World Leaders Pledge $1.3 Billion to Stop Global Land Degradation

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia – Delegates from member states of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification concluded a major summit here on Friday, securing a $1.3 billion pledge for green projects aimed at reversing the damage done to the planet’s soil. The conference, COP17, was held to find both practical solutions and financial backing to address a crisis that already affects 40% of the Earth’s land surface. That degraded land—soil stripped of nutrients, water, and life—threatens food security, water supplies, and the livelihoods of billions of people. The newly pledged funds are earmarked for projects designed to restore these vital ecosystems. While the pledge marks a significant financial commitment, experts note that reversing desertification will require sustained international cooperation and long-term investment beyond this single round of funding.