UK (Commonwealth Union)_ A groundbreaking initiative was introduced to foster synchronized efforts among the 56 Commonwealth nations in addressing land, biodiversity, and climate challenges, significantly impacting a quarter of the world’s land area. The Commonwealth Secretariat launched the Living Lands Charter Implementation Framework at a high-profile event in Dubai, held in conjunction with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (COP28).
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This unveiling follows broad consultations with Commonwealth nations since the adoption of the Living Lands Charter the previous year. The event provided Commonwealth leaders, ministers, and development partners with a platform to acquaint themselves with the framework, exchange country experiences, and encourage collaboration on land-related issues. During the event, speakers, including Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta; Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); and David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, voiced their support for the framework.
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Image credit: 2 thecommonwealth.org
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivered the opening remarks. She stated, “Our Commonwealth encompasses a quarter of the world’s land area and is home to a third of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries. More than 400 endemic species are found in our small island states. The impact of climate change is increasingly severe across our countries. Food insecurity is increasing. The soil is depleting. The sheer scale of these challenges compels us to lead with bold action.” She further added, “With this implementation plan, we are taking a giant step forward. It will make use of the combined strength of the Commonwealth through thematic action working groups, learning from each other and inspiring one another on towards system change and a better future for all.”
The framework adopts a comprehensive approach to implementing the Living Lands Charter through five thematic action areas: climate-resilient agriculture for food security, soil and water conservation, sustainable green cover and biodiversity, carbon-neutral and climate-resilient livestock rearing and animal husbandry, and indigenous and local people for climate-resilient development. Several countries have come forward to spearhead priority areas of action. Accordingly, Guyana will lead in sustainable green cover and biodiversity; Kenya will champion climate-resilient agriculture for food security; and Malta will lead in soil and water conservation.
The Commonwealth will extend substantial support within each thematic area, mobilizing resources for implementation, conducting analyses for policymaking, facilitating institutional governance, offering capacity-building assistance, and generating knowledge for member nations. Prime Minister Abela emphasized, “The world is experiencing a triple planetary crisis; addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and nurturing ecological restoration of our land have become urgent priorities for all. As Commonwealth members, we are here to renew our commitment to work together towards achieving this ambition through the Call to Action on Living Lands [Charter]. We believe that our experience inspires all Commonwealth countries facing similar tough challenges.”
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw emphasized the widespread impact of land degradation on Commonwealth nations, stating, “Land degradation is affecting 3.2 billion people. Most of those impacted are in the Commonwealth because of the diversity of its members.” He highlighted the critical role of environmental preservation, asserting, “The biggest threat to security in the world today is environmental destruction. We must be clear that living lands are not only about a sector or a line ministry but also about entire nations and livelihoods.”
David Cooper hailed the Living Lands Charter as an “important instrument” and expressed optimism about the new implementation framework’s ability to galvanize action across the 56 Commonwealth countries, strengthening coordinated efforts across the three Rio Conventions. The framework’s development was in response to a mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022. The Secretariat for the three Rio Conventions endorsed the framework, expressing confidence in its capacity to help countries achieve targets outlined in the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the UNCCD Strategic Plan for Land Degradation Neutrality. Furthermore, the launch coincides with the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.
