The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2–13, 2024, marked a critical juncture in the global effort to address land degradation, desertification, and drought. These issues resonate deeply with Nepal, a country shaped by its unique geography and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The resolutions adopted at COP 16 offer Nepal a golden opportunity to integrate global strategies with national frameworks, such as its Land Use Policy, to foster sustainable land management and combat land degradation.
This article delves into the outcomes of COP 16, Nepal’s land-use challenges, and the policy frameworks guiding its efforts. By aligning global commitments with local actions, Nepal can secure its socio-economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
COP 16: A global perspective on land degradation
Land degradation impacts nearly 1.5 billion people globally, with desertification posing serious risks to arid and semi-arid regions. COP 16 emphasized the urgency of these challenges through resolutions that underscore the integration of scientific research into policy-making, the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in mitigating land degradation, and the need to address gender inequities in land tenure while fostering youth-led restoration initiatives. The conference also saw significant financial commitments, with over USD 12 billion pledged to the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership to support vulnerable nations.
Nepal’s Land Use Policy: A framework for action
Nepal’s Land Use Policy (2015) and the Land Use Act (2019) provide a strong foundation for sustainable land management. These frameworks focus on systematic zoning to balance agricultural, forest, residential, and industrial uses, alongside promoting soil conservation and agroforestry practices to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion. They emphasize inclusive decision-making by involving marginalized groups and indigenous communities while incorporating adaptive measures to enhance climate resilience and mitigate climate impacts on land productivity.
Challenge of land degradation in Nepal
Although Nepal does not face desertification in the conventional sense, land degradation remains a pressing issue, particularly in its fragile mountainous ecosystems. Deforestation, overgrazing, and cultivation on steep slopes contribute to severe soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity. Erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change exacerbate flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Additionally, intensive farming and improper fertilizer use have led to declining soil fertility, while unplanned urban expansion continues to threaten fertile agricultural lands.
Opportunities for Nepal: Bridging global and local efforts
The resolutions from COP 16 provide Nepal with a platform to align its policies with international best practices. Leveraging data-driven insights can help identify degradation hotspots and tailor local solutions. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil conservation, organic farming, and agroforestry, can enhance land productivity while mitigating degradation. Mobilizing women, youth, and indigenous communities can empower local stakeholders to lead restoration initiatives, while reforestation, afforestation, and climate-adaptive urban planning can bolster climate resilience. Nepal also has the opportunity to access international funds and foster public-private partnerships to support large-scale land restoration projects.
Local success stories
Nepal has demonstrated success in land restoration through initiatives like community-led watershed management and afforestation efforts in Rupa Lake, Kaski, which have restored degraded lands and improved livelihoods. Similarly, improved terracing techniques in Dhankuta have bolstered agricultural productivity while addressing soil erosion, showcasing the potential of integrating local knowledge with sustainable practices.
Challenges and the way forward
Despite its strong policy frameworks, Nepal faces challenges such as limited financial and technical capacity, poor coordination among stakeholders, and a disconnect between national policies and local realities. Additionally, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events exacerbates its vulnerability to land degradation. Overcoming these hurdles will require stronger policy implementation, enhanced capacity building, and active community engagement to bridge the gaps between global commitments and local action.
Conclusion
Land is more than a resource; it is a lifeline for millions of Nepalese. By aligning national policies with global commitments, Nepal can reverse land degradation and safeguard its socio-economic and environmental future. The outcomes of COP 16 provide a roadmap for integrating science, inclusivity, and innovation into sustainable land management.
As Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, aptly stated, “Together, we can unlock the true potential of our land and protect our planet and home.” For Nepal, the journey begins with recognizing the value of its land and committing to its sustainable stewardship.
(Mr Subedi is an environmental advocate deeply engaged in youth activism, governance, and sustainable development.)
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