Global Land Talks Stall: Drought Agreement Delayed

Representatives from nearly 200 countries concluded United Nations desertification talks in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The discussions focused on maintaining land productivity amid climate change, which exacerbates soil degradation and water scarcity. Up to 40% of the world's land is now degraded, contributing to more frequent and intense droughts.

Delegates postponed a decision on a legally binding global drought agreement until the next meeting in Egypt, an issue also deferred two years prior. Experts emphasized that healthy soils are crucial for absorbing water and mitigating drought impacts, stressing the interdependence of land and water management for agriculture and food security.

The conference launched a rangelands initiative, securing $1.2 billion for 45 projects. Additionally, $2 billion was announced for combating land degradation in the Asia-Pacific region. These efforts aim to address a substantial annual funding gap of $278 billion needed for global land restoration commitments through 2030.

Participants recognized the need to transition from drought plans to investment strategies, involving private companies and local communities. A new Drought Resilience Investment Facility was introduced to mobilize public and private capital for water security, sustainable agriculture, and land restoration projects, signalling a growing urgency to act.