. Most of these dividends –including food and water security— can be enjoyed regardless of the occurrence of drought, making nature-based solutions a no-regret option. RecommendationsThe report offers a series of recommendations to realize the potential of sustainable land and water management at landscape scales. For example, it points out the need to embed nature-based solutions in national drought management plans; ensure land tenure and water rights; and strengthen local governance, which is essential to implement changes on the ground.“The economic cost of drought extends beyond immediate agricultural losses. It affects entire supply chains, reduces GDP, impacts livelihoods, and leads to hunger, unemployment, migration, and long-term human security challenges; effective management and investment in nature are crucial to mitigate these effects,” said the Director of UNU-INWEH and one of the lead authors of the report Kaveh Madani. "The report provides invaluable insights into an opportunity sector that has been generally overlooked by public and private investors. Investment in natural capital is one of the most effective strategies for creating sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity in harmony with nature while mitigating the impacts of droughts and climate change, especially in the developing economies of the Global South,” noted Madani.In terms of finance, the report highlights the potential of public-private partnerships; the need to repurpose harmful subsidies; as well as the role of impact data collection and monitoring in attracting investments from the private sector.Finally, it calls for a whole-of-society approach to proactive drought management, whereby authorities work hand-in-hand with farmers, landowners, businesses, civil society, and academia, to build the resilience of communities, economies and ecosystems to drought. “Unsustainable land and water management practices and other human actions that increase the frequency and intensity of droughts must be replaced by pre-emptive, anticipatory action in favour of our survival. Well-planned, timely investments in such actions are imperative,” says the report. QUOTESGovernmental entitiesKenya Drought Coordinator at National Drought Management Agency (NDMA) Henry Parkolwa: “Nature-based solutions are the most efficient and effective approaches to drought risk management in addressing crises of desertification, land degradation, drought, ecosystem services and biodiversity loss and to create a sustainable and equitable future for humanity.” Australia’s Minister for the Environment The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP“Nature needs to be factored into economic and business decisions. To make good decisions, we need to understand, measure and report on our economic dependence on nature, our impacts on nature and the value of ecosystems services that our communities and economies rely upon.”  Non-profits CEO of the Nature Conservancy Jennifer Morris"We celebrate the visionary leaders in cities around the world like Cape Town and São Paulo who have embraced Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to enhance resilience to drought in cost-effective ways that deliver multiple benefits. For instance, Cape Town is restoring its unique fynbos ecosystem, creating jobs, and securing the equivalent of two months’ water supply for the system—at just one-tenth the cost of conventional engineering solutions."CEO of India Climate Collaborative, a council of philanthropies for climate, Shloka Nath"Investing in land restoration and nature-based solutions to combat drought is critical. The climate crisis is intertwined with the biodiversity and water crises, and is aggravating socio-economic risks faced by farmers. This is a critical opportunity to acknowledge the interconnected risks vulnerable groups deal with, and support holistic, community-driven solutions. Through this, we can collectively enhance agricultural resilience, protect water resources, and foster sustainable economic growth. We call on stakeholders across India and beyond, including philanthropists, to prioritise these solutions for an equitable, sustainable future."CompaniesPablo García, CEO Almendrehesa, SpainDrought is one of the greatest threats to the productive systems of our territory, and of the entire Mediterranean basin, especially for agricultural systems, and even more so for rainfed crops. However, I believe that, like any challenge, it is also an incentive for new holistic landscape restoration approaches, which will allow us to respond to a demand for sustainable products that is undoubtedly growing in European markets and around the world. Regenerative agriculture is the new commitment of many companies to contribute to the society challenges through their supply chains.Ryan Gellert, CEO, Patagonia The 4 Returns Framework, contributing to the Ecoomics of Drought report, offers a science-based, long-term initiative for restoring healthy landscapes. If all sectors of society can support and adopt this framework, we will protect intact ecosystems vital for a healthy planet and thriving communities.  Jay Albany, CEO, Dirty Clean Food Pty Ltd, Perth, AustraliaIn Western Australia, we’ve experienced firsthand the drastic impacts from drought conditions.   Perth has just experienced its hottest summer on record.  Rainfall in Australia’s the Southwest – one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots, where half of our 8,000 plant species are found nowhere else – has fallen by 20% since 1970 during the critical May -July period.   We believe it is vital to shift agricultural practices to build organic matter in our soils to improve water and nutrient retention, mitigating future drought risk.  For every 1% increase in organic matter, our soil can hold up to 30,000 more liters of water per hectare.