COP 16 Pavilion Program
EPDA's Participation at UNCCD COP16
Event: UNCCD COP16 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification)
Location: Blue Zone, COP16 Venue
Dates: December 2–12, 2024
Pavilion: EPDA Pavilion (B13) for Climate Resilience, Land Restoration, and Community Empowerment
Overview of EPDA's Participation at UNCCD COP16
The Environmental Protection and Development Association (EPDA) will actively participate in UNCCD COP16, leveraging its Pavilion as a hub for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. EPDA’s participation aims to highlight community-driven solutions, innovative practices, and partnerships that promote sustainable land restoration, climate resilience, and social equity.
EPDA’s presence aligns with its mission to foster environmental sustainability, empower local communities, and contribute to global efforts to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). Through a series of targeted events, EPDA seeks to facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, showcase best practices, and advocate for inclusive policies that support land restoration and sustainable livelihoods in Cameroon and beyond.
EPDA Pavilion Objectives
EPDA’s Pavilion is designed to achieve the following key objectives:
1. Raise Awareness
Highlight the critical role of community-led approaches in land restoration and climate resilience.
2. Foster Partnerships:
Engage with stakeholders, including NGOs, government representatives, indigenous communities, and private sector actors, to build collaborative networks.
3. Showcase Innovations:
Present successful case studies, innovative technologies, and best practices in sustainable land management and agroecology.
4. Promote Gender Inclusion:
Emphasize the importance of women and youth in driving sustainable land management and climate adaptation.
5. Mobilize Resources:
Advocate for increased investment and access to funding for local NGOs and community-based restoration initiatives.
OVERVIEW
EPDA Pavilion Program Overview
Day 1: December 2, 2024 – Pavilion Setup
- Morning & Afternoon: Pavilion setup and logistical arrangements to ensure a functional and welcoming space for delegates and visitors.
Day 2: December 3, 2024 – Opening & Strategic Dialogues
Theme: Defining Pathways to Climate and Drought Resilience for Sustainable Land Restoration
- Morning:
Opening Ceremony & Round Table Discussion
“Pioneering Pathways to Climate and Drought Resilience for a Sustainable Land Restoration Future”
Day 3: December 4, 2024 – Land Restoration
Theme: Community-Led Approaches to Land Restoration
- Morning:
Panel Discussion:
“Community-Led Approaches to Land Restoration: Best Practices and Success Stories” - Afternoon:
Round Table Discussion:
“Scaling Up Community-Based Restoration Models”
Day 4: December 5, 2024 – Agro-Food Systems
Theme: Agroecology and Sustainable Practices
- Morning:
Panel Discussion (EPDA & SUHUCAM):
“Agroecology and Sustainable Practices for Land Restoration and Food Security” - Afternoon:
Round Table Discussion:
“Empowering Women and Youth as Key Agents in Sustainable Land Management and Food Production”
Day 5: December 6, 2024 – Governance
Theme: Inclusive Land Governance
- Morning:
Panel Discussion (AJESH):
“Sustainable Land Governance: Engaging Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities” - Afternoon:
Session (EPDA & Envirox):
“Irrigation Practices and Water Security: Approaches to Sustainable Farming and Regenerative Agriculture”
Day 6: December 7, 2024 – EPDA Exhibition Day
Theme: Interactive Community Engagement
- Morning & Afternoon:
Interactive Games and Activities:- “Water for Life” Game
- “Climate Quest” Game
- “Desertification Escape Room”
- Panel Discussion (SUHUCAM):
“Sustainable Land Restoration through Community Participation: Success Stories from Indigenous Land Rights and Community Stewardship”
Day 8: December 9, 2024 – Resilience
Theme: Building Resilience Through Land Restoration
- Morning:
Panel Discussion (EPDA & Envirox):
“Land Restoration as a Strategy for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation” - Afternoon:
Workshop:
“Boosting Community Resilience through Practical Approaches to Improve Quality of Life and Well-Being”
Day 9: December 10, 2024 – Technology and Innovation
Theme: Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Land Management
- Morning:
Round Table Discussion:
“Unlocking Funding for Small-Scale NGOs in Restoration Projects” - Afternoon:
Session:
“Using Technology to Combat Deforestation and Land Degradation: A Community-Driven Approach”
Day 10: December 11, 2024 – Finance for Resilience
Theme: Advancing Financing Solutions for Land Restoration
- Morning:
Panel Discussion:
“Advancing Regenerative Agriculture for Resilient Food Systems and Green Economic Growth” - Afternoon:
Panel Discussion:
“Paving the Path to Land Degradation Neutrality through Landscape Management Approaches”
Day 11: December 12, 2024 – Strategic Planning
Theme: Planning for the Future of Land Restoration
- Morning & Afternoon:
Strategic Planning Meetings
Development of EPDA’s Strategic Roadmap for Scaling Land Restoration and Community Empowerment Initiatives
Intended Outcomes of EPDA’s Participation
- Strengthened Partnerships: Establish new collaborations with national and international stakeholders to support EPDA’s mission and expand its impact.
- Increased Visibility: Enhance EPDA’s visibility as a leading organization in community-based land restoration in Cameroon and the Sahel region.
- Resource Mobilization: Secure commitments for funding and technical support for EPDA’s ongoing and future restoration projects.
- Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate best practices, tools, and methodologies for sustainable land management and climate resilience.
- Policy Advocacy: Influence policy discussions at COP16 by showcasing community-led solutions and advocating for inclusive and participatory approaches to land governance.
Conclusion
EPDA’s participation at UNCCD COP16 will demonstrate its commitment to combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and empowering local communities. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action, EPDA aims to contribute to global efforts toward achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and building a sustainable and resilient future for all.
