UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference

 

In its decision 16/COP.9, the Conference of the Parties (COP) decided that the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference will take place in 2012 at a special session of the CST (CST S-3), following the same conference-style format as applied for the UNCCD 1st Scientific Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The thematic topic addresses “Economic Assessment of desertification, sustainable land management and resilience of arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas”.

After the Bureau of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) developed Terms of reference for the selection of a lead institution/consortium to organize the 2nd Scientific Conference, a call for expression of interest was posted by the UNCCD. As a result the CST Bureau during its meeting on 21 February 2011 selected the Global Risk Forum (GRF) Davos as lead institution to organize the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference under the guidance of the CST Bureau.

 

Upon the recommendations made at CST S-2 based on the assessment of the UNCCD 1st Scientific Conference and with the agreement of the CST Bureau, a steering committee was established, composed of members of the CST Bureau, the GRF Davos and the UNCCD secretariat, to coordinate the organization of the Scientific Conference. Furthermore a Memorandum of Understanding between GRF Davos and the Secretariat was signed in October 2011.

 

In addition a scientific advisory committee (SAC) for the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference was established, composed of of 12 experts (two scientists from each region as well as two experts with global expertise on the theme of the conference) with experience in economic assessment of land degradation, sustainable land management and resilience of arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. The selection of members was made by the CST Bureau taking into account a regional, gender and multidisciplinary balance. The SAC is organized by the GRF Davos. More information can be found on the website of the Scientific Conference.

 

Following decision 26/COP.10, the Scientific Conference will be held during the third special session of the CST (CST S-3). The CST S-3 shall be held not later than March 2013, in the event that no Party makes an offer to host the session and meet the additional financial cost.

Document ICCD/CST(S-2)/3 reports on progress made in the preparation process for the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference until 22 November 2010. Additionally document ICCD/COP(10)/CST/5 assesses the subsequent progress report on the preparation of the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference.

 

The UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference is expected to produce sound scientific outputs and policy-oriented recommendations based on the analysis and compilation of peer reviewed and published literature that informs policy formulation and dialogue. These recommendations shall be submitted to the CST11 for its consideration. The recommendations should provide a clear picture of available options and possible scenarios for decision makers relating to the economic assessment of desertification, land degradation and sustainable land management in affected areas.

 

The GRF Davos has developed a website for the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference. Any relating email inquiries can be sent to: media@grforum.org.