Press releases

UNCCD COP16 Finance Day: Mobilizing Investment in Land RestorationJournalists  are invited to attend Day 10 of UNCCD COP16, which spotlights the need to address the gaps in finance for land restoration, drought resilience, and combating degradation and desertification. On Finance Day, ministries, donor agencies and investment funds from both the public and private sector are called to seek for new ways to mobilize investment in sustainable land management.Key EventsRestor and G20 Global Land Initiative Announce the RestorLife Awards to Celebrate Restoration ChampionsWhen: 18:00 -18:30Where: Blue Zone Restoration PavillionRestor and the G20 Global Land Initiative Coordination Office of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have partnered to host an awards competition called RestorLife Awards. Starting this year, the awards will be hosted on the Restor platform, the largest network of community-led restoration and conservation efforts across the globe, the RestorLife Awards recognize and support outstanding achievements of nature stewards in their nature restoration journey that contribute to a fair and sustainable future for all. Register here: bit.ly/3AAd4rmOther Press EventsMedia Briefing on the Great Green Wall Investments Signed at COP-16When: 12:00-12:45Where: MET-17Speakers:Gilles Amadou Ouedraogo, Program Officer, Global Mechanism of the UNCCDCathrine Mutambirwa, Programme Coordinator LDN and Land Restoration at Global Mechanism of the UNCCDExperts will deep dive into the following investments signed here at COP16 for various Great Green Wall projects as well as the "Creating Lands of Opportunities: Transforming Livelihoods through Landscape Restoration in the Sahel (LOGMe)" project and the “Strengthening Coordination and Implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative” project.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation BulletinPress Conference ScheduleUNCCD TerminologyThe Arab Fund Launches Water Observatory to Advance Investments in Regional Water Security at COP16Future Key COP16 Events for Media Closing Press Conference (12 December, 15:00)

Resilience Day at UNCCD COP16:  Strengthening Ecosystems and Societies Against Threats to LandMembers of the press are invited to Day 9 of UNCCD COP16, which focuses on building resilience against global challenges to land such as desertification, water scarcity and degradation through proactive approaches such as early warning systems and nature-based solutions. The day’s activities are on scaling up land restoration, strengthening early warning systems, and promoting water security and drought preparedness.Key EventsOpening Session: Resilience to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, drought and water scarcityWhen: 09:00-10:00Where: MET-33This session will set the stage of the day and will bring high level speakers to discuss – what is needed to scale up resilience globally and increase action to combat land desertification, ecosystems degradation, drought and water scarcity.International Drought Resilience Observatory Expert ExchangeWhen: 13:30-14:30Where: MET-24Closing Event: Connecting DLDD, SDS and water scarcity with Integrated Land SolutionsWhen: 17:30-18:30Where: MET-33Resilience Day showcased a range of interdisciplinary and integrated actions and solutions that can be scaled up to enhance the resilience of communities, countries, and regions across the globe. It argued for an inclusive and transformative approach that promotes land restoration and nature-based solutions, long-term investment and contingency planning, risk and impact assessment, early warning systems, evidence and research for replication, capacity strengthening for scale, policy upgrades, risk financing (e.g., insurance), and a bottom-up/people-ecosystems- centered approach capable of facilitating resilience.Other Press EventsVoice of Civil Society Organizations Press Conference: CSOs at the heart of the fight against desertificationWhen: 11:00-11:30Where: MET-17This event will focus on topics relevant to civil society organizations (CSOs), with discussions on the intersection of land restoration, policy action, and civil society contributions.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleUNCCD Terminology

Aridity: The ‘existential crisis’ redefining life on EarthFive billion people could be affected by 2100Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Even as dramatic water-related disasters such as floods and storms intensified in some parts of the world, more than three-quarters of Earth’s land became permanently drier in recent decades, UN scientists warned today in a stark new analysis.Some 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced drier conditions during the three decades leading up to 2020 compared to the previous 30-year period, according to the landmark report from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).Over the same period, drylands expanded by about 4.3 million km2 – an area nearly a third larger than India, the world’s 7th largest country – and now cover 40.6% of all land on Earth (excluding Antarctica).In recent decades some 7.6% of global lands – an area larger than Canada – were pushed across aridity thresholds (i.e. from non-drylands to drylands, or from less arid dryland classes to more arid classes).Most of these areas have transitioned from humid landscapes to drylands, with dire implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and the people living there. And the research warns that, if the world fails to curb greenhouse gas emissions, another 3% of the world’s humid areas will become drylands by the end of this century. In high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, expanding drylands are forecast across the Midwestern United States, central Mexico, northern Venezuela, north-eastern Brazil, south-eastern Argentina, the entire Mediterranean Region, the Black Sea coast, large parts of southern Africa, and southern Australia.The report, The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections, was launched at the 16th conference of UNCCD’s nearly 200 Parties in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (COP16), the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP to be held in the Middle East, a region profoundly affected by impacts from aridity.“This analysis finally dispels an uncertainty that has long surrounded global drying trends,” says Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary. “For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.” “Unlike droughts—temporary periods of low rainfall—aridity represents a permanent, unrelenting transformation,” he adds. “Droughts end. When an area’s climate becomes drier, however, the ability to return to previous conditions is lost.  The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were and this change is redefining life on Earth.”The report by UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI) — the UN body for assessing the science of land degradation and drought — points to human-caused climate change as the primary driver of this shift. Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation, transport, industry and land use changes warm the planet and other human activities warm the planet and affect rainfall, evaporation and plant life, creating the conditions that increase aridity.Global aridity index (AI) data track these conditions and reveal widespread change over the decades. Aridification hotspotsAreas particularly hard-hit by the drying trend include almost all of Europe (95.9% of its land), parts of the western United States, Brazil, parts of Asia (notably eastern Asia), and central Africa.Parts of the Western United States and Brazil: Significant drying trends, with water scarcity and wildfires becoming perennial hazards.Mediterranean and Southern Europe: Once considered agricultural breadbaskets, these areas face a stark future as semi-arid conditions expand.Central Africa and parts of Asia: Biologically megadiverse areas are experiencing ecosystem degradation and desertification, endangering countless species.By contrast, less than a quarter of the planet’s land (22.4%) experienced wetter conditions, with areas in the central United States, Angola’s Atlantic coast, and parts of Southeast Asia showing some gains in moisture.The overarching trend, however, is clear: drylands are expanding, pushing ecosystems and societies to suffer from aridity's life-threatening impacts.The report names South Sudan and Tanzania as nations with the largest percentage of land transitioning to drylands, and China as the country experiencing the largest total area shifting from non-drylands into drylands.For the 2.3 billion people – well over 25% of the world’s population – living in the expanding drylands, this new normal requires lasting, adaptive solutions. Aridity-related land degradation, known as desertification, represents a dire threat to human well-being and ecological stability. And as the planet continues to warm, report projections in the worst-case scenario suggest up to 5 billion people could live in drylands by the century’s end, grappling with depleted soils, dwindling water resources, and the diminishment or collapse of once-thriving ecosystems.Forced migration is one of aridity’s most visible consequences. As land becomes uninhabitable, families and entire communities facing water scarcity and agricultural collapse often have no choice but to abandon their homes, leading to social and political challenges worldwide. From the Middle East to Africa and South Asia, millions are already on the move—a trend set to intensify in coming decades.Aridity’s devastating impactThe effects of rising aridity are cascading and multifaceted, touching nearly every aspect of life and society, the report says.It warns that one fifth of all land could experience abrupt ecosystem transformations from rising aridity by the end of the century, causing dramatic shifts (such as forests becoming grasslands and other changes) and leading to extinctions among many of the world’s plants, animals and other life.Aridity is considered the world’s largest single driver behind the degradation of agricultural systems, affecting 40% of Earth’s arable landsRising aridity has been blamed for a 12% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) recorded for African countries between 1990–2015More than two