More than 65 percent of the land across the continent is experiencing degradation, which affects approximately 400 million individuals.
The 10th Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), which took place from September 3 to 6, provided a vital forum for fostering political will and securing necessary funding and partnerships to confront these pressing environmental issues. Discussions centered on four pivotal policy areas: strategies for drought mitigation in Africa, increasing efforts to meet land degradation neutrality targets, exploring opportunities for ecosystem restoration, and enhancing partnerships for effective implementation and resource mobilization.
This dialogue is anticipated to influence Africa's approaches to finance, natural capital, and marine and coastal issues in preparation for the UNCCD COP 16, scheduled to occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024.
Côte d'Ivoire's Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, was present at the event. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the alarming imbalance caused by climate change, stating, "We must remain vigilant to address our concerns, especially to the global community, which is increasingly anxious about the severe repercussions of climate change on our economic, human, and social activities. Evidence shows that climate change impacts over 100 million hectares of land annually."
Dr. Osama Ibrahim Faqiha, Deputy Minister at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the COP16 Riyadh Presidency, participated in the ministerial dialogue. He emphasized the importance of enhancing Africa’s efforts to address land degradation, stating, “Prioritizing land in global initiatives against drought, famine, increasing carbon emissions, and forced migration is essential—issues that have frequently been overlooked.”
The Abidjan Declaration, which was adopted on September 6, 2024, during the conference, signifies the dedication of African governments to confront the challenges posed by desertification and land degradation. Currently, over 65 percent of the continent's land is experiencing degradation, affecting approximately 400 million individuals.
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, highlighted the importance of these discussions. “This session provides a chance to assess Africa’s advancements since COP 15 in May 2022. The urgent issues of land degradation and drought require immediate solutions as we work towards our Ten-Year Strategy for 2024-2033,” he remarked.
Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Growth at the African Development Bank, urged a change in the narrative surrounding Africa's challenges. “Collaboration is vital in addressing the intricate issues of land degradation, drought, and desertification. We need to embrace a comprehensive, sustainable approach that emphasizes investments in sustainable land management and climate resilience. However, the dominant narrative of vulnerability and underdevelopment often obscures the climate opportunities and hinders private investment.”