PISLM JOINS DISCUSSIONS AT GEF-8 AND BEYOND SIDE EVENT- SECURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR LAND
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, DEC 5,2024- The challenges of land degradation, drought, sand and dust storms, erosion, and climate change continue to dominate the discussions at COP16, in Saudi Arabia where the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management has been actively participating in negotiations, discussions and is raising awareness on the impacts of these activities on Caribbean Small Island Developing States.
PISLM is pleased to continue to add its voice and share its successes, including how we can secure a Sustainable Future for our lands. Member of the PISLM Delegation Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis, represented the organisation at the GEF-8 and Beyond: “Securing a Sustainable Future for Land,” a side event at UNCCD COP16 on December 4th, 2024.
Dr. Francis emphasized the urgent need for global interventions that support the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) within Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS), highlighting the midway point of the GEF-8 cycle and the prospects for future support as the world prepares for the GEF-9 replenishment cycle. He said, “Land degradation is a pressing concern for small island developing states, and it’s essential that the global community remains committed to providing the necessary resources and frameworks to help address these challenges.”
According to him, “The halfway mark of the GEF-8 cycle offers an opportunity to assess progress and strategically plan for the upcoming GEF-9, with an emphasis on supporting climate resilience and the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) goals.”
His presentation at the Side event included sharing the accomplishments of the notable, the GEF-funded SOILCARE Phase 1 project, that has been pivotal in helping Caribbean eight (8) SIDS adopt essential policies, best practices, and measures for land restoration, improved land use practices, and climate adaptation.
While this initiative has been actively working to review and strengthen institutional frameworks to achieve LDN and enhance the region’s climate resilience, ongoing efforts such as soil surveys were conducted across the project countries. The PISLM representative- who serves as the Regional Land Expert on the SOILCARE project, also provided a preview to the funding agency on SOILCARE Phase 2, which is slated to commence in 2025 focusing on drought and flood resilience, LDN Transformative Financing mechanisms with private-sector financing at its core. All project activities also have youth and gender considerations at the core of their implementation strategy.
Dr. Francis also made a case for the organisation’s SOILCARE efforts, with the introduction of other groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Youth Innovation Agricultural Development Initiative (YARDI) that was designed to support rural and indigenous communities in the Caribbean. The work towards the development of the PISLM RAC/NAT Facility which positions it for long-term success and impact as the region’s premier agriculture, land, and soil innovation institute. These projects emphasize capacity building, research and development, technology and scientific perspectives, financial support, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
PISLM continues to undertake an integrated approach to addressing environmental challenges, supporting sustainable land and soil management practices within the Caribbean Small Island Developing States.
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management’s participation in COP16 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, underscores the organisation’s commitment to helping member states meet their obligations under the UNCCD and land and soil areas of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA).
