Desertification is advancing at an alarming pace, yet it remains a critical blind spot in climate finance and green growth strategies. Many of the world’s deserts are expanding due to climate change as well as overutilization of land and water resources, threatening the livelihoods of over 2 billion people living in drylands. 

For the governments and populations of affected countries, this development brings profound challenges for local green growth and climate resilience. In many cases, the number of viable economic sectors is limited, while infrastructure services require significant investment. Traditional financing models are often ill-suited to the unique complexities of arid landscapes, where environmental degradation, financial constraints, and social vulnerabilities overlap. 

At the same time, current climate finance frameworks tend to overlook the adaptation needs of arid regions. While mitigation efforts receive substantial attention, the urgent the urgent priorities of restoring degraded rangelands, combating soil erosion, and building climate-resilient livelihoods in desertified areas remains critically underfunded. The challenge is compounded by overgrazing, unsustainable land use practices, and the absence of diversified economic opportunities that would reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems. 

Recognizing this urgency, GGGI is working with its Member States to address desertification at a systemic level. In Oman’s Dhofar region, the ARISE Program (Accelerating Resilience and Innovation for Sustainable Ecosystems Management) is placing 30,000 hectares of land under sustainable management while developing alternative value chains in milk, meat, turmeric, and frankincense. By integrating environmental restoration with economic development through Sustainable Special Economic Zones (SSEZ), the program creats green business opportunities that reduce pressure on fragile rangelands while providing new sources of income for local communities. 

“Combating desertification requires innovative financing approaches that recognize the unique challenges of arid contexts. Through programs like ARISE in Oman, we’re demonstrating how blended finance, Nature-based Solutions, and sustainable economic zones can mobilize capital for land restoration while creating viable livelihoods for pastoral communities. This is about transforming vulnerability into resilience,” said Mahamadou Tounkara, Regional Director Middle East and North Africa at GGGI. 

 As part of Global Green Growth Week 2025, Mr. Tounkara will moderate the session “Green Growth as a Response to Desertification: Economic and Financing Strategies in Arid Contexts.” This discussion will bring together policymakers, practitioners, and international partners to explore how climate resilience in arid landscapes can be financed and scaled up. The session calls on governments, development partners, and the private sector to treat desertification not as a peripheral issue, but as a central pillar of climate adaptation and green growth strategies.

Tackling desertification is complex and requires coordination across environmental, agricultural, financial, and community development sectors. Yet many solutions are already being applied—from rangeland restoration and community-based management to alternative livelihoods and sustainable value chains. What is needed now is a systemic push, with governments, partners, and the private sector working together to scale these efforts and secure resilient futures for dryland communities. 

About Global Green Growth Week 2025: Adaptation and Resilience – Desertification.  

Green Growth as a Response to Desertification: Economic and Financing Strategies in Arid Contexts 

Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025   

Time: 12:30-18:00 (KST)   

Location: GGGI HQ, 3F Conference Room   

Register Now:  

• In-Person: https://bit.ly/46kjTKq 

• Online: https://bit.ly/4mPTEl8