UNCCD Terminology

For spatial data stored in raster form, it is an indication of the size of a single pixel in ground dimensions. It is usually presented as a single value that represents the length of one side of a square. For example, a spatial resolution of 30 metres means that one pixel represents an area of 30 metres by 30 metres on the ground

These are used during negotiations to indicate that a section of text is being discussed but has not yet been agreed upon.

An individual, group, or organization, who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome

The process of developing an agreed common method, procedure or system for a specific purpose. In the context of LDN, this refers to developing a single agreed methodology for an indicator or metric.

Higher level objectives defined in the context of the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework to guide the actions of all UNCCD stakeholders and partners in the 2018-2030 period. More specifically, the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework defines the following strategic objectives: Strategic objective 1: To improve the condition of affected ecosystems, combat desertification/land degradation, promote sustainable land management and contribute to land degradation neutrality Strategic objective 2: To improve the living conditions of affected populations Strategic objective 3: To mitigate, adapt to, and manage the effects of drought in order to enhance resilience of vulnerable populations and ecosystems Strategic objective 4: To generate global benefits through effective implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Strategic objective 5: To mobilize substantial and additional financial and non-financial resources to support the implementation of the Convention by building effective partnerships at global and national level.

Strategies are plans or methods for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time.
(Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/)

Designed through consultation with countries in the sub-region, SRAPs can help harmonize and strengthen national action programmes. Examples of sub- regions are Western Africa and South Asia. See also Regional Action Programme.

A web-based system explicitly designed for the management and sharing of knowledge at subregional level (such as data, information, tools, skills, expertise, best practices and success stories) among members within an organization or a network (for example, the subregional aggregated data in the PRAIS portal).

Involves the protection of springs, rivers, and lakes from pollution, high water flows (floods), or over-abstraction of water.

In the context of development investments, the likelihood that the benefit streams generated by an investment continue beyond the phase of initial support. It also includes an assessment of the likelihood that actual and anticipated results will be resilient to risks beyond the project’s life.

Sustainable consumption and production refers to the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.

Development policies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

The use of land resources – including soils, water, vegetation, and animals – to produce goods and provide services to meet changing human needs, while simultaneously ensuring the longterm productive potential of these resources and the maintenance of their environmental functions.

Sustainable production is production that is economically viable and does not degrade the environment over the long run.
See also: ‘Sustainable consumption’.
(Source: http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/)

A verbal, visual and/or mathematical representation of a system that describes the key elements and the linkages between them. A system model provides a basis for devising management strategies, planning monitoring, and interpreting the results of monitoring.

A quantitative value usually referring to international policy objectives. Often, the target has a time deadline that should be met. Targets express ‘desired situations’. Targets refer to various geographical levels: targets at country level (i.e. national targets) contribute to achieving the overall targets set at the global level.

A taxon with all its subordinate taxa and their individuals, for example the taxonomic group insect consists of all insects and their taxa.