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June 3rd Week 

Desertification and its impact and Sustainable solutions

In news

This year’s World Environment Day campaign focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. Land restoration is a key pillar of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a global initiative to protect and revive ecosystems. This effort is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience worldwide. 

World Environment Day 2024 : When: 5th June 2024 Theme: Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience Host: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Desertification: Desertification is the process where fertile land becomes increasingly arid and unproductive, often due to climate change and human activities like deforestation and unsustainable agriculture, without necessarily forming new deserts.

Causes of Desertification:

1. Deforestation and Overgrazing:

• Overgrazing: Intensive grazing by livestock exceeds the land's carrying capacity, leading to soil erosion and reduced vegetation cover.
• Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, fuelwood, and urbanization destabilizes ecosystems, making land vulnerable to erosion and degradation.

2. Climate Change:

• Drought and Changes in Rainfall Patterns: Reduced precipitation and unpredictable rainfall exacerbate soil dryness and degradation, accelerating desertification.
• Temperature Extremes: Increasing temperatures enhance evaporation rates, drying out soils and vegetation, thereby promoting desertification.

3. Unsustainable Agricultural Practices:

• Monoculture Farming: Continuous cultivation of one crop depletes soil nutrients, reduces biodiversity, and increases soil vulnerability to erosion.
• Poor Irrigation Practices: Improper irrigation techniques, such as excessive water use or inefficient irrigation systems, can lead to salinization and waterlogging of soils, contributing to desertification.

4. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development:

• Land Degradation: Construction of roads, buildings, and infrastructure alters natural landscapes, leading to soil compaction, erosion, and loss of vegetation cover. .
• Water Scarcity: Increased water demand for urban use reduces availability for agriculture and natural ecosystems, exacerbating desertification.

5. Soil Erosion:

• Wind and Water Erosion: Loss of vegetation cover due to natural or human-induced factors exposes soils to wind and water erosion, leading to desertification.

Impacts of Desertification:

1. Environmental Impacts:

• Loss of Biodiversity: Desertification reduces vegetation cover, leading to habitat loss and endangering plant and animal species.

Example: The Sahel region in Africa has seen declines in wildlife populations due to habitat degradation.

• Soil Degradation: Increased soil erosion and reduced fertility diminish agricultural productivity and disrupt ecosystems.

Example: Soil salinization in the Aral Sea region has rendered large areas unsuitable for farming.

• Water Scarcity: Desertification reduces water availability as aquifers dry up and surface water sources diminish, affecting communities and ecosystems.

Example: The depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States due to agricultural overuse exacerbates desertification.

2. Socio-economic Impacts:

• Loss of Livelihoods: Declining agricultural productivity and loss of grazing lands force rural communities to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods.

Example: Pastoralists in the Horn of Africa face challenges due to shrinking grazing areas.

• Food Insecurity: Reduced agricultural yields and unreliable food production lead to food shortages and hunger in affected regions.

Example: Parts of sub-Saharan Africa experience chronic food insecurity due to desertification.

• Conflict and Migration: Competition over dwindling resources, such as water and fertile land, can escalate tensions and drive internal displacement and migration.

Example: Conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan has been exacerbated by competition over diminishing resources.

3. Health Impacts:

• Respiratory Diseases: Increased dust and particulate matter from eroded soils contribute to respiratory illnesses among local populations.

Example: Dust storms in the Middle East lead to respiratory problems among residents.

• Water-related Diseases: Water scarcity and poor water quality increase the prevalence of waterborne diseases in affected communities.

Example: In parts of Central Asia, contaminated water sources contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.

4. Climate Change Feedbacks:

• Carbon Sequestration: Reduced vegetation cover diminishes the capacity of ecosystems to sequester carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

Example: Deforestation and desertification in the Amazon rainforest release stored carbon into the atmosphere.

• Feedback Loop: Climate change exacerbates desertification through increased temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, creating a feedback loop of environmental degradation.

Example: The expansion of desert areas in North Africa and the Middle East accelerates due to climate change impacts.

