11/12/2024
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed delegates, and fellow advocates,
I am Clifford Edevbie , Executive Director for Clean Climate and Environment Campaign Initiative , Lagos , Nigeria
As we reach the midpoint of COP16, I am heartened by the progress we've made so far. The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to combating desertification and land degradation have been palpable throughout our discussions.
We've witnessed inspiring stories of resilience and innovation from local communities, civil society, and the private sector. We've seen governments, international organizations, and stakeholders come together to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
Key takeaways from our discussions include:
- The urgent need for scaled-up action to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
- The critical role of sustainable land management in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
- The importance of inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive approaches to land restoration and sustainable development.
As we move forward, let us build on this momentum. Let us continue to work together to drive meaningful change, to support each other, and to hold each other accountable.
Together, we can achieve a future where land is restored, ecosystems thrive, and communities flourish.
Thank you.