Fiji is actively participating in the 23rd session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC 23), taking place from December 1 to 5. This important meeting concentrates on critical issues such as enhancing land degradation neutrality and increasing resilience to drought, which are particularly urgent for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Amena Banuve, the Director of the Land Resource Planning and Development Division, highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by SIDS like Fiji, where land degradation poses significant threats to food, water, and energy security. During the session, she emphasized that CRIC 23 serves as a vital platform for member parties of the UN Convention to review their progress and formulate recommendations in preparation for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17), scheduled for August 2026.
The agenda at CRIC 23 includes critical discussions focused on monitoring neutrality commitments, enhancing drought management strategies, and shaping the post-2030 framework for the UNCCD. Furthermore, Banuve pointed out the significance of addressing gender considerations and the impact of sand and dust storms within the context of these discussions.
Banuve underscored the necessity for sustainable management of land resources, calling for targeted support to meet the unique challenges SIDS face. In addition to the main sessions, Fiji’s delegation is actively participating in side events and regional consultations to ensure that the voices of island nations are adequately represented in the final recommendations arising from CRIC 23. This engagement reflects Fiji’s commitment to tackling land degradation and fostering a sustainable future amidst the unique challenges it faces as a small island nation.
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