Initiatives to combat desertification:

Global level:

1. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

The UNCCD, established in 1994, is the primary international agreement addressing land degradation and desertification. It aims to:

• Promote sustainable land management
• Restore degraded land
• Improve living conditions for people in drylands

Key initiatives under UNCCD include:

• Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets
• The Global Land Outlook
• The Drought Initiative

2. The Bonn Challenge: It is launched in 2011

The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to:

• Restore 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2020
• Restore 350 million hectares by 2030

3. The Great Green Wall Initiative:

This African-led movement aims to:

• Grow an 8,000 km natural barrier across the width of Africa
• Combat desertification in the Sahel region
• Restore degraded landscapes and transform millions of lives

4. The 4 per 1000 Initiative: It is Launched at the COP21 in Paris, this initiative focuses on:

• Increasing soil organic carbon content by 0.4% per year
• Improving soil fertility and agricultural production
• Mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration

5. The FAO's Global Soil Partnership:

This partnership works to:

• Promote sustainable soil management
• Improve soil governance
• Raise awareness about soil health

6. The Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative:

This global initiative aims to:

• Raise awareness about the economic benefits of sustainable land management
• Provide a global approach for analysis of land degradation

7. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Land Degradation Focal Area:

The GEF supports projects that:

• Address desertification and deforestation
• Promote sustainable land management in production systems

8. The World Bank's Landscape Restoration Initiative:

This initiative focuses on:

• Restoring degraded landscapes
• Improving livelihoods through sustainable land management

9. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030):

This global movement aims to:

• Prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide
• Raise awareness and promote action on ecosystem restoration

10. REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation):

While primarily focused on forests, REDD+ also contributes to combating land degradation by:

• Providing incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands
• Promoting sustainable forest management

Indian Initiatives:

1. Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India

• Published by Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this atlas provides comprehensive data on the extent of land degradation and desertification in India.
• It aids in planning and implementing restoration schemes by offering crucial data and technical inputs.

2. Online Portal for Visualization of Degraded Land

• Developed with support from SAC, Ahmedabad, this portal facilitates visualization of degraded land areas and processes causing degradation, aiding in monitoring and planning restoration efforts.

3. Centre of Excellence at Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun

• Established to enhance South-South cooperation, this center promotes knowledge sharing, best practices in sustainable land management, and capacity building.
• It aims to develop transformative projects and programs based on India's experiences.

4. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)

• Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), IWMP focuses on rainfed and degraded lands.
• Activities include ridge area treatment, soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, and livelihood development, promoting sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience.

5. Desert Development Programme (DDP)

• Launched to mitigate drought impacts and rejuvenate natural resources in hot and cold desert areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
• Managed by the Ministry of Rural Development, it aims to enhance livelihoods and reduce desertification risks.

6. National Afforestation Programme (NAP)

• Implemented since 2000 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NAP focuses on afforestation of degraded forest lands.
• It aims to restore ecological balance, enhance forest cover, and mitigate desertification risks.

7. National Mission for Green India (GIM)

• Launched to protect, restore, and enhance forest cover through plantation activities in forest and non-forest areas.
• It supports states and union territories in creating plantations and improving green cover to combat land degradation.

8. National Action Programme to Combat Desertification

• Prepared in 2001 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, this program addresses increasing desertification risks.
• It includes policy measures, capacity building initiatives, and implementation strategies to combat land degradation.

9. Soil Conservation in River Valley Projects and Flood Prone Rivers

• Implemented since 2000 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this scheme aims to improve soil conditions and productivity in alkali soils.
• It focuses on restoring optimal crop production through soil conservation measures.

10. National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)

• Undertakes demand-driven research projects focusing on land reclamation, soil conservation, watershed management, and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
• It promotes resilience against climate change impacts

Way forward:

1. Enhanced Monitoring and Assessment

• Strengthen the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India with regular updates and improved methodologies for accurate assessment.
• Integrate satellite data and ground-based monitoring to enhance monitoring capabilities and identify degradation hotspots promptly.

2. Policy Frameworks and Implementation

• Develop and enforce robust policy frameworks at national and state levels to address desertification and land degradation.
• Ensure coordination among ministries, state governments, and local authorities for effective implementation of policies and programs.

3. Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices

• Encourage agroecological approaches such as organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture to improve soil health and productivity.
• Implement soil conservation techniques like terracing, contour farming, and mulching to prevent erosion and soil degradation.

