Desertification and drought have a direct impact on the daily lives of individuals, said an environmental expert, who stressed the importance of individual action to combat land degradation.
A special lecture was held at the Bahrain National Museum by Arabian Gulf University geographic information system and environment associate professor Dr Sabah Al Junaid to commemorate World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
The United Nations observance, marked annually on June 17, aims to raise awareness of the impact of desertification and highlight methods of prevention and recovery.
“World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2023 focuses on ‘Her Land. Her Rights’, which is essential to achieving the interlinked global goals on gender equality and land degradation neutrality by 2030,” said Dr Al Junaid, during the lecture organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).
“This day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality can be achieved through problem solving, strong community participation and collaboration.
“Its objectives are to enhance public awareness of the issue to ensure desertification and drought are addressed effectively. Solutions are possible and the main tools to achieve this goal lie in promoting community participation and co-operation.”
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development declares that “we are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generation”.
Dr Al Junaid explained that dry seasons, which are natural patterns resulting from climatic changes, have become more frequent in present times contributing to desertification along with other factors such as drought and human activities over long periods of time.
She added that the first international conference to fight desertification was held in Nairobi in 1977, while the UN Convention to Combat Desertification was signed in 1994 with a focus on arid, semi-arid and dry semi-humid regions which face the biggest challenges.
“The main causes of desertification include depleting vegetation cover, climate change, over-cultivation, poor agricultural practices that change the soil so the rain cannot penetrate it, deforestation, fires and others,” added Dr Al Junaid.
“It is critical to identify the factors in each country to facilitate prevention and treatment mechanisms. Desertification is one of the most pressing global issues affecting social and economic stability as well as biodiversity.
“Over the last 50 years, land-use transformation has accelerated at a faster rate than at any other time in human history, as at a global level, 23 per cent of land is no longer productive and 75pc has changed its use from its natural state.”
Dr Al Junaid highlighted that ever since Bahrain signed the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, efforts have been in full swing to combat land degradation and address the root causes of the problem. She also praised Bahrain for preparing a national programme of action.
“With Bahrain’s progress in economic, social, political and environmental reforms for sustainable development, the competent authorities direct most of their attention to protecting the environment as a priority,” she added.
“The convention was integrated into the development policies of ministries while emphasising that growth during this stage is not achieved at the expense of environmental degradation.
“Bahrain has launched many initiatives to combat desertification and they include land use planning, water supply and demand management, promoting sustainable agriculture, soil conservation and sustainable management.”
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