thirds of all land on the planet (excluding Greenland and Antarctica) is projected to store less water by the end of the century, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise even modestlyAridity is considered one of the world’s five most important causes of land degradation (along with land erosion, salinization, organic carbon loss and vegetation degradation)Rising aridity in the Middle East has been linked to the region’s more frequent and larger sand and dust stormsIncreasing aridity is expected to play a role in larger and more intense wildfires in the climate-altered future—not least because of its impacts on tree deaths in semi-arid forests and the consequent growing availability of dry biomass for burningRising aridity’s impacts on poverty, water scarcity, land degradation and insufficient food production have been linked to increasing rates of sickness and death globally —especially among children and womenRising aridity and drought play a key role in increasing human migration around the world—particularly in the hyper-arid and arid areas of southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and southern Asia. Report marks a turning pointFor years, documenting the rise of aridity proved a challenge, the report states. Its long-term nature and the intricate interplay of factors such as rainfall, evaporation, and plant transpiration made analysis difficult. Early studies produced conflicting results, often muddied by scientific caution.The new report marks a turning point, leveraging advanced climate models and standardized methodologies to deliver a definitive assessment of global drying trends, confirming the inexorable rise of aridity, while providing critical insights into its underlying drivers and potential future trajectory.RecommendationsThe report offers a comprehensive roadmap for tackling aridity, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation. Among its recommendations:Strengthen aridity monitoringIntegrate aridity metrics into existing drought monitoring systems. This approach would enable early detection of changes and help guide interventions before conditions worsen. Platforms like the new Aridity Visual Information Tool provide policymakers and researchers with valuable data, allowing for early warnings and timely interventions. Standardized assessments can enhance global cooperation and inform local adaptation strategies.Improve land use practicesIncentivizing sustainable land use systems can mitigate the impacts of rising aridity, particularly in vulnerable regions. Innovative, holistic, sustainable approaches to land management are the focus of another new UNCCD SPI report, Sustainable Land Use Systems: The path to collectively achieving Land Degradation Neutrality, available at https://bit.ly/3ZwkLZ3. It considers how land-use at one location affect others elsewhere, makes resilience to climate change or other shocks a priority, and encourages participation and buy-in by Indigenous and local communities as well as all levels of government. Projects like the Great Green Wall—a land restoration initiative spanning Africa—demonstrate the potential for large-scale, holistic efforts to combat aridity and restore ecosystems, while creating jobs and stabilizing economies.Invest in water efficiencyTechnologies such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and wastewater recycling offer practical solutions for managing scarce water resources in dry regions.Build resilience in vulnerable communitiesLocal knowledge, capacity building, social justice and holistic thinking  are vital to resilience. Sustainable land use systems encourage decision makers to apply responsible governance, protect human rights (including secure land access) and ensure accountability and transparency. Capacity-building programmes, financial support, education programmes, climate information services and community-driven initiatives empower those most affected by aridity to adapt to changing conditions. Farmers switching to drought-resistant crops or pastoralists adopting more arid-tolerant livestock exemplify incremental adaptation.Develop international frameworks and cooperationThe UNCCD’s Land Degradation Neutrality framework provides a model for aligning national policies with international goals, ensuring a unified response to the crisis. National Adaptation Plans must incorporate aridity alongside drought planning to create cohesive strategies that address water and land management challenges. Cross-sectoral collaboration at the global level, facilitated by frameworks like the UNCCD, is essential for scaling solutions.Comments“For decades, the world’s scientists have signalled that our growing greenhouse gas emissions are behind global warming. Now, for the first time, a UN scientific body is warning that burning fossil fuels is causing permanent drying across much of the world, too—with potentially catastrophic impacts affecting access to water that could push people and nature even closer to disastrous tipping points.  