Georgia Strengthens Commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality: Key achievements in the second phase of the LDN program

Georgia Strengthens Commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality: Key achievements in the second phase of the LDN program

On October 21, 2024, the National Working Group on Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) convened at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia in Tbilisi. The meeting was organized by Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus) and with the support of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Global Mechanism. It brought together representatives from government ministries, parliamentary committees, scientific institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the revision and update of Georgia’s National LDN Targets.

The LDN project is a key part of Georgia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 15.3, which aims to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. In his opening remarks, Mr. Tengiz Nasaridze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, reaffirmed Georgia’s dedication to these objectives.

“Georgia is fully committed to achieving the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15.3. This meeting reaffirms our national objectives and our cooperation with international partners,” he said.

Ms. Nadezhda Dementieva, representing the UNCCD, underscored Georgia’s advanced achievements in the programme, noting:

“Georgia has shown strong commitment to the land degradation neutrality, and the international community stands ready to support these efforts.” She also emphasized the importance of international collaboration to tackle the global challenge of land degradation, which poses a threat to ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.

The meeting provided updates on the project’s second phase, which is focused on expanding these efforts. Ms. Nino Chikovani, the national focal point for the UNCCD in Georgia, highlighted the progress made so far, particularly in restoring degraded land and managing forests more sustainably.

“We are proud of the achievements in the process of chieving of land degradation neutrality in the country, but continued collaboration at both national and international levels is essential,” Ms. Chikovani noted. She emphasized that while improvements have been made in rehabilitation of degraded lands, forest cover and expanding of protected areas cover, sustained efforts are critical. In Georgia, the 1,500 hectares of degraded forests are rehabilitated and restored an additional 7,500 hectares.

Ms. Maka Manjavidze, the national consultant for the LDN target-setting program, presented updates on how the LDN goals are being integrated into Georgia’s national development strategies and policies.

“It is crucial that we incorporate land degradation neutrality principles into our national strategies and legislative frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability,” she emphasized. She further explained that the country’s goals to achieve LDN Targets include restoring degraded land areas, rehabilitation forest areas, expanded protected areas improving irrigation management systems.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future priorities for the LDN program, including expanding sustainable land management practices and strengthening partnerships with international organizations. Ms. Manjavidze outlined the next steps, which involve developing integrated land-use plans (ILUPs) for additional municipalities and fostering closer cooperation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and local authorities.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Dementieva highlighted the project’s significant contribution to achieving the goals of the Rio Conventions, which aim to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification. She concluded the meeting by praising Georgia as a “champion” in advancing efforts toward land degradation neutrality.

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