UNCCD Terminology

A decline in land-based natural capital expected to decrease the value of one or more of the indicators of LDN projected during land use planning for a specific area of land (e.g., land unit) and a specified timeframe, where new land degradation is deemed likely. See also gain.

In the context of LDN, a decline in land-based natural capital for a specific area of land (e.g., land unit) over a specified timeframe, measured as significant decline in SOC or NPP, or a negative land cover change (as defined by country, within agreed guidelines. See also ‘Gain’

For the purpose of UNCCD reporting, the term is referred to the integration, inclusion and consideration of the objective of the UNCCD in project and activities across all sectors, domestically and internationally. In relation to the use of Rio Marker for desertification, by identifying activities targeting desertification as a “principal” or “significant” objective, the marker provides an indication of the degree of mainstreaming of environmental considerations into development co-operation portfolios.

This is a globally accepted strategy for promoting gender equality. Mainstreaming is not an end in itself but a strategy, an approach, a means to achieve the goal of gender equality. Mainstreaming involves ensuring that gender perspectives and attention to the goal of gender equality are central to all activities - policy development, research, advocacy/ dialogue, legislation, resource allocation, and planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes and projects

Market-based mechanisms seek to address the market failure of 'environmental externalities' either by incorporating the external cost of production or consumption activities through taxes or charges on processes or products, or by creating property rights and facilitating the establishment of a proxy market for the use of environmental services. (Source: http://stats.oecd.org/glossary)

Maximum NDVI in an annual time series. In phenological terms, it is maximum level of photosynthetic activity in the canopy.
(Source: http://www.britannica.com/)

Each session of the COP is divided into a number of meetings. Each meeting is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sessions normally last 10 working days.

Information describing the content or utility of a data set. For example, the dates on which data were procured are metadata.

Metrics are measures that are used to quantify or assess the state or level of the indicators

Refers to no-tillage or low soil disturbance only in small strips and/ or shallow depth and direct seeding.

The monitoring period is the time period over which an indicator is measured and quantified using the same methods employed for the baseline or previous monitoring period.
(Source: Sims et al. Good Practice Guidance SDG Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of Land that is degraded over total land area. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Bonn, Germany. http://www2.unccd.int/sites/default/files/relevant-links/2017-10/Good%2…).

An organized set of processes and activities aimed at carrying out systematic and regular measurements, collecting and processing data and information on a particular phenomenon with the purpose of analysing its status or observing its behaviour over time (such as environmental monitoring: the continuous and systematic measurement of the quality of air, soil, biota and water resources).

A multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) is a legally-binding agreement among three or more nations which allows them to reach an environmental goal. The agreements, primarily produced by the United Nations, cover subjects such as atmospheric polices, freshwater policies, hazardous waste and substance policies, the marine environment, nature conservation policies, noise pollution and nuclear safety.

Revision of the NAP taking into account the specific requirements of the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework.

National Action Programmes are at the heart of the Convention and constitute the conceptual and legal framework for implementing it at the national and local levels. Their purpose is to identify the factors contributing to desertification and the practical measures necessary to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The Convention indicates that affected countries shall elaborate and implement them with the full participation of local communities and all interested stakeholders. Furthermore, they should be fully integrated with other development programmes. 

National action programmes (NAPs) are the key instruments to implement the Convention. They are often supported by action programmes at sub-regional (SRAP) and regional (RAP) levels. The NAPs are developed through a participatory approach involving various stakeholders, including relevant governmental offices, scientific institutions and local communities. They spell out the practical steps and measures to be taken to combat desertification in specific ecosystems.

Source: (http://www2.unccd.int/convention/action-programmes)

The Convention emphasizes the need for public awareness raising and full participation of all interested stakeholders in the process of elaboration of National Action Programmes. In this framework, national seminars can be organized with a view to encourage widespread participation in the development and implementation of National Action Programmes by the public and the private sectors, local communities, non-governmental organisations, etc.

Affected country Parties can establish a UNCCD National Coordinating Body with a multidisciplinary steering committee. Its role is to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the National Action Programmes and to mobilize national and international resources.

 One or more officials empowered to represent and negotiate on behalf of their government.