The 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD), launched at COP16 in Riyadh, aims to revolutionize dryland farming. This initiative is pivotal in addressing water scarcity, desertification, and land degradation. Led by CGIAR, along with ICARDA and ICRISAT, the GSRD prioritizes climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and food security, impacting approximately 2.7 billion people across Asia and Africa.
Drylands are crucial as they support one-third of the global population and nearly half of the world's livestock. They contribute significantly to 44% of food systems worldwide. However, with 20-35% of these areas degraded, immediate intervention is required to restore their productivity.
The 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands serves as a comprehensive framework designed to transform agricultural practices in arid regions. It introduces innovative and sustainable methods aimed at enhancing food security, conserving biodiversity, and fostering resilient livelihoods.
The initiative is spearheaded by CGIAR and its centres, ICARDA and ICRISAT. These organizations leverage over fifty years of expertise in dryland agriculture to implement effective strategies.
The GSRD incorporates advanced technologies such as solar-powered agrivoltaics, improved agroforestry practices, and enhanced livestock feeding techniques. Additionally, it focuses on breeding climate-resilient crops like barley, lentils, chickpeas, and cacti.
Drylands are currently experiencing warming trends that are 20-40% faster than other regions. With 70% of the world's hungry population living in these vulnerable areas, the GSRD offers scalable resilience models that effectively tackle food insecurity and environmental degradation.
The GSRD aims to transform drylands into resilient hubs, providing sustainable solutions that address global food security and environmental challenges. This initiative also empowers vulnerable communities significantly.
This strategy necessitates collaboration among national research organizations, government entities, and private sector partners to ensure successful implementation and sustainability.
The GSRD plays a vital role in mitigating desertification through sustainable land management practices and innovative agricultural technologies, which are crucial in the fight against climate change.
With the expansion of drylands due to climate change, CGIAR is dedicated to creating transformative solutions that support fragile ecosystems and enhance global agricultural resilience. As emphasized, “Sustainable innovation today is the foundation for resilient communities tomorrow.”
Q1. What is the primary goal of the GSRD?
Answer: The GSRD aims to transform dryland agriculture through sustainable practices, improving food security and combating desertification.
Q2. Which organizations are involved in the GSRD?
Answer: The initiative is led by CGIAR, ICARDA, and ICRISAT, leveraging extensive research and expertise in dryland agriculture.
Q3. Why is addressing desertification important?
Answer: Combatting desertification is crucial as it increases food insecurity and exacerbates climate change, affecting vulnerable populations in drylands.
Q4. How does the GSRD promote biodiversity?
Answer: The GSRD promotes biodiversity through conservation strategies that integrate sustainable practices into agrifood systems.
Q5. What technologies does the GSRD utilize?
Answer: Technologies include solar-powered agrivoltaics, advanced agroforestry, improved livestock feeding, and climate-resilient crop breeding.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the 2030 GSRD?
A) Urban agriculture transformation
B) Dryland agricultural innovation
C) Marine conservation strategies
D) Forest management practices
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization is NOT associated with the GSRD?
A) CGIAR
B) ICARDA
C) ICRISAT
D) World Wildlife Fund
Correct Answer: D
Question 3: What percentage of the world's food systems do drylands contribute to?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 44%
D) 55%
Correct Answer: C
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