Asia-Pacific Region Reaffirms Commitment to UNCCD-COP16 at Preliminary Meetings

By Sharon Nanau in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

The preliminary meetings for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded yesterday, with the Asia-Pacific region reaffirming its commitment to tackling desertification, drought, and land degradation.

The two-day meetings served as a platform for parties to the UNCCD from the region to discuss and finalize their opening statement for COP16, with a focus on the challenges posed by desertification and the need for stronger action.

The Asia-Pacific group also deliberated on the agendas of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention and the Committee on Science and Technology.

Presenting Solomon Islands views and stand on the issues covered Ministry of Agriculture and livestock Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu said the Asia-Pacific region’s statement is mainly based on the issues of desertification, drought and land degradation.

He said in the discussion Solomon Islands so far has agreed on the statements reached on the three main issues on the agenda.

“We have so far agreed and support the current discussions on the issue of desertification, drought and land degradation. In terms of other statements on new emerging issues like grass land and range land countries, Solomon Islands included has yet to come to an agreement on the regions statement on the issue, this will be discussed on during the week.”

Resource mobilizing, desertification response plans and resilient agriculture systems are some of the main issues highlighted during the UNCCD-COP16 preliminary meetings.

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