The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has partnered with the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) to release a new policy guide: “Harmony in action for land restoration” advocates for a holistic approach that integrates disaster risk finance and insurance into land restoration projects, alongside social protection and financial inclusion. This approach aims to create a more sustainable future for vulnerable communities and landscapes by addressing the risks of climate- and weather-related events.
The guide emphasizes the critical role of disaster risk finance and insurance instruments. These tools can provide much-needed financial support in the event of climate- and weather-related events that cause devastation, protecting the progress achieved through land restoration efforts. This safeguards investments in land restoration, social protection programs, and financial inclusion initiatives. Imagine a community that has invested in drought-resistant crops, only to see their work destroyed by an extreme flood event. Disaster risk finance and insurance can offer financial protection, allowing the community to recover and rebuild.
Furthermore, the guide highlights the importance of financial inclusion, which empowers local communities by providing access to credit, savings, and insurance products. Affordable insurance, specifically designed for land restoration projects, can be a game-changer. It allows individuals and communities to invest in land restoration with greater peace of mind, knowing they are protected against unforeseen climate- and weather-related events. This not only fosters long-term sustainability but also creates a more resilient future for those who depend on the land.