Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) conference in Mongolia recognized three land restoration programs aiming to restore nearly 5 million hectares by 2030. UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad stated that these initiatives show the effectiveness of investing in nature for resilience, livelihoods, and community benefits.
Brazil's project, Restoring Brazil's Cerrado Savannah, focuses on reviving one of the world’s most biodiverse tropical savannahs, which has lost over half of its native vegetation due to land conversion and climate change. The initiative involves more than 180 partners across nine states, using methods like natural regeneration, direct seeding, restoration, and agroforestry with native species. So far, over 27,000 hectares have been restored and seeds from over 150 native plant species have been used. The goal is to restore 2 million hectares by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s National Greening Programme supports nationwide goals to restore 40 million hectares and plant 10 billion trees by 2100. To date, the program has restored 1 million hectares and planted 159 million trees. Activities include reforestation, controlled grazing, reintroduction of native wildlife, rainwater harvesting, and using treated wastewater for arid landscapes. By 2030, targets include restoring 2.5 million hectares and planting 215 million trees, which may create up to 187,000 jobs and improve urban air quality.
In the Sahel region, the program addresses conflict, land degradation, drought, and climate instability, focusing on restoring land and improving food security. The UN remains committed to global goals to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, noting land degradation, drought, and ecosystem loss as major factors threatening food and water security and economic stability.
According to the UNCCD chief, these projects demonstrate that land restoration is now a key element of sustainable development and livelihoods worldwide.