I was delighted to participate in the second edition of the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP), held from August 5-9, 2024, in Bonn, Germany. This innovative program, a collaboration between the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and the UN System Staff College, aims to empower legislators worldwide to champion sustainable land management.

The academy attracted 319 applications from 70 countries, with 24 politicians from 23 countries selected to attend. Over five days, we engaged in comprehensive sessions on sustainable land management, enhancing our capacity to drive policy changes in our respective nations.

This experience has reinforced my commitment to addressing land degradation and promoting sustainable land use practices in Scotland and beyond.

In November 2020, during the G20 Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the G20 Leaders emphasized the need for coordinated global action to overcome current challenges and shape a sustainable post-COVID-19 era. As part of their commitment to sustainable development, they set an ambitious goal to achieve a 50% reduction in degraded land by 2040, launching the “Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats.”

Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative, underscores the urgency of this mission: “Land is fundamental to all of us. 100% of humanity, over seven billion people, live on land. It provides 99% of our food and is a platform for more than 90% of our jobs. The land crisis is real, and we must act now to preserve it.”

Land is indeed the canvas of nature and humanity, essential for sustainable development and life itself. Humanity has altered an estimated 70% of this canvas, with 20-40% degraded, resulting in lost defenses against climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, hunger, and environmental pollution. This degradation has made communities more vulnerable to disease, drought, floods, and wildfires.

Scotland, like all nations, has a crucial role to play in this global crisis. Our peatlands cover over 20% of the country, storing 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon – equivalent to 140 years of Scotland’s annual emissions. These peatlands are a key part of our landscape, cultural heritage, and an internationally important habitat. However, up to 70% of our blanket bog and 90% of raised bog areas are damaged, reflecting the global trend of land degradation.

Recognizing the urgency, the Scottish Government aims to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland by 2030. This effort aligns with global initiatives, such as the G20’s ambition to achieve a 50% reduction of degraded land by 2040. The recent UNESCO World Heritage Site designation of the Flow Country in northern Scotland highlights the global significance of our peatlands and underscores our responsibility in preservation and restoration efforts.

The G20’s Global Initiative seeks to catalyze increased resource flows into restoration by a trillion dollars, promote restoration legislation in at least 100 countries, and train a new generation in restoration science and economics.

As we face this global crisis, Scotland’s commitment to peatland restoration demonstrates how each nation can contribute to the larger goal. By restoring our degraded lands, we not only preserve our natural heritage but also play a vital role in combating climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilience against environmental threats. Our actions serve as a reminder that every country, regardless of size, has a part to play in solving this global crisis and securing a sustainable future for all.