***NOTES Launch: In Riyadh: 3 December 2024, 8:45 AM Riyadh time (GMT+3), Action DomeOnline: UN Web TVSide-event ‘The Economics of Drought – presentation of the UNCCD Flagship Report:In Riyadh: 3 December 2024, 15:30h Riyadh (GMT+3), MET-05: 275  Download the full Economics of Drought Report (available in English): https://www.unccd.int/resources/publications/economics-drought-investing-nature-based-solutions-drought-resilienceMedia enquiries:                                                                                                                    Please contact UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.intSocial media:@UNCCD @ELD@UNUINWEH #COP16Riyadh    #UNCCDCOP16    #Economics4LandAbout UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on good land stewardship. It supports communities and countries in creating wealth and securing nutritious food, clean water and energy through sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 parties also set up robust systems to proactively manage drought risks. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change, and prevents biodiversity loss.  About ELD:The Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative is a global initiative that makes the values of land and its ecosystem services count in decisions with the aim to inform, promote, and scale land solutions for transformative change. Established in 2011 between the UNCCD, EU and Germany, and hosted by GIZ, ELD informed better land decisions with +40 case studies in +30 countries and raised global awareness with numerous flagship reports. In working at the science-policy-practice interface, ELD connects science with policy and business aiming to support decision maker in transforming existing pledges for land to real policy and business action.About UNU-INWEHThe United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of 13 institutions that form the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the United Nations. Hosted by the Government of Canada, UNU-INWEH focuses on major sustainability challenges, addressing critical water, environmental, and health issues worldwide. Through research, training, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination, UNU-INWEH is dedicated to resolving pressing global challenges that are of concern to the United Nations and its member states.About IDRA The International Drought Resilence Alliance (IDRA) is the first global coalition creating political momentum and mobilizing financial and technical resources for a drought-resilient future. As a growing platform of more than 30 countries and 20 institutions, IDRA draws on the collective strengths of its members to advance policies, actions, and capacity-building for drought preparedness, acknowledging we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The work of IDRA is aligned with, and supportive of, the mandate of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which hosts the IDRA Secretariat.

World needs US$ 1 billion daily to combat desertification, land degradation and drought between 2025 and 2030Total Investment Required Equals Annual Spending on Environmentally Harmful SubsidiesFirst-ever financial needs assessment for UNCCD launched at COP16 in RiyadhBonn/Riyadh 3 December 2024: At least USD 2.6 trillion in total investments are needed by 2030 to restore over one billion hectares of degraded land and build resilience to drought, according to the latest report from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The " Investing in Land’s Future: Financial needs assessment for UNCCD" report, launched today at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to UNCCD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia calls for US$1 billion in daily investments between now and 2030 to meet the world’s land restoration targets and combat desertification and drought.Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, said: "To protect lives and livelihoods, we must significantly increase investments in land restoration. The returns—both financial and societal—are undeniable. Every dollar invested in healthy land is a dollar invested in biodiversity, climate, and food security. The good news is that the world could save billions annually and earn trillions more by restoring land back to health and building resilience to drought”. Up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting over 3.2 billion people, with the highest costs borne by those who can least afford it: indigenous communities, rural households, smallholder farmers, and especially youth and women.The situation is compounded by the sharp rise in droughts—up by 29% since 2000—with projections showing that by 2050, three in four people worldwide could be affected. Yet, despite this escalating crisis, global investments needed to meet the world’s land restoration and drought resilience goals are falling short by $278 billion each year. Key Report FindingsFinancing is increasing but large gaps remain: Global investments to combat desertification and land degradation rose from $37 billion in 2016 to $66 billion by 2022. However, $355 billion per year is needed between 2025 and 2030 to close the financing gap, resulting in a $278 billion shortfall.Losses outstrip investments needed: Desertification, land degradation, and drought already cost the global economy $878 billion every year—far more than the investments needed to tackle these issues. These costs include reduced agricultural productivity and ecosystem services, the social costs of carbon losses, and damages caused by drought.Investing wisely: The total amount of investment needed between now and 2030 to reach land and drought resilience targets–US$ 2.6 trillion–is equivalent to what the world wastes each year on harmful