Over one billion people under 25 rely on land and natural resources for their livelihoods, according to the UN. Nevertheless, desertification and land degradation increasingly threaten these resources, jeopardizing their future. Communities worldwide are rising to the challenge by adopting innovative solutions to reverse land degradation and create sustainable opportunities.
GLOBAL FOCUS: UNCCD CONFERENCE IN RIYADH
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is hosting a pivotal meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to address desertification, drought, and land restoration. Running until December 13, the conference aims to foster global cooperation to combat these pressing issues.
MADAGASCAR: FIGHTING SAND INVASIONS WITH SISAL
Southern Madagascar faces an alarming loss of farmland due to powerful seasonal winds driving sand across fertile land. The degradation has left vulnerable communities powerless to sustain their agricultural livelihoods.
Supported by the UN, these communities are now cultivating sisal plants. Resistant to arid conditions, sisal is planted in grids to stabilize topsoil and prevent further erosion.
“Before, this land was nothing but sand. Now, sisal has transformed it, benefiting the whole village,” said Lydia Monique Anjarasoa. The reduction in sandstorms has restored farming opportunities, offering hope for a sustainable future.
SAUDI ARABIA: REGREENING DESERT LANDSCAPES
In Saudi Arabia, desertification threatened the rocky landscapes of Thadiq National Park, near Riyadh. Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa, the park’s manager, embarked on an ambitious project to rehabilitate the 660-square-kilometer area.
The project involved planting 250,000 trees and one million shrubs. Terraced dams were constructed to capture the region’s scarce rainwater, turning barren land into a thriving ecosystem.
“Through afforestation and care, this area has completely changed,” said Alissa.
The restoration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader re-greening initiatives, tackling drought and desertification across West Asia and North Africa. Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD are collaborating in the G20 global land initiative. Their goal is to reduce land degradation by 50% by 2040.
WEST ASIA AND NORTH AFRICA: A REGION AT RISK
Three-quarters of arable land in the region is degraded, and 60% of the population already experiences water scarcity. By 2050, these challenges are projected to intensify, demanding urgent action.
NIGER: BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE SAHEL
Farmers in Niger’s Sahel region face compounding challenges: climate change, land degradation, high food prices, and conflict. Supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), communities are finding hope through integrated resilience programs.
Foureyratou Saidou, a widow and single mother of four, joined one such initiative in the Tilaberi area.
“In this garden, we grow onions, tomatoes, and lettuce to eat and sell at local markets,” she said.
Access to improved agricultural methods and markets enables Saidou to support her family while contributing to community stability.
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH RESILIENCE
The WFP initiative benefits around three million people, promoting:
- Land rehabilitation for sustainable farming.
- Livelihood diversification to reduce dependence on fragile resources.
- School meals and nutrition programs to improve community health.
- Market access for better income opportunities.
A GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION
As desertification and land degradation accelerate, the need for collaborative action becomes critical. From Madagascar’s sisal farms to Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives and Niger’s resilient communities, innovative solutions provide a roadmap for a sustainable future.
Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to preserve land and livelihoods, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet.
