During the ministerial meeting as part of the so-called High-Level Segment, Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek stressed that significant areas on all continents are subject to degradation and desertification, and that this is due to the urban sprawl and deforestation, as well as climate change.

He also pointed out that the new model of development for Poland outlined in the Responsible Development Strategy aims to meet the challenges in these areas. As he pointed out, Poland wants to focus on protecting and improving the quality of the environment through biodiversity and soil protection, as well as other means.

“Poland has one of the highest biodiversity rates across the continent. This is a result of the preservation of unique landscapes, focusing on extensive agriculture and the dominance of state ownership in forest management structure,” he added.

The Vice-Minister also pointed out that nearly 40% of Polish territory is subject to environmental protection, and nearly 30% is covered by forests. He also highlighted that further expansion of woodland areas is planned as part of appropriate programmes.

“Conducting multifunctional and sustainable forest management guarantees preserving the natural richness of Polish forests. Our country carries out a wide range of activities in the field of forest ecosystem restoration, such as afforestation, restoration, conservation of resources and genetic diversity, reconstruction of stands or small retention in forests. We have a lot of experience in this field and we are more than willing to share it,” he stressed.

The Vice-Minister of Environment also mentioned the comprehensive programme of adaptation of forests and forestry to climate change, which is underway in Poland. Its aim is to prevent or minimise the negative impact of natural phenomena – droughts and floods, as well as fires. The aim is to strengthen the resilience of forest ecosystems threatened by climate change.

“Climate change, desertification – these phenomena know no borders, which is why only trans-boundary cooperation can ensure the success and prosperity of present and future generations,” he pointed out.

About the Convention

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the result of the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Its main objective is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries suffering from severe drought and desertification and to combat soil degradation as a result of drought. Poland ratified the Convention on 2 October 2001.

Meeting with Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund

During his visit to India, Vice-Minister Mazurek attended a meeting with Yannick Glemarec, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Their meeting was devoted to the issues concerning the Polish support for the Fund and the portfolio of projects financed by GCF.

The Green Climate Fund was created to support low-carbon and climate-resilient development in developing countries. It is part of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and serves the Paris Agreement.