FAO calls for global action to combat dust storms at intl.
conference in Tehran

To tackle the rising issue of sand and dust storms (SDS),
which affect over 150 countries across the world, coordinated global efforts
are crucial, said AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and
Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa at the International
Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran.

Held on 9-10 September 2023, the Conference was organized by
the Iranian Department of Environment (DOE) based on resolution number A77571
of the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, with the support of the United
Nations. The event brought together representatives from more than 50
countries, highlighting the urgency of tackling SDS on a global scale.

In his address on behalf of the United Nations Coalition on
Combating Sand and Dust Storms, Elwaer emphasized the transboundary nature of
SDSs, which affects over 150 countries and poses substantial threats to human
health, food security, transportation, energy, and the environment. He pointed
out that the economic losses resulting from a single SDS event can reach
hundreds of millions of dollars, further underlining the urgency of the matter.

Elwaer highlighted the role of climate change in
exacerbating SDS hazards, with changes in temperature and precipitation levels
leading to drought and degrading vegetation cover. These impacts
disproportionately affect farmers and communities reliant on natural resources
for their livelihoods, making it essential to develop sustainable practices and
policies.

To address this critical issue, the United Nations Coalition
on Combating Sand and Dust Storms was established in 2019, comprising 19 UN
agencies and non-UN organizations. Currently chaired by FAO, the Coalition is
mandated to promote knowledge exchange, dialogue, capacity building, and global
action against SDS.

Moreover, he emphasized the importance of implementing the
Coalition's strategy and action plan to mobilize political will and resources
and strengthen global cooperation. He stressed the need for international collaboration
to mitigate the source and reduce the impact of SDS on people, societies, and
economies.

In closing, Elwaer expressed hope that the International
Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms to achieve great success and
reiterated FAO's commitment to fostering cooperation among Coalition members
and countries. He called for continued efforts in sustainable land, soil, and
water management to protect health, livelihoods, and food security.

As the international community comes together to address the
challenges posed by sand and dust storms, the FAO and the United Nations
Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms stand ready to support countries in
their efforts to combat SDS and reduce its impact on various sectors, he
concluded.