The question of the moment: will the Abidjan conference make a tangible change in the fight against desertification?

Yesterday in Abidjan the Conference of the Parties (COP15) against deforestation began in the presence of several heads of state, to try to work concretely to address the rapid destruction of the territory and its deadly consequences on biodiversity and on the inhabitants of the Earth. This conference, similar to the Conference of the Parties on Climate, addresses key issues in one moment in which the United Nations estimates the percentage of land destroyed in the world at around 40%. Nine African heads of state are expected, including Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi and Togo President Faure Gnassingbe, together with Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara.

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the discussions via video link. Participants will seek to agree concrete steps to stop the expansion of desertification. A statement issued by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification states that the theme of questyear is “Terre. life. Heritage: from an unstable world to a prosperous future “constitutes” a call to action to ensure the continuation of the Earth, which is the source of our life on this planet, for the benefit of present generations and future”.

“The conference will pay particular attention to restoring one billion hectares of destroyed land by 2030, supporting land use in the face of climate change and combating increased risks of disasters such as droughts, sandstorms, storms. of sand and forest fires, “the statement added. The theme of the Great Green Wall, a major project aiming to restore 100 million hectares of barren land by 2030, is also expected. in Africa on an 8000 km strip from Senegal to Djibouti will be addressed, especially during the conference which ends on 20 May.