As large tracts of the world’s land become more arid, the consequences of inaction grow increasingly dire and adaptation is no longer optional—it is imperative.” – UNCCD Chief Scientist Barron Orr“Without concerted efforts, billions face a future marked by hunger, displacement, and economic decline. Yet, by embracing innovative solutions and fostering global solidarity, humanity can rise to meet this challenge. The question is not whether we have the tools to respond—it is whether we have the will to act.” –  Nichole Barger, Chair, UNCCD Science-Policy Interface“The report’s clarity is a wake-up call for policymakers: tackling aridity demands more than just science—it requires a diversity of perspectives and knowledge systems. By weaving Indigenous and local knowledge with cutting-edge data, we can craft stronger, smarter strategies to slow aridity’s advance, mitigate its impacts and thrive in a drying world.” – Sergio Vicente-Serrano, co-lead author of the report and an aridity expert with Spain’s Pyrenean Institute of Ecology“This report underscores the critical need to address aridity as a defining global challenge of our time. By uniting diverse expertise and leveraging breakthrough technologies, we are not just measuring change—we are crafting a roadmap for resilience. Tackling aridity demands a collaborative vision that integrates innovation, adaptive solutions, and a commitment to securing a sustainable future for all." – Narcisa Pricope, co-lead author, professor of geosciences and associate vice president for research at Mississippi State University, USA.“The timeliness of this report cannot be overstated.  Rising aridity will reshape the global landscape, challenging traditional ways of life and forcing societies to reimagine their relationship with land and water.  As with climate change and biodiversity loss, addressing aridity requires coordinated international action and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development.” – Andrea Toreti, co-lead author and senior scientist, European Commission’s Joint Research CentreBy the Numbers: Key global trends / projections77.6%: Proportion of Earth's land that experienced drier climates from 1990–2020 compared to the previous 30 years.40.6%: Global land mass (excluding Antarctica) classified as drylands, up from 37.5% over the last 30 years.4.3 million km²: Humid lands transformed into drylands in the last three decades, an area one-third larger than India40%: Global arable land affected by aridity—the leading driver of agricultural degradation.30.9%: Global population living in drylands in 2020, up from 22.5% in 19902.3 billion: People living in drylands in 2020, a doubling from 1990, projected to more than double again by 2100 under a worst-case climate change scenario.1.35 billion: Dryland inhabitants in Asia—more than half the global total.620 million: Dryland inhabitants in Africa—nearly half of the continent’s population.9.1%: Portion of Earth’s land classified as hyperarid, including the Atacama (Chile), Sahara (Africa), Namib (Africa), and Gobi (China/Mongolia) deserts.23%: Increase in global land at "moderate" to "very high" desertification risk by 2100 under the worst-case emissions scenario+8% at "very high" risk+5% at "high" risk+10% at "moderate" riskEnvironmental degradation5: Key drivers of land degradation: Rising aridity, land erosion, salinization, organic carbon loss, and vegetation degradation20%: Global land at risk of abrupt ecosystem transformations by 2100 due to rising aridity55%: Species (mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds) at risk of habitat loss from aridity. Hotspots: (Arid regions): West Africa, Western Australia, Iberian Peninsula; (Humid regions): Southern Mexico, northern Amazon rainforestEconomics12%: African GDP decline attributed to aridity, 1990–201516% / 6.7%: Projected GDP losses in Africa / Asia by 2079 under a moderate emissions scenario20M tons maize, 21M tons wheat, 19M tons rice: Expected losses in global crop yields by 2040 due to expanding aridity50%: Projected drop in maize yields in Kenya by 2050 under a high emissions scenarioWater 90%: Rainfall in drylands that evaporates back into the atmosphere, leaving 10% for plant growth67%: Global land expected to store less water by 2100, even under moderate emission scenarios75%: Decline in water availability in the Middle East and North Africa since the 1950s40%: Predicted Andean runoff decline by 2100 under a high emissions scenario, threatening water supplies in South AmericaHealth55%: Increase in severe child stunting in sub-Saharan Africa under a medium emissions scenario due to combined effects of aridity and climate warmingUp to 12.5%: Estimated rise in mortality risks during sand and dust storms in China, 2013–201857% / 38%: Increases in fine and coarse atmospheric dust levels, respectively, in the southwestern U.S. by 2100 under worst case climate scenarios220%: Projected increase in premature deaths due to airborne dust in the southwestern United States by 2100 under the high-emissions scenario160%: Expected rise in hospitalizations linked to airborne dust in the same regionWildfires and forests74%: Expected increase in wildfire-burned areas in California by 2100 under high emission scenarios40: Additional annual high fire danger days in Greece by 2100 compared to late 20th century levelsNotes to editors:Aridity versus droughtHighly