Turning the Tide: #Youth & #Women Leading the Charge Against #Desertification
In the relentless fight against desertification, youth and women are emerging as true heroes, transforming degraded lands into thriving ecosystems. As the Executive Secretary of the hashtag#UNCCD (UN Convention to Combat Desertification, 2007-13), one interaction has profoundly influenced my work and belief in community-driven efforts.
During a field visit to hashtag#Niger, I saw women constructing land restoration structures known as ‘half-moons’ under the scorching sun. Intrigued by their dedication, I asked one of the women, « Why do you undertake such strenuous work in these harsh conditions? » Her response was enlightening.
« If you had visited 10 years ago, we wouldn’t have met because my daughter and I would still be on our way to fetch water, a task that took us half a day. Today, thanks to our ‘half-moons,’ we have water readily available as our water table has significantly risen. »
This grassroots innovation had transformed their lives. However, when I asked if the government experts were monitoring the water table, they responded, « No. »
I challenged them, « If you are not tracking the outcomes of these efforts, how do you plan to shape and improve public policies to support local restoration initiatives? »
hashtag#Land_Heroes, hashtag#Land_Lovers: hashtag#United4Land
We are at a pivotal moment in history. The 2024 observance of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (hashtag#WDCD2024) spotlights 10 « young heroes of the earth » from all regions, 80% of whom are women. These young leaders are not just the future; they are the present, driving change with their energy and innovation
Every second, we lose the equivalent of four football pitches to land degradation. This is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of hashtag#Land_Security, hashtag#Water_Security, hashtag#Human_Security, and hashtag#National_Security, more worthy of investments than wars.
The youth and women on the frontlines are proving that with the right support, they can reverse this trend
hashtag#Funding & hashtag#Financing: hashtag#A_Call_to_Action
The money for these initiatives exists. The challenge is adapting funding mechanisms to meet the needs of those on the ground. It is not the communities that should conform to the bankers, but the bankers that must adapt to the realities of those doing the work. By investing in these community-driven efforts, we can create sustainable solutions
Trusting the Youth: Our Legacy, Our Future
We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. To be credible borrowers, we must act now. Today’s youth are the voice of the unborn, possessing the power to create lasting change. Their contributions are often underrated, but they hold the key to achieving our 2030 development agenda
hashtag#Let_Us_Trust_The_Youth
Let us celebrate and support the women & young people leading the charge against desertification. Together, we can turn the tide and create a legacy of restored lands and thriving communities.
