Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) 2030

Recent Development:

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) launched the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) during the COP16 summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

About Drylands

• Definition:
  • Areas characterized by water scarcity covering over 40% of Earth’s land surface.
• Global Drylands:
  • Account for 46% of the world’s land area.
  • Support nearly half of livestock and 44% of global food systems.
  • Home to some of the world’s poorest and most climate-vulnerable communities.
• Unique Challenges:
  • Drylands warm at a rate of 20-40% faster than other regions.
  • Factors contributing to dryness:
    • Rising temperatures
    • Soil degradation
    • Unpredictable rainfall patterns
    • Exacerbation of food insecurity

Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD)

1. Objective:
   • Revolutionize dryland agriculture and nurture resilient livelihoods in dryland communities globally.
   • Enhance food security, conserve biodiversity, and build resilient livelihoods for the 2.7 billion people living in drylands, particularly in Asia and Africa.
2. Key Features:
   • A roadmap for ensuring a thriving and resilient future for dryland-dependent communities.
   • Commitment to addressing food and livelihood challenges in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
3. Spearheaded by:
   • International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
   • International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
4. 5 Focus Areas of the Strategy:
   • Adapting agro-food systems to climate change
   • Conserving biodiversity
   • Sustainably managing soil and water resources
   • Promoting healthy diets
   • Fostering inclusive development

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

1. Overview:
   • A global research partnership focused on a food-secure future by transforming food, land, and water systems amid the climate crisis.
2. Significance:
   • World’s largest public global agricultural innovation network.
3. Established:
   • 1971
   • Headquarters: France
4. Mission:
   • Reducing poverty
   • Enhancing food and nutrition security
   • Improving natural resource management
5. Operations:
   • Collaborates with partners across six major regions globally.

Significance of GSRD 2030

• Resilience Building:
  • Helps communities adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.
• Food Security:
  • Enhances the capacity of drylands to meet the nutritional needs of millions.
• Biodiversity Conservation:
  • Focuses on preserving dryland ecosystems while improving productivity.
• Inclusive Development:
  • Encourages equitable participation and benefits for marginalized communities.
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Promotes sustainable management of soil and water resources.