Commonwealth Secretariate Unveils Framework to Help Member Countries Implement Living Lands Charter

DUBAI – The 56-member Commonwealth has launched a new implementation framework it says will facilitate coordinated action among member countries on land, biodiversity and climate challenges, directly impacting a quarter of the world’s land area.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland (center) at the event of the implement Living Lands CharterThe Commonwealth Secretariate unveiled the Living Lands Charter Implementation Framework on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28).

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, said the Commonwealth encompasses a quarter of the world’s land area and is home to a third of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.

She said more than 400 endemic species are found in small island states.

“The impact of climate change is increasingly severe across our countries. Food insecurity is increasing. Soil is depleting. The sheer scale of these challenges compels us to lead with bold action.”

“With this implementation framework, we are taking a giant leap forward. It will leverage the combined strength of the Commonwealth through thematic action working groups – learning from each other and spurring one another on towards systems change and a better future for all,” she added.

The framework takes a system-wide approach towards implementing the Living Lands Charter through five thematic action areas: climate-resilient agriculture for food security; soil and water conservation; sustainable green cover and biodiversity; carbon neutral and climate-resilient livestock rearing and animal husbandry; and indigenous and local people for climate-resilient development.

The Commonwealth said countries have stepped forward to lead on priority areas of action. It said Guyana will champion action on sustainable green cover and biodiversity, while Kenya will lead action on climate-resilient agriculture for food security and Malta will spearhead the conservation of soil and water.

Within each thematic area, the Commonwealth said it will offer extensive support to countries to achieve their commitments.

This support entails mobilising resources for implementation, conducting analyses for policymaking, facilitating institutional governance, offering capacity-building assistance, and generating knowledge for member countries.

The implementation framework has been developed in response to a mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022.