Noonu Atoll Council at COP16 Mayors' Forum

Overview

The Noonu Atoll Council proudly represented its community and shared critical insights during the COP16 Mayors' Forum on Desertification, held in Riyadh under the banner "Our Land, Our Future." With 75% of its land dedicated to tourism, the Council highlighted the urgent need for sustainable measures that preserve the Maldives' natural heritage while addressing the complex challenges triggered by climate change.

Key Messages

• The Council underscored the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental preservation within Noonu Atoll.

• The forum provided a platform to advocate for inclusive climate solutions and the vital role of local authorities.

• Key contributions were made to discussions on water resource management, land degradation, and climate adaptation efforts.

Background

Speaking at the forum, Mohamed Basheer, President of the Noonu Atoll Council, stated, "Communities that once thrived in harmony with nature are now confronting critical challenges tied to unbalanced land use. We must reassess and redefine how we approach development to ensure sustainable outcomes for future generations."

Noonu Atoll, like many small island communities, faces pressing environmental threats, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and land degradation. Mr Basheer advocated for stronger partnerships and resources to empower local resilience efforts, with an emphasis on preservation and community well-being. The Council's contributions resonated with fellow delegates, demonstrating the interconnected dynamics of climate challenges across the globe.

Collaborative Solutions and Multilevel Governance

The Forum emphasised the potential of multilevel governance frameworks in driving impactful change. Waleed Al-Akrich, representing Riyadh Municipality, called for unified actions across sectors and levels, highlighting that, "Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international entities is essential to drive land preservation initiatives and ensure tangible results."

Key solutions proposed during the event included:

• Nature-based projects such as mangrove rehabilitation and wetland restoration, as highlighted by participants from Malaysia and Morocco.

• Urban-rural integration for land-use planning, showcased by examples like Morocco's reforestation projects.

• Knowledge sharing through forums and partnerships to equip local governments with tools to act as first responders to climate challenges.

The importance of fostering regional and international collaboration was another key takeaway from the event. Speakers emphasized the need for cross-border initiatives to address shared climate risks, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme weather events. Additionally, the role of community-led action was highlighted, with several case studies demonstrating how empowering local groups can drive meaningful change. For instance, grassroots organizations in Indonesia were shown to successfully implement flood mitigation strategies, while partnerships between local councils and NGOs in Kenya have significantly improved water conservation efforts. These examples underscore the necessity of integrating diverse perspectives and resources to foster resilience and adaptability in the face of climate change.

Outcomes and Next Steps

At the close of the Forum, local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering resilience and prioritising institutionalised roles for local governments within the UNCCD framework. They echoed a unanimous call for sustainable solutions, focusing on empowering communities to effectively tackle desertification, scale climate adaptation efforts, and safeguard future generations.