UNCCD Terminology

Distinguished from drought as being an enduring feature of a location/environment. It is a natural permanent imbalance in the water availability consisting of low average annual precipitation, with high spatial and temporal variability, resulting in overall low moisture and low carrying capacity of the ecosystems.

The Committee on Science and Technology (CST) is a subsidiary body of the Conference of the Parties (COP). It provides the COP with information and advice on scientific and technological matters relating to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. The CST meets in conjunction with the ordinary sessions of the COP and is multidisciplinary and open to the participation of all Parties. It is composed of government representatives competent in the relevant fields of expertise.

At the field level: programmes and projects relating to desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). At the institutional level: meetings of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), meetings of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST), meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and meetings at regional level.

Summarizes the combined issues and impacts related to desertification, land degradation and drought. See also ‘Desertification’, ‘Land degradation’ and ‘Drought’.

A period of dry weather long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance. The UNCCD defines drought as “the naturally occurring phenomenon that exists when precipitation has been significantly below normal recorded levels, causing serious hydrological imbalances that adversely affect land resource production systems.

Class of drought intensity as described by a drought index. For UNCCD reporting, drought intensity class refers to classes of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values by drought intensity: mild drought (0 to -0.99), moderate drought (-1 to -1.49), severe drought (-1.5 to -1.99) and extreme drought (less than -2). As the intensity classes become increasingly extreme, the likelihood of those values occurring (and the time spent in that category) decreases. See also ‘Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)’

Mitigation is the lessening or minimizing of the adverse impacts of a hazardous event, in this case drought. Mitigation measures include engineering techniques and hazard-resistant construction as well as improved environmental and social policies and public awareness. It should be noted that, in climate change policy, “mitigation” is defined differently, and is the term used for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that are the source of climate change.

The knowledge and capacities developed by governments, response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from the impacts of likely, imminent or current droughts.

The restoring or improving of livelihoods and health, as well as economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets, systems and activities, of a drought-affected community or society, aligning with the principles of sustainable development and “build back better”, to avoid or reduce future drought risk.

Actions taken directly before, during or immediately after a drought in order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected.

Drought risk management (DRM) is the process of data and information gathering for risk analysis and evaluation; appraisal of options; and making, implementing, and reviewing decisions to reduce, control, accept, or redistribute drought risks. It is a continuous process of analysis, adjustment and adaptation of policies and actions to reduce drought risk, including reducing the vulnerability and enhancing the resilience of the receptors threatened. DRM focuses on delivering a drought-resilient society by reducing drought risks and promoting environmental, societal and economic opportunities now and in the longer term. It recognizes that risks can never be removed entirely and that reducing risk may be at the expense of other societal goals

One of the factors recommended to estimate the economic component of the Drought Vulnerability Index (DVI). GDP per capita is gross domestic product (GDP) divided by midyear population. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources. Data are in constant 2010 U.S. dollars. This is a proxy for the average standard of living of residents in a country or area. See also ‘Drought Vulnerability Index (DVI)’

The Global Mechanism (GM) was established under Article 21 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to assist countries in the mobilization of financial resources to implement the Convention and address desertification, land degradation and drought.  As an operational arm of the Convention, the GM provides advisory services and works together with developing countries, private sector and donors to mobilize substantial resources for the implementation of UNCCD.