COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During the summit, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s comprehensive approach to combating land degradation and desertification.
In his address, the minister reiterated India’s commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, a pledge made during India’s presidency of COP14 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He announced that the promised Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management has been established and is actively deploying technology-driven strategies for land restoration.
India’s technological expertise in drought management, were also highlighted citing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre for their roles in providing drought vulnerability assessments and real-time monitoring.
About UNCCD
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 to protect and restore our land and ensure a safer, just, and more sustainable future.
The UNCCD is the only legally binding framework set up to address desertification and the effects of drought.
There are 197 Parties to the Convention, including 196 country Parties and the European Union.