4. Integrated Watershed Management

• Expand Integrated Watershed Management Programmes (IWMP) to cover more rainfed and degraded lands.
• Focus on community-based approaches, water harvesting, and afforestation to restore ecosystem functions and enhance resilience to climate change.

5. Investment in Research and Innovation

• Support research institutions and universities to develop innovative solutions for desertification prevention and land restoration.
• Promote collaborative research projects on soil conservation, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable land management practices.

6. Capacity Building and Awareness

• Conduct training programs and workshops for farmers, local communities, and policymakers on sustainable land management practices.
• Raise awareness about the impacts of desertification and the importance of ecosystem restoration through education and outreach campaigns.

7. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

• Strengthen partnerships with international organizations, research institutions, and neighboring countries for knowledge exchange and best practice sharing.
• Participate actively in global initiatives such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to leverage international expertise and resources.

8. Incentives for Restoration Initiatives

• Provide financial incentives, subsidies, and grants for farmers and landowners adopting sustainable land management practices.
• Establish green financing mechanisms and investment incentives for private sector engagement in desertification control and restoration projects.

9. Empowerment of Local Communities

• Engage local communities, including indigenous peoples and women, in decision-making processes and implementation of desertification control measures.
• Foster community ownership of land restoration projects through participatory approaches and capacity building.

10. Utilization of Technology

• Harness advances in remote sensing, GIS (Geographical Information System), and data analytics for early warning systems and precision land management.

 

• Promote the use of climate-resilient technologies and digital tools for monitoring, planning, and implementing desertification control strategies.

Citations:

https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/theme-host https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946401 https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1813173 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1946401#:~:text=ha%20by%202030%20has%20been,%2D12%20to%202021%2D22.

G7 grouping

In news

Prime Minister participates in the Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy today. He congratulated the Group on its 50th anniversary milestone.

G7 grouping : Evolution of the G7 The Group of Seven (G7) has transformed significantly since its inception, evolving from an economic forum to a platform addressing diverse global challenges.. Members and Participants Comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the United States, the G7 represents the world's largest advanced economies. Russia's inclusion in 1998 expanded it to the G8, later suspended in 2014 due to geopolitical tensions. Administrative Structure The G7 lacks a permanent administrative body. Annually rotating presidency facilitates coordination and serves as a temporary secretariat. Throughout the year, ministers and officials convene to discuss and form agreements on global issues, culminating in a summit that influences global governance and decision-making through joint communiqués.

Key highlights of 50th G7 summit: 1. Food Security and Nutrition: The G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative (AFSI) aims to address structural barriers to food security and nutrition through intensified efforts. 2. Infrastructure Investment: The Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) seeks to mobilize up to USD 600 billion by 2027 for infrastructure projects in developing countries, promoting public-private partnerships. 3. Transportation Networks: Promotion of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) aims to establish a comprehensive rail, road, and sea network connecting these regions, enhancing economic connectivity. 4. Environmental and Technological Goals: Initiatives like the Great Green Wall to combat desertification in Africa and efforts to enhance AI governance highlight G7 commitments to environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

India's Importance at the G7 Summit:

1. Geopolitical Significance:

• India's strategic location and influence in South Asia contribute to regional stability.
• Its partnerships with G7 nations on security issues, such as counterterrorism, are crucial.
• For instance, collaborations like the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) underscore its role in Indo-Pacific security.

2. Economic Influence:

• As one of the world's largest economies, India offers a significant market and investment destination. In 2023, India's GDP growth rate was 6.9%, showcasing its economic resilience and potential for global trade partnerships.

3. Climate and Environment:

• India is pivotal in global climate discussions due to its substantial population and environmental impact.
• Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, promote renewable energy adoption across developing countries.

4. Innovation and Technology:

• India's robust IT sector and advancements in space technology, exemplified by ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission, highlight its contributions to global technological advancements and cyber security efforts.

5. Development and Global Challenges:

• India's experience in poverty alleviation, exemplified by initiatives like the Aadhaar biometric identity system, offers insights into addressing global development challenges.
• Its healthcare innovations, such as affordable vaccine production, are critical for global health security.

