Page 46 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Evaluation of Desertification and Erosion Combat Efforts With Regards to
Paris Agreement Commitments and Net Zero Emission 2053 Targets

Pursuant to the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2016, erosion control and
afforestation studies gained momentum again. Significant progress was made
with the steps taken during this process and the activities after 2018 continued at
a slower pace as a reflection of intensive efforts in the previous years. The effects
of Türkiye’s accession to the Paris Agreement in 2021 and the net zero emission
targets announced in 2022 will be felt more clearly in the coming period.

The cooperation between public institutions in the fight against desertification
and erosion and the strategic plans developed at the international level have
been designed to contribute to Türkiye’s achievement of the 2053 net zero
emission targets. Besides, strengthening the local participation and governance
processes in the combat against desertification is an indispensable element
for achieving success. Türkiye’s strategic plans provide a balanced cooperation
between scientific approaches and local practices, which promotes the
effectiveness of the combat with desertification and erosion.
The strategic approaches examined within the scope of the study are not
limited to the prevention of desertification and erosion, but also contribute
to sustainable land management through wide-ranging approaches such as
improving ecosystems, minimising the effects of drought and reducing the
amount of soil transported by erosion. These strategies include concrete
steps to enhance carbon sinks and preserve biodiversity in accordance with
the Paris Agreement, while forming an important basis for reaching Türkiye’s
2053 net zero targets.
In particular, modern approaches such as nature-based solutions and green
infrastructure support the ecological transformation envisaged by the Paris
Agreement. Furthermore, monitoring and improving soil health and dynamic
erosion modelling systems strengthen policy-making processes based on
scientific data. Thus, increasing economic and social resilience is achieved
both by combating climate change and increasing social awareness.
In conclusion, Türkiye’s struggle against desertification and erosion
continues in compliance with the country’s long-term environmental strategies.
This struggle will play a significant role in fulfilling Türkiye’s obligations under
the Paris Agreement. In line with the 2053 Net Zero Emission target, more
comprehensive steps should be taken to increase afforestation, sustainable
agriculture, water management and carbon sequestration capacities.
Türkiye should develop more holistic, sustainable and innovative policies
with regards to combating desertification and erosion while maintaining
the existing measures, in order to be successful in this struggle. The
effective implementation of these strategies will contribute to both ensuring
environmental sustainability and achieving Türkiye’s global climate goals.

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Special Issue / 2024