Maputo, June 18, 2026 (Lusa) – The Mozambican president, Daniel Chapo, has called for greater investment by African countries in the sustainable management of land and water, describing them as fundamental to strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development on the continent.
In a message released to mark World Day to Combat Drought and Desertification, observed on Wednesday under the theme “Pastures: Recognise. Respect. Restore”, Daniel Chapo, in his capacity as the African Union’s Champion for Disaster Risk Management, drew attention to the growing degradation of grassland ecosystems in Africa and the impacts on the millions of people who depend on them.
“As member states, we must invest and work in a coordinated manner on the sustainable management of land and water, as strategic cross-cutting pillars for climate resilience, human health, livestock production, agriculture, peace and the sustainable development of our African continent,” said the Mozambican Head of State.
According to Daniel Chapo, grasslands are one of the continent’s most important ecosystems, but they are currently facing severe pressures resulting from climate change, prolonged droughts, unsustainable land use, the proliferation of invasive species and insufficient investment in their restoration.
“Grasslands are among the most important ecosystems in Africa. However, many of these ecosystems are under severe pressure due to climate change, prolonged droughts, unsustainable land use, invasive species and insufficient investment in restoration,” he stated.
He added that the degradation of these ecosystems is leading to reduced productivity, increased water stress, loss of vegetation cover, a higher risk of natural disasters and greater vulnerability for communities dependent on grasslands, and called for a coordinated response from African countries to reverse this trend.
The World Day to Combat Drought and Desertification has been observed annually since 1995, on the initiative of the United Nations, to raise awareness of international cooperation in combating desertification and the effects of drought; this year’s official global celebration is taking place in Kenya, the host country for the event.
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