Investing on land conservation and restoration now to unlock exponential returns tomorrow
Photo by: PPAMPicture - iStock
Without appropriate financing, we will not be able to conserve and restore 1.5 billion hectares of land – and we risk huge losses.
In the next 5 years, we need to mobilise US$2.1 trillion (of the global investment need of US$2.6 trillion) to support global land conservation and restoration, and drought resilience efforts.
Investing in land conservation and restoration and drought mitigation isn’t only good for people and planet. It makes financial sense, with returns of up to US$30 for every dollar invested.
Financing land conservation and restoration could generate an estimated annual economic flow of US$1.8 trillion, driven by increased agricultural productivity, avoided carbon damages, reduced drought-related losses, and enhanced ecosystem services.
Government commitments at UNCCD COP16 will be critical to achieving these overarching goals. While they may seem overwhelming, it is possible to achieve the transformations we seek if all stakeholder groups pull together through coordinated and systemic approaches that cross and connect critical action areas.
Read on for a quick recap of what's happening on the ground at UNCDD COP16 in Riyadh, key announcements on Finance day.
Happening on the ground in Riyadh
So what?
Supporting the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re working with hundreds of partners to build the Riyadh Action Agenda: a global platform, mobilising ambitious, voluntary commitments and action from governments and non-state actors, to conserve and restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 – helping deliver a prosperous future for all.
The Riyadh Action Agenda provides the vision and goals for businesses, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, farmers, financial institutions, investors, insurers, subnational governments and other stakeholders to enable profitable, scalable solutions at speed, unlocking a triple win for people, business and the environment.
UNCCD COP16, Riyadh — Finance day highlights and momentum
Key announcements of the day
Launch of first-ever UNCCD Financial Needs Assessment Report: Report establishes at least $2.6 trillion in total investments are needed by 2030 to achieve global goals on land restoration and conservation. The report estimates indicate the world could save billions annually and earn trillions more by restoring land back to health and building resilience to drought. Read more here.
Arab Coordination Group pledge of $10 billion: The strategic alliance of ten leading development finance institutions, announced a commitment of up to US$10 billion by 2030 to address the critical challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Water Contributions: Over $6 billion invested in more than 200 water-related development projects across 60 developing countries.
Establishment of the Global Water Organisation: Headquartered in Riyadh, it aims to unify global efforts to address water challenges comprehensively. Focus areas include knowledge exchange, innovative technologies, and enhanced research and development.
Water and Drought Resilience multi-stakeholder dialogues
More than 50 actors across sectors and geographies attended the Riyadh Action Agenda multi-stakeholder dialogue on Water and Drought Resilience. Their feedback, insights and expertise are the first of a series which will be considered towards the consolidation of the Riyadh Action Agenda.
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This blog post was authored by the RAA Delivery team (Ambition Loop) as part of the Lay of the Land LinkedIn newsletter. Liked it?
