By Magda Lovei, originally posted at World Bank Voices blog
At the Global Landscapes Forum in Lima, the World Bank and TerrAfrica hosted a session on Building a global alliance for resilient landscapes, Magda Lovei is World Bank Practice Manager for Environment & Natural Resources, Africa Region, and moderated the discussion.
World leaders and land actors were in Lima to help advance climate action. Climate resilience—including the resilience of African landscapes—will be at center of the agenda as they define the role of sustainable, resilient landscapes for a new development agenda.
Why should the world—and Africa in particular—care about resilience?
The importance of resilience as an imperative for development is nowhere as obvious as in Africa. Fragile natural resources—at the core of livelihoods and economic opportunities—are under increasing pressure from unsustainable use, population pressure, and the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable development will only be possible in Africa if natural resources are valued and protected. It will only be possible if their resilience to shocks such as climate change is improved. Resilient landscapes—where natural resources and biodiversity thrive in interconnected ecosystems that can adapt to change and protect people from losses—are important to the work of ending poverty and boosting prosperity.
We have increased our support through programs that focus on restoring both the landscapes and the livelihoods of those heavily dependent on natural resources. Now, we are taking this agenda forward to Lima.
This Climate COP presents a unique opportunity to deepen our commitment and launch a Global Alliance for Resilient Landscapes. Collaboration is necessary for a task of this magnitude. That’s why the Bank is teaming up with the African Union NEPAD and the regional center of excellence CILSS, to call on countries and partners to commit to this alliance and agree on a roadmap.
We’ll be working with TerrAfrica members and donors to renew their commitment. For the past nine years, the World Bank has used its convening power to support TerrAfrica and secure $3 billion for sustainable land and water management investments. But more must be done to end poverty and boost the prosperity of millions whose lives depend on natural assets.
We’ll be engaging partners to endorse the African Landscapes Action Plan, developed by the Landscapes for People, Food, and Nature and the African Union NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA). This Action Plan presents an ambitious agenda. It spells out priority actions that embrace all actors, extends to all sectors and integrates the policies and services. It commits partners to create policy changes, build institutions, develop business plans, balance power dynamics and develop technologies that together, will bring concrete solutions.
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