G7's Importance for India:

1.Economic Collaboration:

• India's trade with G7 countries totaled over $280 billion USD in 2021, underscoring substantial economic ties.
• Initiatives like the India-Japan-US trilateral partnership promote investments in infrastructure and technology sectors, fostering economic growth.

2.Strategic Partnerships:

• Engagement with G7 enhances India's security capabilities through joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.
• Collaborations with countries like the US and France strengthen India's role in Indo-Pacific security architecture.

3.Climate Action and Environment:

• Participation in G7 climate discussions aligns India's policies with global standards, demonstrating commitment to sustainable development.
• Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance promote renewable energy adoption, with India targeting a reduction in emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030.

4.Technological Advancement:

• Collaborations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital innovation with G7 nations enhance India's technological prowess.
• Partnerships with the UK and Germany drive advancements in industry 4.0 technologies and digital infrastructure.

5.Development Support:

• G7 platforms provide developmental assistance through initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Financial support and expertise from G7 countries contribute to India's infrastructure projects, healthcare advancements, and poverty alleviation efforts.

Challenges faced by India in balancing relations between the West, China - Russia:

1.Geopolitical Dynamics:

• Strategic Alliances:
• Maintaining strong ties with both Western democracies and Russia, amidst their geopolitical rivalry, poses diplomatic challenges.
• India's participation in BRICS exemplifies its balancing act between the West and Russia.

2.Economic Interests

• Trade Dependencies:
• India's economic engagement with China and Russia, particularly in sectors like energy and technology, influences its diplomatic stance.
• For instance, India's reliance on Russian arms deals contrasts with its economic ties with Western tech firms.

3.Security Concerns

• Border Disputes:
• Managing border disputes with China while maintaining security cooperation with Western allies, like the Quad initiative, complicates India's strategic balancing.
• The Ladakh standoff underscores India's delicate security dynamics.

4.Multilateral Diplomacy

• Global Forums:
• Participation in multilateral forums like the SCO and G20 requires India to navigate divergent interests between Western powers and China-Russia alliances.
• India's role in global climate negotiations showcases its diplomatic maneuvering.

Way Forward for G7 and India Collaboration:

• Trade and Investment: Enhance bilateral trade agreements and investment partnerships to foster economic growth and resilience.

Example: Strengthening technology and innovation collaborations between Indian startups and G7 tech firms.

• Renewable Energy: Collaborate on clean energy projects and technologies to mitigate climate change impacts.

Example: Joint initiatives in solar energy research and development.

• Pandemic Preparedness: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and coordinate on global health emergencies.

Example: Collaborative efforts in vaccine production and distribution during health crises.

• Regional Stability: Work together to address regional security challenges and promote peace.

 Example: Joint naval exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.

Citations:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025450#:~:text=Prime%20Minister%20participates%20in%20the,Mediterranean%20at%20the%20G7%20Summit&text=Prime%20Minister%20Shri%20Narendra%20Modi,Summit%20in%20Apulia%2C%20Italy%20today. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025451 https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/g7-summit-2024-highlighs-june-14-2024/article68287945.ece

Significance of AYUSH and its Benefits

In news The first exclusive all-India survey on ‘Ayush’ was conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) from July 2022 to June 2023, as part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS). This survey covered the entire Indian Union, excluding a few inaccessible villages in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

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Key Findings of the Survey: Approximately 95% of rural and 96% of urban respondents are aware of Ayush. At least one member is aware of Medicinal Plants/Home remedies/Local Health Tradition/Folk medicine in about 85% of rural and 86% of urban households. Around 46% of rural and 53% of urban individuals used Ayush for prevention or treatment of ailments in the past 365 days. Ayurveda is the most commonly used system across both rural and urban areas for treatment. Ayush is predominantly used for rejuvenation and preventive measures.

AYUSH:

Introduction: AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It is an umbrella term used to represent the traditional and alternative systems of medicine practiced in India.

1. Ayurveda:

• Definition: A holistic healing system based on balancing the body's energies (doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
• Practices: Includes herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, detoxification (Panchakarma), and lifestyle advice.
• Significance: Aims to maintain health and wellness by preventing diseases and promoting physical, mental, and spiritual balance.

