The UN's bi-annual summit on desertification is taking place in Mongolia, with a focus on allocating over $12 billion to combat drought and land degradation. This summit comes at a critical time as the northern hemisphere experiences record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires, affecting food security and livelihoods. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) aims to put into action the billions of dollars pledged two years ago for projects in developing countries. The key focus is on food security, as restoring land leads to productive soil, ensuring a stable food supply. The UNCCD, signed in 1992, has historically been the "poor relation" among environmental treaties, but recent developments are changing this. Saudi Arabia, a major supporter of the UNCCD, has pledged significant funding and joined forces with allies to offer substantial collective pledges. The US, despite its withdrawal from other climate agreements, remains a member of the UNCCD. The summit's main goal is the "operationalisation" of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, which aims to provide $12 billion over seven years to help drought-stricken countries. However, the amount is still small compared to the estimated $2.6 trillion needed by the end of the decade. The summit also emphasizes the importance of private sector involvement, with food and textile companies being encouraged to contribute. Lily Maxwell-Lwin from Commonland advocates for rich countries to recognize the mutual benefits of funding land restoration in poor countries, linking it to national security and food supply resilience. The summit's outcome will be crucial in addressing the global challenge of desertification and its impact on vulnerable populations.
