Podcast Summary: "UNCCD’s Ibrahim Thiaw: Land, Power & the Race to Restore Our Future"

Podcast Information

• Title: Der Große Neustart
• Host/Author: Sibylle Barden, Publizistin
• Description: Exploring Revolutionary Ideas to Transform Our World

Episode Details

• Episode Title: UNCCD’s Ibrahim Thiaw: Land, Power & the Race to Restore Our Future
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Der Große Neustart, host Sibylle Barden engages in a profound conversation with Ibrahim Shor, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The discussion centers on the escalating global land degradation crisis, its far-reaching impacts, and the strategies necessary to restore and preserve the Earth's vital ecosystems. Shor’s extensive experience in environmental leadership provides listeners with invaluable insights into the multifaceted challenges and innovative solutions aimed at reversing land degradation.

Understanding the Global Land Crisis

The episode begins with a stark revelation by Ibrahim Shor: "The number one driver of land degradation in the world is our food systems" (00:00). Shor emphasizes the urgent need to reset humanity's relationship with land, focusing on sustainable food production, water management, and ecosystem regeneration.

Shor outlines the severity of the issue, stating, "40% of the land is degraded in some parts of the world, severely degraded" (02:31). This degradation, coupled with a growing global population, depletes the natural capital essential for sustaining life. He explains that degraded land disrupts ecosystems, reduces soil quality, and diminishes water resources, all of which are fundamental to human survival and economic stability.

Impacts of Land Degradation

Shor delves deeper into the consequences of land degradation, highlighting its direct and indirect effects on society and the economy. He reveals that "50% of the GDP of the world is derived from nature" (04:50), underscoring how integral land is to global wealth. From providing food and clean water to serving as the foundation for medicine and clean air, the health of terrestrial ecosystems is paramount.

The discussion transitions to the often-overlooked nature of land degradation compared to more prominent issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Shor attributes this oversight to societal complacency, noting, "We take land for granted and have always considered that land can continue to produce the services without even asking it anything" (06:08). He clarifies that land degradation extends beyond deserts, affecting every global region and thus necessitating universal attention and action.

The Emergency of Land Degradation

The conversation intensifies as Shor categorizes land degradation as a global emergency. "It is an emergency. It is indeed an emergency" (17:03), he asserts, emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Shor criticizes the current focus on humanitarian aid over sustainable solutions, advocating for investments in land restoration to prevent forced migration and conflicts driven by resource scarcity.

Shor explains the intricate link between land degradation and global security, stating, "Land degradation is also an amplifier of conflicts" (12:48). He illustrates how dwindling fertile land and water resources exacerbate tensions, leading to increased migration and regional instability, as seen in areas like Somalia, the Sahel, and Syria.

Solutions and Initiatives to Reverse the Crisis

Transitioning to solutions, Shor outlines UNCCD’s ambitious goal to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. He acknowledges the complexity of this task but remains optimistic, highlighting that "commitments have already been made by countries to the tune of 900 million hectares of land to be restored" (09:22).

Shor discusses various restoration techniques such as agroforestry and regenerative agriculture, which integrate sustainable practices into existing farming systems. He stresses the importance of involving both small and large farmers in restoration efforts, ensuring that land restoration becomes a profitable venture rather than a non-repayable investment.

Key Initiatives:

• Great Green Wall in Africa: An initiative spanning 11 African countries aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of land along the Sahara’s southern border (32:08). Shor applauds its success and replication in other regions like the Middle East and Latin America.
• Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership: Launched at COP16, this partnership pledges $12.15 billion to shift from reactive to proactive drought management, incorporating early warning systems and economic resilience (28:42).

The Role of Technology and AI

When discussing the integration of technology, Shor highlights the transformative potential of AI, satellite monitoring, and other advanced tools in managing land restoration. "We have satellites, drones that can help a lot" (47:49), he explains, emphasizing that technology can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in restoration projects.

Shor envisions a future where small farmers gain unprecedented access to technological advancements, enabling them to implement sustainable practices and increase productivity. He advocates for leveraging AI for good, fostering collaboration between scientists, technologists, and policymakers to harness technology's full potential in combating land degradation.

Government Actions and Policies

Shor underscores the pivotal role of governments in facilitating land restoration through effective policies and regulations. "The most important function of government is regulation" (52:58), he states, advocating for policies that incentivize private sector investment and reduce harmful subsidies that exacerbate land degradation.

He calls for governments, especially in poorer countries, to adapt land tenure regulations to provide secure land ownership, particularly for marginalized groups like women who currently own only 15% of agricultural land globally (22:44). Secure land tenure is essential for attracting investments and empowering local communities to engage in restoration efforts.

Shor also addresses the disparity in global investment, citing Africa's low percentage of renewable energy investments despite its vast potential. "Only 2% of investments on renewable energy in the world are coming to Africa" (55:27). He urges a more equitable distribution of investments to support sustainable development and land restoration across all regions.

Closing Remarks and Urgent Messages

As the conversation concludes, Shor delivers a powerful message to world leaders: "When world leaders meet to consider the state of the planet, they should really look at the planet as a whole and the nine planetary boundaries that have been identified by scientists" (57:18). He emphasizes the necessity of a coherent and integrated approach to environmental policy, akin to treating a patient holistically in medicine.

Shor’s final remarks reinforce the interconnectedness of land health with global peace, security, and human well-being. He calls for universal responsibility and collective action, asserting that "we all share the same planet and no matter how many walls are being built in the world, people will migrate if they don't have a choice" (43:14).

Conclusion

This episode of Der Große Neustart offers a comprehensive and urgent exploration of land degradation, its profound impacts, and the multifaceted efforts required to restore the Earth's ecosystems. Ibrahim Shor's insights highlight the critical interplay between environmental sustainability, economic stability, and global security. Listeners are left with a clear understanding of the gravity of land degradation and the imperative for coordinated, technologically advanced, and policy-driven solutions to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Notable Quotes:

• Ibrahim Shor [00:00]: "The number one driver of land degradation in the world is our food systems."
• Ibrahim Shor [04:50]: "50% of the GDP of the world is derived from nature."
• Ibrahim Shor [06:08]: "We take land for granted and have always considered that land can continue to produce the services without even asking it anything."
• Ibrahim Shor [12:48]: "Land degradation is also an amplifier of conflicts."
• Ibrahim Shor [17:03]: "It is an emergency. It is indeed an emergency."
• Ibrahim Shor [22:44]: "Only 15% of agricultural land is owned by women."
• Ibrahim Shor [32:08]: Discussing the Great Green Wall initiative.
• Ibrahim Shor [47:49]: "We have satellites, drones that can help a lot."
• Ibrahim Shor [52:58]: "The most important function of government is regulation."
• Ibrahim Shor [57:18]: "When world leaders meet to consider the state of the planet, they should really look at the planet as a whole and the nine planetary boundaries that have been identified by scientists."

For More Information: Visit www.zabilabaden.com and the official site of the World Economic Forum.