Spain Announces Additional 5 Million Euros for Drought Resilience Alliance

Spain has pledged an additional 5 million euros to the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), reinforcing its commitment to addressing global drought challenges. This new contribution was announced during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The UN estimates that by 2050, drought could impact three out of every four people worldwide. Spain's latest funding adds to its initial 5 million euro commitment for IDRA's establishment, solidifying its position as a leading political and financial supporter of the alliance, which now comprises over 78 member countries and international organizations.

Currently, 1.84 billion people are affected by drought, with 85% residing in low- and middle-income countries. The UNCCD reports that land degradation, desertification, and drought result in annual economic losses of approximately $878 billion. The IDRA, co-initiated by Spain and Senegal at COP27 in 2022, seeks to shift the focus from emergency drought response to long-term anticipation, prevention, preparedness, and resilience.

Spain advocates for proactive and preventive drought management, emphasizing risk anticipation, scientific knowledge, ecosystem restoration, innovation, and international cooperation. The UNCCD suggests that every dollar invested in land resilience and restoration can yield up to eight dollars in social, economic, and environmental benefits. Spain's continued support for IDRA aligns with this approach, aiming to mitigate the human and economic costs of drought and prevent extreme climate events from escalating into humanitarian crises.