A key session at the COP16 conference was titled “Our Land. Our Future: The Health of Land and Quality of Life”, jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN-Habitat. The event highlighted the crucial link between land restoration and improved quality of life. Humanity today faces immense challenges due to land degradation and desertification, phenomena that threaten environmental, economic, and social stability alike.

The session explored how land degradation and drought not only affect ecosystems but also significantly impact human lives in diverse ways. Discussions focused on the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat these issues while enhancing living conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable communities in underprivileged regions. Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning land restoration strategies with global challenges such as climate change and socio-economic inequalities.

The session introduced a new approach to integrated land and water management, highlighting the importance of strengthening urban-rural linkages. Unregulated urban expansion and changing land use patterns were identified as major contributors to land degradation. Participants called for the adoption of comprehensive policies to manage resources sustainably and improve quality of life on all scales.

A novel idea presented during the session was the development of a quality-of-life index that considers both objective and subjective aspects of individual satisfaction and well-being. This index aims to provide precise, detailed data to guide policymakers in directing investments and policies toward enhancing community welfare and linking land health with human quality of life.

The session also highlighted the significant impact of land degradation and drought on human mobility, forcing many families to migrate in search of more stable environments. Discussions explored how these challenges could be addressed through collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities.

The event was marked by a spirit of constructive dialogue among experts, policymakers, and community representatives. Ideas and experiences were exchanged on best practices and innovative solutions that could contribute to land restoration and sustainable development. The discussions concluded with a call to intensify collective efforts and direct investments toward inclusive, long-term policies aimed at improving land health and ensuring a better future for humanity.