COP17 in Mongolia: over 300 organizations link land restoration and peace

The initiative, led by Surge Africa following consultations with civil society, aims to better integrate the links between land degradation, competition for natural resources, population displacement, and instability in public policies.

The document is not a decision adopted by the states parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. It is an advocacy document structured around four pillars: governance, financing, partnerships, and implementation and monitoring.

The signatories particularly request that countries affected by conflict, in post-conflict situations, or considered fragile be recognized as particularly vulnerable. They wish for this recognition to facilitate access to appropriate funding and capacity-building programs.

A Land Governance Designed to Prevent Tensions

The declaration advocates for inclusive and conflict-sensitive land policies. It emphasizes the security of use rights, the participation of women and local communities in decision-making, as well as a more equitable sharing of land, water, and other natural resources.

According to its proponents, water scarcity, declining soil productivity, and loss of livelihoods can exacerbate existing tensions. Land restoration is thus presented as a means to support income, strengthen community resilience, and reduce disputes related to access to resources.

The financial aspect calls for more accessible mechanisms for local initiatives and fragile areas. The text also calls for increased cooperation between civil society organizations, governments, businesses, and Southern partners, accompanied by indicators to monitor commitments.

The United Nations Convention estimates that degradation affects up to 40% of the planet’s land. The official program for COP17 includes a roundtable on August 26 of the Forests for Peace Initiative dedicated to the links between restoration, environmental cooperation, conflict prevention, and governance of natural resources.