MINISTER of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat is representing Guyana at the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where global efforts to strengthen drought resilience and combat land degradation are taking centre stage.
COP17, being held from August 17 to 28 under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” is focusing on desertification, land degradation and measures to build resilience to drought.
Minister Bharrat participated in yesterday’s Ministerial Dialogue on drought resilience, where he highlighted the need for countries to move beyond emergency responses and strengthen their capacity to withstand drought before it develops into a crisis.
“Climate change alters rainfall patterns and intensifies climatic extremes. Our task is not simply to respond when drought occurs. Our task is to build resilience before drought becomes a crisis,” Bharrat said.
He said Guyana’s approach to resilience recognises the interconnectedness of water, land, forests, biodiversity, agriculture and communities.
Bharrat pointed to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 as a key component of the country’s integrated approach to sustainable development, which he said has been advanced under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
The Natural Resources Minister is scheduled to participate in a Ministerial Panel on August 26 as part of Land and People Day at COP17.
The panel, titled “From Summits to the Floodplains: Connecting Ecosystems and Livelihoods,” will examine the links between ecosystem management, land restoration and the livelihoods of communities.
Also accompanying Bharrat in Mongolia is Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Enrique Monize.
Guyana’s participation at COP17 comes as countries seek stronger international cooperation and practical measures to address the growing threats posed by drought, land degradation and climate change while promoting sustainable land management and resilient communities.
