UN COP16 Summit Addresses the Interconnection Between Forced Migration and Insecurity

The COP16 summit has brought to the forefront the pressing issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought, emphasizing their role in exacerbating forced migration and global instability. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reports that up to 40% of the world's agricultural land is already compromised, with this figure deteriorating annually.

At the opening of the COP16 discussions in Riyadh, UNCCD chief Ibrahim Thiaw highlighted that the land is not merely an economic asset but also a vital part of people's identities, encapsulating their stories and aspirations. However, the fertile lands that once nourished communities are becoming barren, rendering them incapable of supporting agriculture or livestock.

Speaking at the conference, Abderrahman Al-Fadhli, the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, noted that the dual challenges of drought and land degradation are significant drivers of rural and cross-border migration, often leading to conflict. He stated that many resource-based conflicts and political instabilities can be traced back to these environmental challenges, which compel individuals to leave their homes in search of better living conditions.

In northern Kenya, families are increasingly migrating from villages with parched fields to urban centers or makeshift camps, as exemplified by the experiences shared by sociologist and economist Julia Fuelscher. She explained that many individuals are moving from regions like Marsabit and Turkana to cities such as Nairobi, or even to Riyadh, where conditions may align more closely with their cultural and religious needs.

The situation is similarly dire in the Lake Chad Basin, where climate change and conflict have created food shortages for over six million people. The region has witnessed a dramatic decrease in the size of Lake Chad, which has shrunk by 90% over the past few decades. This decline has not only displaced populations but has also intensified existing crises, as highlighted by Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria's Minister of Environment.

Lawal pointed out the stark realities of desertification in northern Nigeria, where communities that once thrived on fishing and agriculture are now facing severe hardships due to persistent droughts. The resulting instability has led to a rise in violence and extremist activities, including those associated with Boko Haram.

Desertification, defined as the process through which fertile land loses its productivity, poses a significant challenge in Nigeria's northern regions, particularly in states like Borno and Yobe. The interconnectedness of land degradation and insecurity is evident, as the loss of resources often leads to communal violence, with armed groups exploiting the desperation of affected populations.

As communities are forced to concentrate around diminishing water sources, tensions rise, leading to conflicts exacerbated by groups like Boko Haram, who take advantage of the dire situation. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a Chadian activist, emphasized that when livelihoods are threatened, individuals may resort to dangerous migration routes, risking their lives in search of stability.

In response to the escalating situation, Thiaw called for immediate and decisive action to combat land degradation. He likened the urgency of the situation to that of a medical emergency, urging the need to stop the 'hemorrhage' of land loss before implementing broader restoration strategies. He advocated for increased financial support towards land restoration, agricultural productivity, and measures to reduce migration and conflict.

Initiatives like Africa's Great Green Wall, which aims to restore millions of hectares of degraded land, illustrate the potential for reversing these negative trends and helping to retain populations in their home regions. However, the necessary funding for such projects remains slow to materialize, highlighting the need for greater global commitment to addressing the intertwined challenges of environmental degradation and human displacement.