Around the world, young and old are responding to the threat of desertification by adopting new approaches to addressing it that can not only prevent further degradation, but can also offer new livelihood opportunities.
The issue of desertification, drought and land reclamation is being discussed at a global meeting of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which continues in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) until 13 December.
Draw a line in the sand of Madagascar
In the south of the island of Madagascar,off the east coast of AfricaProductive land is being lost at an alarming rate to sandthat strong seasonal winds carry inland.
The communities living here are among the most vulnerable in Madagascar, and as the sandy soils they farm become increasingly degraded, they can no longer farm their land and their livelihoods are threatened.
But now, with support from the United Nations, communities are growing sisal plants, which are resistant to harsh conditions and well adapted to a drier environment.
When grown on slats, they can help protect the topsoil and prevent further erosion. That means fewer sandstorms and more opportunities to work the land.
«Before, there was nothing on the earth where we are, only sand. So we couldn’t farm.But now we have planted sisal, which has been good for the city,” says Lydia Monique anjarasoa.
Communities in southern Madagascar plant sisal to protect the land from erosion and degradation.
Greening the Saudi Arabian desert
In Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa describe how the arid land where he grew up, north of the country’s capital, Riyadh, has deteriorated and suffered the effects of desertification.
The land lies within the rocky Thadiq National Park,known for its wide valleys,and Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa,as the park’s current manager,has undertaken a project to rehabilitate the park’s 660 square kilometers.Because of this 250,000 trees and one million bushes have been planted and dams have been built on terraces to collect the area’s scarce rainwater.
“Thanks to forestation, protection and care projects, the area has wholly changed,” says Alissa.
The recovery of Thadiq National Park is part of a larger plan by Saudi Arabia regenerate vast desert areas inside and outside the country. The goal is to address drought, desertification and land degradation, which threaten countries in West Asia and North Africa.
Three-quarters of the region’s arable land is already degraded and 60% of the population suffers from water scarcity, a figure expected to increase by 2050.
Saudi Arabia collaborated with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for the launch the G20 Global Earth Initiativewhich aims to reduce land degradation by 50% by 2040.
Thadiq National Park director Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa inspects seedlings at a nursery in a desert area of central Saudi Arabia.
Gathering hope in Niger
Climate change, land degradation, rising prices and conflict have made the already difficult lives of farmers in Africa’s Sahel region even more precarious, but communities have come together with the support of integrated country resilience World Food Program (PMA) to cultivate a better life.
Foureyratou Saidou, a single mother of four and recent widow from the Tilaberi area of Niger, is one of almost three million peopel in the region who have benefited from the initiativewhich promotes land restoration, livelihood diversification, school meals, nutritional interventions, improved agricultural production and access to markets.
“In this garden we now grow and harvest onions, tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables that we eat and can sell at the local market,” he explains. «Before we didn’t have much to live on. “Now we do, and we don’t wont to leave.”
With better access to markets, Saidou can sell the food he doesn’t eat at home and support his children.
What sustainable practices can be implemented to combat desertification on a global scale?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Naomi Green, Desertification Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Green.As we see communities across the globe grappling with the escalating challenges of desertification, what strikes you about the recent developments?
Dr. Naomi Green: Thank you for having me! What’s truly encouraging is the global response to desertification and the innovative methods being adopted. Whether it’s communities in Madagascar or initiatives in saudi Arabia, there’s a clear movement towards sustainable practices that not only combat land degradation but also foster new economic opportunities.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Madagascar, can you elaborate on the situation there where communities are turning to sisal cultivation?
Dr. Naomi Green: absolutely. In southern Madagascar, communities are facing dire conditions as sand encroaches on productive agricultural land due to strong seasonal winds. This has greatly diminished their ability to farm and sustain their livelihoods.Though, with support from organizations like the United Nations, these communities have started cultivating sisal.It’s a drought-resistant plant that thrives in harsh conditions and helps protect the topsoil. This not only minimizes erosion but also creates opportunities for employment and food security.
Time.news Editor: That’s captivating! What kind of economic opportunities does growing sisal provide for the local communities?
Dr. naomi Green: Sisal can be turned into various products, such as ropes, mats, and other textiles.By diversifying the local economy, communities can reduce their dependence on traditional agriculture, which has become increasingly risky due to climate change. Lydia Monique Anjarasoa’s testimonial perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of this initiative; she describes how the land has gone from barren sand to productive farmland.
Time.news Editor: ThatS a powerful story. How does this initiative reflect larger efforts being discussed at the UNCCD meeting in Riyadh?
Dr. Naomi Green: It’s reflective of a broader commitment to combat desertification on a global scale. The UNCCD meeting is a collaborative platform where experiences and solutions like those from Madagascar can be shared and scaled. The discussions focus on sustainable land management, innovative agricultural practices, and fostering international cooperation to tackle these pressing challenges.
time.news Editor: in your opinion,what role does local community engagement play in the success of such projects?
Dr. Naomi Green: Local engagement is crucial. Communities are the ones most affected by desertification, so their input and involvement in finding and implementing solutions is vital.Initiatives like planting sisal are most effective when they are tailored to the local context and the communities feel ownership over the process. When people believe in the benefits and can see tangible results in their livelihoods, it adds to the sustainability of those efforts.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead, what do you think is the biggest challenge in combating desertification globally?
Dr. Naomi Green: One major challenge is funding and resource allocation.Many regions that are most vulnerable to desertification lack the financial support to implement long-term solutions. Additionally, addressing desertification requires a multi-faceted approach—combining environmental science, economic development, and social equity—which can be complex in practice. However, with increasing awareness and commitment seen at various international platforms, I’m hopeful.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Green, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while desertification poses significant challenges, the innovative responses from communities worldwide offer a beacon of hope for sustainable futures.
Dr. Naomi Green: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep these conversations going as we work toward solutions together.