Keynote from UNU-LRT at a panel discussion on land degradation in New York

The Programme Director of UNU-LRT, Dr Hafdis Hanna Aegisdottir, was the key-note speaker at a panel discussion organized by the Permanent Mission of Iceland and the Group of Friends on Decertification, Land Degradation and Drought, in partnership with UNCCD, FAO and IAEA, in New York on 28 February.

The panel discussion was planned in connection with the United Nations work on sustainable development goals (SDGs) which will build upon the Millennium Development Goals and merge with the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Iceland, along with other states, has accentuated the need for a  goal that addresses the importance of combating land degradation and desertification, restoring degraded land and building capacity in this important field.

In her speech, Dr Aegisdottir went over the Icelandic experience on restoration of degraded land which transcends over hundred years. She emphasized the importance of capacity building within the field in order for it to succeed. In the meeting the importance of unity among nations to a progressive objective on restoration of degraded land and combating desertification was also discussed. It is not only a concern for particular countries but a question of securing continuing ecosystem services by natural systems which are essential to secure food security for all.

On the picture (from left to right): Mr Geoffrey Shaw (IAEA), Dr Hafdis Hanna Aegisdottir (UNU-LRT), Mr Melchiade Bukuru (UNCCD), H. E. Ms Greta Gunnarsdottir (Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations), Dr Javíer Molína (FAO) and Mr Halit Çevik (Ambassador of Turkey).