Staff Reporter
Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are intensifying efforts to tackle the growing challenges of drought and desertification, which threaten food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability across the region.
The recently concluded 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought these issues to the forefront. A high-level event, co-hosted by the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, highlighted the progress and potential of the African Great Green Wall Initiative. This ambitious project aims to restore degraded land, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable development across the continent.
Pan African Parliament President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, underscored the Great Green Wall’s critical role in addressing the interconnected challenges of land degradation and climate change.
“The Southern region, including SADC countries, is one of the most affected areas in Africa. Through collaborative platforms, we can ensure integrated land use planning and management. Transboundary initiatives maximize ecosystem services, while innovative financing mechanisms sustain these efforts,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni emphasized SADC’s commitment to combating desertification.
“Effective land management is vital for economic prosperity, food security, and environmental protection,” she noted.
The Minister highlighted ongoing regional initiatives, including protocols on forestry, watercourses, and energy, alongside community-driven land resource protection programmes.
Dr Nyoni also called for urgent collective action, stating, “The challenges of drought, land degradation, and water scarcity demand immediate attention. By prioritizing sustainable land management and involving local communities, we can enhance food security and climate resilience. Learning from initiatives like the Great Green Wall will guide us in crafting effective, context-specific solutions. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.”
SADC’s strategies focus on enhancing land restoration, improving drought resilience, and fostering sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on bridging funding gaps. By aligning national policies with regional goals and fostering collaboration, the bloc aims to create a resilient, sustainable future for its member States and communities.
