05 Aug 2013 Press release Energy

UN and Partners Renew Efforts to Support Green Economy Projects in Deserts and Drylands

Kubuqi (China) / Nairobi, 05 August 2013 - Tackling desertification and harnessing the economic opportunities from renewable energy, desert tourism and other sustainable development projects in drylands are the focus of new agreements signed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners in China.

Renewed collaboration between UNEP, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Beijing-based Elion Foundation was announced at the conclusion of the Kubuqi International Desert Forum - the only international forum dedicated to supporting the green development of the world's deserts, held in Inner Mongolia.

The Elion Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports desertification control, local community development and education in the Kubuqi region (China's seventh largest desert) and beyond.

UNEP signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Foundation that aim to improve the management of dryland ecosystems.

Collaboration will include support for pilot projects in China, Mongolia, and other countries in Central Asia, including payment for ecosystem services projects, as well as investments in initiatives to improve the sharing of knowledge, technology and data on desertification between developing countries.

The Elion Foundation is associated with the Elion Resources Group, which is active in a number of desert-based industries including the cultivation of plants for the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and renewable energy.

"Desertification continues to be an important challenge for China, but investments by government and the private sector have led to some major successes, including the reversal of desertification trends in some regions," said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

"As demonstrated by companies attending this forum, there are major economic opportunities in a desert green economy. By investing in natural capital, ecological restoration projects and clean technologies, businesses can tap into new markets in desert tourism, renewable energy and other sectors. When managed sustainably, such actions can stem the tide of desertification, and support healthy, productive ecosystems in the world's drylands," added Mr. Steiner.

During the Kubuqi International Desert Forum, UNEP led a special session for Chinese entrepreneurs entitled Investing in Natural Capital to Create Corporate Value. The event included a presentation of UNEP's recent GEO-5 for Business report.

Launched in June 2013, the study shows how changes in the global environment - from desertification and climate change, to pollution and extreme weather events - will have a rising impact on operating costs, markets for products, the availability of raw materials, and the reputation of businesses across the globe.

Such environmental changes, says the UNEP report, can also provide opportunities for businesses to adopt greener business models, and come up with innovate products to meet the growing demand for sustainable technologies, investments and services.

During the Forum, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner also held a bilateral meeting with Wan Gang, China's Minister of Science and Technology, and Zhao Shucong, Minister of State Forestry Administration.

In China, over 2.6 million square kilometres of land are affected by desertification - equivalent to over quarter of the country's total territory and home to over 400 million people. Impacts on communities include dust storms, and the loss of farmland.

On a global level, around one third of the world's population is impacted by desertification and drought. According to the UNCCD, a lack of collective action on desertification could lead to enhanced global risks from conflict, forced migrations and food and water insecurity.

Over 300 delegates from governments, businesses, and environmental organizations attended Kubuqi International Desert Forum, including Yukio Hatoyama, Former Prime Minister of Japan, and Mike Moore, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

UNCCD Executive Secretary Luc Gnacadja signed a five-year strategic cooperation plan with the Elion Foundation at the event to facilitate international efforts to combat desertification.

Notes to Editors

China is one of over 30 countries currently availing of UNEP's Green Economy Advisory Services. The support package consists of policy advice, technical assistance and capacity building provided to governments in support of their national and regional initiatives to transform and revitalize their economies. More information is available at: www.unep.org/greeneconomy

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) website: http://www.unccd.int