Five-time African champion and Olympic judoka Asmaa Niang is using her platform to fight a different kind of opponent: desertification. The Moroccan athlete, who competed in both the rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2020) Olympic Games, believes her experience in judo has prepared her for this challenge.
“Judo is a sport based on the philosophy of a positive life, it is also a sport of resilience,” Niang said in an interview wiht ONU Info during the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16). “I thus have a responsibility to give back to society what it has given me by using this experience to inform people about the problems of desertification and encourage them to act.”
Niang’s commitment to this cause stems from witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of desertification, especially on nomadic communities. “Nomad groups are a symbol of freedom because of their itinerant lifestyle,” she explained. “In Morocco, Kenya and Mongolia, I saw how desertification and drought have made them extremely vulnerable and changed their way of life.”
The united Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) warns that globally,”the future of our land is at stake,” with 100 million hectares of productive land degraded each year – an area the size of Egypt.This land degradation, exacerbated by increasingly frequent and severe droughts, threatens the livelihoods of millions and is projected to lead to water scarcity for three out of four people worldwide by 2050.
“Their freedom is linked to ours, because we all depend on the land for our survival,” Niang emphasized.
Recognizing the power of sport to inspire action, the UNCCD has partnered with athletes like Niang through it’s Sport4Land campaign. This initiative leverages the influence of athletes to raise awareness about desertification and promote enduring land management practices.
“Healthy lands provide almost 95% of the food we eat. They shelter us, provide us with livelihoods and protect us from worsening droughts, floods and wildfires,” the UNCCD Executive Secretariat stated, highlighting the critical importance of land conservation.
World leaders and experts convened in Riyadh this week for a critical summit focused on tackling the global land degradation crisis. The meeting, organized by the united Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), aims to accelerate the restoration of degraded lands by 2030 and beyond.
“Restoring our lands goes beyond improving the habitat,” the UNCCD emphasized. “It is about creating a better quality of life, ensuring food security and stimulating sustainable growth.”
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and wildfires. These events, coupled with population growth and unsustainable consumption patterns, are placing immense pressure on the planet’s natural resources.
By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 10 billion, further intensifying the demand for healthy land to sustain livelihoods.
“I see that people are engaged in this meeting,” said Asmaa Niang, “and if everyone makes even small changes, such as by changing their consumption habits, eradicating plastic, then we will be able to address the land in a gentler way and build greater resilience.”
## Fighting a Different Opponent: Olympic Judoka Asmaa Niang Takes on Desertification
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
*Five-time African judo champion and Olympian asmaa Niang is renowned for her prowess on the mat.But now, she’s stepping into a different ring, fighting a global opponent: desertification.*
**World Today News:** Asmaa, you’ve achieved incredible success in judo, representing Morocco on the world stage. What inspires you to now dedicate yoru platform to combating desertification?
**Asmaa Niang:** Judo has taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of fighting for what you believe in.But beyond the physical, it instills a philosophy of positive action and giving back. Witnessing the devastating effects of desertification, particularly on nomadic communities, ignited a fire in me. I feel a obligation to use my voice and platform to raise awareness and encourage people to act.
**World Today News:** You’ve seen desertification’s impact firsthand. could you share your experiences?
**Asmaa Niang:** In Morocco, Kenya, and Mongolia, I’ve met nomadic communities who embody freedom and self-reliance.But desertification and drought are stripping them of thier way of life, forcing them to abandon their traditions and struggle for basic resources. Seeing their hardship motivates me to fight harder for change.
**World Today News:** The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) paints a grim picture of the situation. What are the key takeaways for our readers?
**Asmaa Niang:** We’re losing 100 million hectares of productive land each year, the equivalent of an entire Egypt fading away. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a humanitarian crisis threatening millions of livelihoods. Water scarcity is looming, potentially affecting three-quarters of the global population by 2050. We need urgent and collective action.
**World Today News:** What concrete steps can individuals take to be part of the solution?
**Asmaa Niang:** Education and awareness are crucial. We need to understand the impact of our actions and promote enduring practices. supporting organizations dedicated to combating desertification,advocating for policy changes,and adopting eco-amiable lifestyles are all vital steps. Every little action counts.
**World Today news:** As a role model for young people,what message would you give them about tackling this global challenge?
**Asmaa Niang:** Don’t underestimate your power. We all have a role to play. Be informed, speak out, and most importantly, take action. Remember, even small contributions can make a big difference in the fight against desertification.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Asmaa, for your inspiring words and for dedicating your time and energy to this crucial cause. your voice and advocacy are making a real difference.
**[End of Interview]**
