20.10.2015 Ankara
Speaking at the Sustainable Land Management Business Forum organized as a part of UN Convention to Combat Desertification, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that 4 billion hectares worldwide are in danger of desertification and stated that this is threatening 1.2 billion people with famine and drought. Hisarcıklıoğlu urged the whole world to support the fight against desertification together.
The Sustainable Land Management Business Forum, hosted by TOBB and
organized by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and
the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, was held as a part of the UN
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 12th Session of the
Conference of Parties (COP12) at ATO
Congresium in Ankara.
Speaking at the Forum, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that Turkey is hosting the Conference of Parties which is comprised of 195
countries and represents a global fight against desertification and expressed
his thanks to Minister Veysel Eroğlu for his contributions towards having this
organization held in Turkey.
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that, between 2008 and 2012, 2.5 billion
saplings were planted in the efforts to counter erosion throughout 2.3 million
hectares and that massive projects have been put into motion to irrigate dry
regions in Turkey.
Stressing the importance of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification,
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that 4 billion hectares worldwide are in danger of
desertification and stated that this is threatening 1.2 billion people with
famine and drought, “In summary, combating desertification aims to prevent
humane, economic and social problems from arising in the future. That is why
the UN’s global program is of vital importance for us all.”
- Desertification also affecting
financial activity
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that desertification not only affects people as
individuals through climate change and environmental issues, but also in
regards to economy and financial activities, “This especially burdens the private
sector with additional costs, including sectors such as agriculture, animal
breeding, forestry, fishing, food, textiles, mining and leather working. All
sectors are dependent directly or indirectly on the land either as a source of
resources or as a production field.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are very proud to have hosted this
Business Forum as TOBB, the umbrella organization of the Turkish business
community, and that they would be chairing the Sustainable Land Management
Business Forum until the next Business Forum to be held in 2017.
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the views and suggestions which will be
compiled during the Business Forum will be presented at the G20 Summit which
will be held in Turkey as well as the Conference of Parties Climate Change
Conference to be held in Paris as the “Ankara Declaration” and “Balancing Land
Loss” reports.