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UN: Countries need to invest more in drylands
21.10.2011 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Delegates at a conference on combating desertification have agreed on a blueprint to step up efforts to protect and revitalize drylands.
An estimated two billion people worldwide depend on drylands and their degradation is threatening their livelihoods.
Drylands cover 40% of the world’s land surface.
With 10% of the world’s dryland ecosystems already degraded - putting at risk the social and economic well-being of millions of people - United Nations agencies have agreed to step up their efforts to protect and revitalize drylands.
Unsustainable land and water use are among the factors driving the degradation of deserts, grasslands, savannahs and other drylands which cover an estimated 40% of the world’s land area and support around two billion people.
According to the report launched today, increased investment in drylands, strengthened links between science and policy, and diversified livelihoods for communities to relieve pressure on natural resources are among the solutions to realize the potential of drylands.
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