2. Yoga and Naturopathy:

• Yoga:
  • Definition: A spiritual and ascetic discipline including breath control, meditation, and bodily postures.
  • Benefits: Enhances physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
• Naturopathy:
  • Definition: A system of alternative medicine emphasizing natural treatments and the body's innate healing ability.
  • Practices: Includes diet and lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, and therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

3. Unani:

• Definition: A traditional system of medicine influenced by Greek, Arabic, and Islamic medical knowledge.
• Principles: Based on the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and the balance between them.
• Treatments: Herbal remedies, dietary practices, and physical therapies.

4. Siddha:

• Definition: An ancient system of medicine originating in South India.
• Principles: Focuses on the balance of three humors (Vaadham, Pittham, and Kabam) and uses a variety of herbs and minerals.
• Practices: Includes dietary regulations, physical exercises, and special treatments for rejuvenation and longevity.

5. Homeopathy:

• Definition: A system of alternative medicine based on the principle of "like cures like" (Similia Similibus Curentur).
• Treatments: Uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body's natural healing processes.
• Approach: Focuses on individualized treatment and holistic health.

Government Initiatives for AYUSH in 2023:

1.Healthcare Infrastructure Development:

National Ayush Mission: The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) supported state and UT governments in developing AYUSH healthcare infrastructure. Notable achievements include:

• Upgradation of 12,500 health facilities into AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat.
• Construction or sanctioning of 819 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres.
• Approval for the construction of over 100 AYUSH pharmacies and more than 50 AYUSH hospitals.

• Department of Integrative Medicine: Inauguration at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, offering services in specialty OPD, Panchakarma Therapy, and diet consultation.

2.Research and Development:

• Advanced R&D through AYUSH: Collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) for personalized preventive and predictive medicine, including studies on Ayurveda Prakriti and genome sequencing.
• SMART Program: Launched by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to boost scientific research in Ayurveda.
• Integrative Health Research: An MoU between the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote integrative health research and conduct high-quality clinical trials.
• Effective Documentation: Creation of an extensive online repository of 41,743 research publications on the AYUSH research portal, managed by CCRAS.

3.Global Expansion and Collaboration

• Chintan Shivir: A roadmap for AYUSH's future, focusing on digital health, strategy, challenges, and collaboration.
• G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration: Inclusion of traditional medicine in the declaration, highlighting its role in global health.
• First SCO Conference: Generated Rs 590 crores in trade interest, showcasing the international market potential of AYUSH products.
• WHO Collaboration: Signing of a Project Collaboration Agreement with WHO to enhance traditional and complementary medicine standards globally.
• Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: Co-hosted by the Ministry of AYUSH and WHO, resulting in the Gujarat Declaration, emphasizing traditional medicine's importance in universal health coverage.

4.Educational Reforms and Standards:

• AyurTech at IIT Jodhpur: Establishment of the AyurTech Center under the Centre of Excellence scheme, focusing on AI-driven integrative frameworks for precision health interventions.
• ISO Standards: Creation of a dedicated vertical for AYUSH at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), publishing seven AYUSH-related Indian standards and developing 53 more.
• Ayush in ICD-11: Inclusion of AYUSH morbidity and standardized codes in the second module of the Traditional Medicine Chapter of ICD-11.

5.Promotion and Awareness

• International Day of Yoga: The 9th edition set two world records for participation, including a Guinness record at the UN Headquarters, promoting yoga globally.
• Ayush Visa for Medical Value Travel: Introduction of a special visa scheme for foreigners seeking treatment under the Indian system of medicines, boosting medical tourism..

6.Regional Development

• Focus on North-East Development: Accelerating socio-economic development in the North-East region through infrastructure development and various summits and conferences, including:
  • Sanctioning and construction of AYUSH healthcare facilities.
  • Financial assistance for educational institutions.
  • Hosting the first B2B conference on traditional medicine in Guwahati, Assam

Conclusion :

The Ministry of AYUSH marked a transformative year, showcasing its global influence and commitment to traditional medicine. Through strategic initiatives in healthcare infrastructure, research and development, global collaboration, educational reforms, and promotion, AYUSH has strengthened its role in enhancing healthcare on both national and international levels.

CITATIONS:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1991441#:~:text=Ayush%20Visa%20boosting%20Medical%20Value,System%2FIndian%20System%20of%20Medicines. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025076