Arid lands and Climate change Peter Holmgren, FAO 11 December 2009

Soil Carbon Question: Increasing the stock of carbon in the soil is being put up as an important strategy for carbon sequestration. How far can this work in the dry lands? Drylands are vast and hold a significant proportion of global soil carbon (15%). Through desertification control and land restoration a mean of 1.4 Gt C/yr can be sequestered for a 25 to 50-year period. Sustainable land management (SLM) in degraded and non-degraded dryland areas is key to avoiding further carbon loss through desertification.

Afforestation Question: Does afforestation offer a viable opportunity for averting the climate related disasters in arid lands? Afforestation is offering good benefits to mitigation But is often not recommended for adaptation, as it may increase vulnerability to desertification and climate change (e.g. water depletion, cost of land resources). Agroforestry is much preferred, as it provides more win-win benefits. (biodiversity, livestock, soil quality/fertility, fuel wood)

REDD and AFOLU Question: Where are the major opportunities for mitigation in arid land ecosystems? What prospects REDD+ and AFOLU can offer within the context of Kyoto climate change framework? CDM is not suitable to drylands REDD presents some possibilities Existing incentive mechanisms are not well targeted to poor drylands. Aim for simpler mechanisms, combined with other development funds, aiming at SLM adoption and upscaling, at the field level

Livelihoods Question: Most of the countries having the most severe forms of aridity and facing the most impact in terms of human suffering are poor. What prospects of resources for sequestering carbon and at the same time ensure sustainable livelihoods? Mitigation should not be pursued in isolation, even if they offer attractive economical incentives. Win win SLM programs (combating desertification , alleviating rural poverty , increase food security, adapting and mitigating climate change) should be promoted and upscaled.

REDD (or even CC) is not isolated GLOBAL OBJECTIVES + Human rights, Health, Trade, Education, ..... REDD UNFCCC “Carbon” Biodiversity CBD “Species” Food Security WSFS “Calories” National -> International National -> Local LOCAL REALITIES