environmental subsidies, according to the recent report by Earthtrack. High returns on investment: Investing in land restoration delivers significant benefits, generating an estimated $1.8 trillion in annual returns. This represents a return on investment of up to $8 in social, environmental, and economic gains for every dollar invested.. This includes improved agricultural productivity, increased drought and climate resilience, and improved ecosystem services.Unlocking private investment: Private sector currently contributes only 6% of necessary funding towards land restoration and drought resilience. Public-private partnerships, blended finance models, and green bonds are key strategies to mobilize capital. Unlocking private investment could accelerate land restoration, creating economic opportunities and environmental benefits, particularly in the hardest-hit regions.Africa’s urgent needs: Africa faces the largest financing gap, needing $191 billion annually to restore 600 million hectares of degraded land. This reflects not only significant challenges but also the continent’s unmatched land restoration ambition—the highest globally. Losing over 100 football pitches of healthy land every minute threatens livelihoods, food and water security, and public health, with potential to disrupt regional economies and global trade.The staggering cost of inaction      Without urgent financial support, the socio-economic impacts of land degradation will deepen, driving instability and forced migration. Crop yields could decline by up to 50% in some regions by 2050, driving food prices up by 30% and intensifying food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable areas. For communities already struggling with limited resources, these pressures will exacerbate poverty, strain livelihoods, and increase the risk of resource-driven conflicts. Africa stands at a critical crossroads. Bridging financing for a sustainable future There is real potential to close the $278 billion annual funding gap through innovative financial solutions. Repurposing harmful agricultural and forestry subsidies can unlock billions for sustainable land management, transforming restoration efforts. With increased private sector involvement, alongside public investments, the $355 billion needed each year can be mobilized more effectively.Africa, facing the largest shortfall, can significantly benefit from these efforts. Immediate commitments to restore 600 million hectares are critical, and tools like sustainability bonds provide fresh opportunities for financing. Leveraging the benefits of restorationInvesting in land restoration offers far-reaching benefits. Restoring over one billion hectares will enhance ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and water management, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The economic, social, and environmental returns of these investments support progress on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, zero hunger, and climate action."This report highlights the critical urgency of addressing the massive financing gap for land restoration," said Louise Baker, Managing Director of UNCCD’s Global Mechanism. "Achieving global restoration targets by 2030 demands unprecedented collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organizations. With escalating threats from climate change and land degradation, scaling up investments is essential—not just to meet targets but to secure the planet's future and improve the well-being of billions worldwide. The Global Mechanism is actively supporting countries in securing diverse funding sources, ensuring that no opportunity for investment in sustainable land restoration and restoration is left untapped."Download the full report The full report Investing in Land’s Future: Financial needs assessment for UNCCD is available in English:  https://www.unccd.int/resources/publications/investing-lands-future-financial-needs-assessment-unccdMedia enquiriesFor media enquiries please contact UNCCD Press Office at  press@unccd.int or Portland Communications at unccd@portland-communications.comSocial media assets are available here.About UNCCDThe United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement on good land stewardship. It helps people, communities and countries create wealth, grow economies and secure enough food, clean water and energy by ensuring land users an enabling environment for sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 Parties set up robust systems to manage drought promptly and effectively. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change and prevents biodiversity loss. About the Global MechanismEstablished in 1994 under Article 21 of the UNCCD, the Global Mechanism (GM) facilitates the mobilization of financial resources to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. It offers advisory services and collaborates with developing countries, donors, and the private sector to secure the funding necessary for implementing the Convention’s goals. About COP16 The Conference of the Parties (COP) was established by the Convention as its main decision-making body. It is made up of UNCCD’s 197 Parties (196 countries and the European Union) and is responsible for guiding the Convention so that it can respond to global challenges and national needs.  UNCCD COP16 will be a landmark event to raise global ambition and accelerate action on land and drought resilience through a people-centred approach. It will coincide with the Convention’s 30th anniversary. UNCCD COP16 is the first major UN conference hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It will also be the first time a UNCCD COP is held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which knows firsthand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.