14th Conference of Parites to UNCCD adopts Delhi Declaration

The 14th Conference of Parties (COP-14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) came to a close today with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration.

During the extensive deliberations that lasted for 12 days, COP-14 witnessed widespread participation from over 9,000 participants from across the globe at Greater Noida.

In Delhi Declaration, the parties expressed support for new initiatives aiming to improve human health and well-being, the health of ecosystems and to advance peace and security.

Briefing media on the outcomes of COP-14, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar reiterated India’s commitment to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.

Mr Javadekar exuded confidence that all three Rio conventions will work in synergy. The Minister also committed to providing effective leadership to the UNCCD during his two-year tenure of



Presidentship.

In an unprecedented global campaign to save productive land, country parties have agreed to make the Sustainable Development Goal target of achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 a national target for action.

Mr Javadekar stated that Delhi Declaration is an ambitious statement of global action by each country on how to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.

UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw highlighted the contribution of COP 14 to the Climate Action Summit, stressing that land restoration is one of the cheapest solutions to address the global crises of climate and biodiversity loss.

During the 12-day conference, COP 14 held thought-provoking discussions on land management, restoration of degraded land, drought, climate change, renewable energy, women empowerment, gender equality, water scarcity and various other issues.