ICBA at COP29: Championing Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) actively participated in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing its innovative approaches to address climate change challenges in arid and saline environments.
ICBA emphasized the importance of climate-resilient agriculture in combating food insecurity, water scarcity, and land degradation. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, highlighted the urgent need for science-driven solutions and climate finance to empower vulnerable communities:
"Through transformative initiatives like integrated agri-aquaculture systems and stress-tolerant crops, ICBA fosters resilience and sustainable practices to tackle pressing global challenges."
Key Initiatives and Highlights at COP29
1. Partnerships for SDG17
ICBA hosted a session titled “Creating Sustainable Impact in Arid and Saline Environments in Central Asia: The Power of Partnerships for SDG17” at the UAE Pavilion. The session, moderated by Dr. Charbel Tarraf, brought together global experts, including:
- Bekmurat Turdishev, Karakalpakstan Agrarian Research Institute (KARI)
- Dr. Marguba Rejapova, ICBA Post-Doctoral Fellow
Discussions emphasized strategies to combat soil salinity and enhance sustainable agriculture, underscoring the role of climate finance in achieving these goals.
2. Empowering Women and Youth
In collaboration with ICESCO, ICBA co-hosted a panel titled “Unlocking the Potential of Youth and Women in Transforming Food Systems for Climate Action.”
The panel spotlighted ICBA-led programs like LCOY UAE 2023 and ICBA YES, which equip women and youth with tools to adopt climate-smart practices.
3. Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus
ICBA contributed to a high-level panel discussing integrated approaches for resource management in water-scarce regions. Prominent speakers included:
- Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
- Ms. Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Azerbaijan
Discussions highlighted the need for targeted climate finance to support WEFE strategies.
4. Collaboration with WorldFish
In a bilateral meeting, ICBA and WorldFish explored synergies in agri-aquaculture systems to enhance food security and resilience in saline environments.
Showcasing Innovations
At the UAE Pavilion, ICBA presented its stress-tolerant seeds, including millet, quinoa, and Buffel grass, tailored for saline, arid, and water-scarce environments. These seeds offer practical solutions to enhance food security amid climate challenges.
ICBA’s Commitment to Sustainability
With over 25 years of expertise, ICBA continues to lead the way in empowering communities through inclusive, science-driven initiatives. Its active participation at COP29 underscores its commitment to global collaboration and sustainable agricultural development.
