Discussing Land Preservation: Insights Gleaned from the 2025 World Bank Land Conference
The 2025 World Bank Land Conference, held in Washington, D.C., brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the critical role of land governance in addressing climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. The conference, themed “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness to Action,” focused on strategies for securing land tenure and scaling land reform as a vital component of climate action and sustainable development.
## Key Strategies for Securing Land Tenure
One of the key strategies discussed was the use of technology-driven solutions, such as India’s SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform, which leverage digital mapping, survey drones, and blockchain technology to provide clear land records, secure ownership, and empower women and rural communities by facilitating access to credit and improving livelihoods.
Another essential strategy highlighted was scaling up land sector initiatives through targeted policy reforms and increased investments. The conference emphasized the need for policy frameworks that support secure tenure and incentivize investments in land administration systems.
Cross-sectoral collaboration was also recognised as crucial, with the conference fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and incubating investments in land initiatives by bringing together governments, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
## Scaling Land Reform in the Context of the Climate Crisis
Secure land tenure was recognised as foundational for achieving climate adaptation and mitigation. The conference underscored the importance of recognising and strengthening the land rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, who are often on the frontlines of climate resilience.
The World Bank and other stakeholders are aligning land reform efforts with international climate initiatives, such as the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, to ensure coordinated action and maximise impact.
The conference promoted replicable models of inclusive development, where secure land ownership leads to institutional convergence—linking land rights with access to finance, energy, and other essential services, thereby boosting climate resilience and economic development.
## The Path Forward in Land Governance
The path forward in land governance requires strategic partnerships, inclusive coordination, and multi-stakeholder dialogue. The conference emphasised the need for strong land governance to prevent harm to vulnerable communities during land transitions related to climate and energy.
Germany’s BMZ was represented at the conference by Wencke Mueller-Rilke, who emphasised Germany’s continued support for land governance during domestic political transitions.
Data presented at the conference showed that land already claimed for the voluntary carbon market equals the size of Austria, amounting to a quarter of land acquired during the global land rush of the 2010s. Some attendees at the conference were affected by visa issues and political shifts, leading to lower attendance and some donor agency representatives being listed as "independent" attendees.
In conclusion, the 2025 World Bank Land Conference provided a platform for crucial discussions on the role of land governance in addressing global challenges. The strategies discussed collectively aim to secure land tenure and scale land reform as a critical component of climate action and sustainable development. Your donation to Welthungerhilfe can help provide humanitarian aid for people in need worldwide, and with initiatives like Land for Life, Welthungerhilfe aims to promote locally led land rights reforms for vulnerable groups and push for better coordination between governments, donors, and civil society.
- Technology-driven solutions, like India’s SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform, were discussed as a key strategy, utilizing digital mapping, survey drones, and blockchain technology to provide clear land records and secure ownership.
- Another essential strategy highlighted was scaling up land sector initiatives through targeted policy reforms and increased investments in land administration systems.
- Cross-sectoral collaboration was recognized as crucial, fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and incubating investments in land initiatives.
- Secure land tenure was identified as foundational for achieving climate adaptation and mitigation, and the conference emphasized the importance of recognizing and strengthening the land rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
- The World Bank and other stakeholders are aligning land reform efforts with international climate initiatives to ensure coordinated action and maximize impact.
- The conference promoted replicable models of inclusive development, where secure land ownership leads to institutional convergence, linking land rights with access to finance, energy, and essential services.
- The path forward in land governance requires strategic partnerships, inclusive coordination, and multi-stakeholder dialogue to prevent harm to vulnerable communities during land transitions related to climate and energy.
- Germany’s BMZ was represented at the conference, with Wencke Mueller-Rilke emphasizing Germany’s continued support for land governance during domestic political transitions.
- Data presented at the conference showed that land already claimed for the voluntary carbon market equals the size of Austria, amounting to a quarter of land acquired during the global land rush of the 2010s.
- Some attendees at the conference were affected by visa issues and political shifts, leading to lower attendance and some donor agency representatives being listed as "independent" attendees.
- Entrepreneurship in renewable energy can help address climate change by empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities with access to clean energy, improving their livelihoods and food security.
- Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding and adapting to climate change, and the conference highlighted the importance of increasing investments in climate research and data analysis.
- In environmental-science education and self-development, individuals can acquire skills to better understand and mitigate climate change, contributing to career development opportunities in this growing field.
- Cybersecurity is essential in today’s digital age, especially in collaboration projects and investment platforms in the land and industry sectors, ensuring the protection of data and the prevention of fraudulent activities.
- Lifestyle changes, such as adopting sustainable living practices and supporting local businesses, can support climate action, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting biodiversity conservation.
- Real-estate investments in housing markets focused on sustainable living can help drive the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and promote long-term sustainability, while also diversifying one’s investment portfolio in the food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and business sectors.
