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UN calls for $2,6 trillion investment to restore degraded lands worldwide to boost global food supply
Restoring degraded lands and combating desertification worldwide will require at least US$2,6 trillion in investments by the end of this decade.
The estimate was presented by Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This is the first time that the total cost of this global effort has been quantified.
Growing threat
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts. At the same time, population growth is putting pressure on food production.
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This combination increases the risk of social and economic crises if concrete actions are not implemented quickly.
Private sector must participate
Of the estimated $1 billion a day needed to combat land degradation, much of it must come from the private sector.
Currently, only 6% of funding for land restoration comes from this source, even though the private sector is largely responsible for degradation, especially in food production.
"How is it possible that one hand degrades the earth while another tries to restore it?”, Thiaw asked. He also highlighted the need for governments to create policies that promote sustainable land use.
Food pressure
With the world population growing, it will be necessary to double food production using practically the same area of arable land.
This scenario makes it essential for the private sector to engage in more sustainable practices.
To reach the $2,6 trillion target, it will be necessary to overcome an annual deficit of $278 billion. In 2022, only US$66 billion was invested in the recovery of degraded lands, well below what is necessary.
A recent UN-backed study revealed that around 15 million square kilometers of land are already degraded, an area larger than Antarctica. And this number is growing at a rate of 1 million square kilometers per year.
Debate on legal obligations
Tightening legal obligations between countries will be a major challenge. Some governments are unwilling to adopt new instruments. Others, however, consider this measure essential for the success of the initiatives.
Today, global commitments include protecting 900 million hectares of land. However, experts point to the need to expand this target to 1,5 billion hectares and accelerate the pace of restoration.
The lack of a global agreement could affect other UN initiatives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity.
Agriculture alone accounts for 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation and 70% of freshwater consumption.
Investment Need
Thiaw stressed that the resources needed for restoration should not be seen as charity. “It's not just an investment for the poor in Africa. It's an investment that will keep the world in balance.”, He stated.
Restoring degraded lands is essential to ensure food security, mitigate the effects of climate change and promote a sustainable future for all.
