TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: On June 10, 2024, Brazil officially joined the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), reinforcing its commitment to combat desertification and drought in the face of climate change.
EXPLANATION:
- This membership marks a significant step in Brazil’s environmental policy, aligning with global efforts to address one of the most severe natural hazards.
International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA)
- IDRA was launched at the UN Climate Summit COP27 by the leaders of Spain and Senegal.
- the International Drought Resilience Alliance was first announced by Spain at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2022 to be officially launched at the UNFCCC COP27 in November 2022.
- The mission of the alliance is to give political impetus to make the land’s resilience to drought and climate change a reality by 2030.
- It aims to mobilize political, technical, and financial capital to prepare for and mitigate the effects of harsher droughts.
- The Alliance emphasizes that resilience to drought and climate change is intrinsically linked to the resilience of our land.
- With Brazil’s inclusion, IDRA now comprises 38 countries and 28 intergovernmental and research organizations.
- The IDRA secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which plays a central role in coordinating global efforts against desertification and drought.
Brazil’s Commitment
- At a joint event with the UNCCD in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted Brazil’s dedication to combating drought and desertification.
- The government’s goals to promote sustainable development, ensure food and water security, and address inequalities.
- Cooperation with the UNCCD reinforces Brazil’s commitment to these objectives.
- National Campaign and Initiatives
- The event also launched a national campaign to combat desertification and drought, concluding a visit to the semi-arid Caatinga region.
- This unique ecoregion covers about 70% of northeastern Brazil and 11% of the total country area.
- Brazilian researchers have identified the country’s first arid region and projected the expansion of semiarid lands.
- Vulnerability and Community Initiatives
- Approximately 38 million Brazilians across 1,561 municipalities are vulnerable to desertification and drought, affecting 1.4 million square kilometers of land across 13 states.
- In Caatinga, authorities are supporting community-led initiatives to restore watersheds, improve agricultural practices, and harvest water, thereby building resilience to drought.
Global Importance of Addressing Drought
- Globally, addressing challenges at the water-land-climate nexus is essential for protecting agricultural and energy production.
- It also ensures the maintenance of vital ecosystem services, such as providing clean water and fertile soils for current and future generations.
- At the event, UNCCD Executive Secretary commended Brazil’s proactive investment in resilient lands and livelihoods.
- Preparing societies and economies for droughts before they occur is more cost-effective and prevents human suffering, transforming drought from a potential disaster into a manageable hazard.
Upcoming Events and Milestones
- UNCCD COP16
- The 2024 UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16) will be the largest-ever meeting of UNCCD’s 197 Parties.
- It will be the first COP held in the Middle East and the largest multilateral conference hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- The conference will focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, underscoring the importance of these issues on the global stage.
- Desertification and Drought Day
- On June 17, 2024, the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be marked on Desertification and Drought Day.
- This observance will highlight the critical need for continued efforts to combat desertification and drought worldwide.
- High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy
- Scheduled from September 30 to October 3, 2024, in Geneva, this meeting will bring together policymakers and practitioners to review progress and lessons learned over the past decade.
- It aims to chart a way forward for implementing effective drought resilience actions.