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Caribbean Ministers Meet To Combat Land Degradation

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Ministers from across the Caribbean are gathering in the capital to tackle one of the primary causes of food instability: land degradation.

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2024

Marlena Leonard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas is no stranger to the issue of food security. Ministers from across the Caribbean are gathered in the capital to tackle one of the primary causes of food instability: land degradation.

Caribbean ministers responsible for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought are in New Providence this week for a preparatory meeting ahead of COP16 in December. Their goal? To develop policies that can guide negotiations, and their focus is to improve land degradation neutrality.

But what is land degradation and why does it matter?

Put simply, it can be things like declined biodiversity, soil fertility, erosion, increased pollution, or even desertification.

And the stakes are high; in fact, it’s one of the biggest threats to food security around the world.

In The Bahamas, where food security is a major concern, efforts are underway to enhance food sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports. The UNCCD is currently aiding 131 countries in reversing land degradation, aiming for significant progress within the decade.

Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw emphasizes the need for a collective effort in this global challenge.