Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Sustainable Land Management Business Forum, hosted by TOBB and organized by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, was held as a part of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 12^th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP12)  at ATO Congresium in Ankara.

Speaking at the Forum, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey is hosting the Conference of Parties which is comprised of 195 countries and represents a global fight against desertification and expressed his thanks to Minister Veysel Eroğlu for his contributions towards having this organization held in Turkey.

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that, between 2008 and 2012, 2.5 billion saplings were planted in the efforts to counter erosion throughout 2.3 million hectares and that massive projects have been put into motion to irrigate dry regions in Turkey.

Stressing the importance of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that 4 billion hectares worldwide are in danger of desertification and stated that this is threatening 1.2 billion people with famine and drought, “In summary, combating desertification aims to prevent humane, economic and social problems from arising in the future. That is why the UN’s global program is of vital importance for us all.”

- Desertification also affecting financial activity

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that desertification not only affects people as individuals through climate change and environmental issues, but also in regards to economy and financial activities, “This especially burdens the private sector with additional costs, including sectors such as agriculture, animal breeding, forestry, fishing, food, textiles, mining and leather working. All sectors are dependent directly or indirectly on the land either as a source of resources or as a production field.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are very proud to have hosted this Business Forum as TOBB, the umbrella organization of the Turkish business community, and that they would be chairing the Sustainable Land Management Business Forum until the next Business Forum to be held in 2017.

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the views and suggestions which will be compiled during the Business Forum will be presented at the G20 Summit which will be held in Turkey as well as the Conference of Parties Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris as the “Ankara Declaration” and “Balancing Land Loss” reports.