arid regions are places in which a persistent, long-term climatic condition lacks available moisture to support most forms of life and atmospheric evaporative demand significantly exceeds rainfall. Drought, on the other hand, is an anomalous, shorter-term period of water shortage affecting ecosystems and people and often attributed to low precipitation, high temperatures, low air humidity and/or anomalies in wind. While drought is part of natural climate variability and can occur in almost any climatic regime, aridity is a stable condition for which changes occur over extremely long-time scales under significant forcing. Media contacts: press@unccd.intFragkiska Megaloudi, +30 6945547877 (WhatsApp) fmegaloudi@unccd.int   Gloria Pallares, +34 606 93 1460 gpallares@unccd.intTerry Collins, +1-416-878-8712 tc@tca.tcAuthors and other experts are available for advance interviews.  The full report, The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections, is available for media preview at https://www.unccd.int/resources/reports/global-threat-drying-lands-regional-and-global-aridity-trends-and-future

UNCCD COP16:  Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report and Science-Policy InnovationsJournalists are invited to attend Day 8 of UNCCD COP16, where science takes center stage in driving solutions to combat desertification and land degradation. The day’s highlights include the launch of The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections report, offering critical insights into aridity trends and their implications for sustainable land management.Key EventsScience Pavilion (Green Zone) - Science-Policy Interface (SPI) DayWhen: 09:00 – 18:00Where: Science Pavilion (Green Zone)A full-day showcase of groundbreaking scientific insights and their application in global policy efforts. The event underscores science's essential role in achieving sustainable land management and combating desertification.SPI Press Conference for The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections ReportWhen: 12:00-13:00Where: MET-17SpeakersBarron Orr, UNCCD Chief ScientistNichole Barger, Science Policy Interface (SPI) Co- chair,  Professor Emeritus and the University of Colorado at Boulder in the United States  Narcisa Pricope,  Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University Sergio Vicente -Serrano, Scientific Researcher at the Pyrenean Institute of EcologyThe Science-Policy Interface (SPI) will host a press conference to release the Aridification Report, highlighting scientific findings and the urgent need to address the effects of aridification in combating land degradation and desertification.High-Level Interactive Dialogue: Healing Our Land Through Science and Earth IntelligenceWhen: 13:00 – 15:00Where: MET-33A high-level interactive dialogue featuring scientific leaders and policymakers discussing innovative Earth Intelligence tools and their transformative impact on land restoration efforts and ecosystem resilience.Youth Negotiators Academy Press ConferenceWhen: Monday, 9 December 2024, 14:00 – 14:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Marie-Claire Graf, Co-Founder of Youth Negotiators AcademyVeena Balakrishnan, Co-Founders of Youth Negotiators AcademyThe Youth Negotiators Academy is an organisation that was founded in 2022 to train young people to join their country delegations and negotiate across the three Rio Conventions. This year they are taking a large cohort of young negotiators trained in our Land Youth Negotiator Programme to participate in the negotiations at UNCCD COP16.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleYoung Negotiators Take on UN COP16!Future Key COP16 Events for Media  9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

High-profile athletes Naomi Akakpo, Asmaa Niang, Jitske Visser, and Franck Kessié unite in support of healthy land and drought resilience at UNCCD COP16Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7 December 2024 – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) today unveiled its first-ever Sport4Land Champions at COP16, the largest United Nations land conference in the Middle East region to date. Launched at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, the Sport4Land campaign aims to leverage the universal appeal of sports to avert the global land crisis, marked by the loss of a staggering four football fields of productive land every second. The four Sport4Land Champions will join UNCCD, one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity, in the urgent mission to restore degraded land and build resilience to drought, and to inspire communities worldwide to take collective action.Naomi Akakpo, Olympic hurdler from Togo emphasized the fundamental connection between land health, food security and human well-being. "Land is more than a resource—it is our foundation," she said. "When we restore degraded land, we restore life and opportunity for countless communities." Inspired by her motto, "Beyond Limits," Naomi’s advocacy embodies bold, innovative actions for land restoration.Asmaa Niang, six-time African judo champion from Morocco, drew parallels between the discipline required in her sport and the strategies needed to combat desertification. "Judo has taught me resilience and strategy," she explained. "These are the same tools we need to fight desertification. It’s not just a fight for land; it’s a fight for every family and community that depends on it." Leveraging her multicultural background and nomadic spirit, Asmaa works with the Yzza Slaoui Foundation to empower rural girls and women in Morocco’s regions most affected by desertification.Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist Jitske Visser from the Netherlands underscored the disproportionate impact of land degradation and drought on marginalized populations. "People with disabilities are often excluded from environmental solutions, even though we’re among the most vulnerable to its effects," she said. "This campaign is about breaking down barriers, ensuring that no one is left behind, and demonstrating that inclusion is essential for success."Footballer Franck Kessié from Côte d’Ivoire, who is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, highlighted youth engagement in support of healthy land, noting that “Sport teaches us resilience, teamwork, and the power of unity. These are exactly the values we need to tackle the land crisis.”UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: "Congratulations to our new champions leading the fight against desertification, land degradation, drought and food insecurity. Your determination to raise awareness of these critical issues brings hope to countless communities, including youth and those most vulnerable, including people with disabilities."At the announcement event held at COP16, the newly appointed champions shared their personal journeys and reflected on how their sporting careers connect to the global fight against land degradation. According to UNCCD data, 100 million hectares – an area equivalent to the size of Egypt–become degraded every year. The impact jeopardizes the livelihoods of more than one billion young people in developing countries who depend on the land for their survival. Among those affected, people with disabilities–16% of the world's population–face unique challenges, from limited access to resources to exclusion from decision-making and recovery efforts. About Sport4LandSport4Land is a global campaign by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to unite the sports community in the fight against land degradation, desertification and drought. With climate change accelerating droughts, heatwaves, and land degradation, the impact is being felt not only on playing fields but also on the food we eat, the livelihoods we depend on, and the environment we share.Launched at the Paris Olympics 2024, the campaign engages sportsmen and women and fans worldwide to take action for land restoration. High-profile athletes like Asmaa Niang, Naomi Akakpo, Jitske Visser, and Franck Kessié will champion this initiative to highlight the critical connection between healthy land and thriving communities.

Journalists are invited to cover People’s Day at UNCCD COP16, a pivotal moment on Day 6 featuring high-level dialogues and interactive sessions that highlight the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, youth, and gender equality in combating desertification and land degradation, while showcasing innovative solutions, fostering inclusive participation, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable land restoration.Key EventsHigh-level Event: Indigenous Peoples for LandWhen: 10:-00–13:00Where: MET-33For the first time, UNCCD COP16 will host a dedicated dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, focusing on integrating their voices into UNCCD implementation. The session will work on crafting recommendations for meaningful Indigenous participation, especially in rangeland protection, ahead of the International Year of Rangelands. Indigenous representatives will also engage in high-level events and People’s Day activities to call for greater partnerships and support for their contributions to land restoration.Youth Forum: Action for Land, Restoring Work for Resilient and Sustainable FuturesWhen: 15:00 – 18:00Where: MET-33Under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, this forum gathers ministers, UNCCD leadership, COP presidencies, international organizations, youth-led initiatives like the Youth Negotiator Academy, and partners such as AGFUND and the MISK Foundation. Discussions will address challenges in combating desertification and explore technology, community solutions, and youth leadership in building resilience and sustainability.Gender Caucus: Emerging Best Practices on the Collection of Sex-Disaggregated Data and Gender-Responsive Indicators for DLDD InitiativesWhen: 15:00 – 16:20Where: MET-24This session showcases best practices in gender-responsive indicators and sex-disaggregated data for monitoring drought, land degradation, and desertification. It aims to inform UNCCD’s next strategic framework with refined metrics.Other Press EventsDaily Press Conference on Peoples DayWhen: 14:00-14:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Tarja Halonen, Former President of Finland, Sustainability Advocate and UNCCD Co-Chair of the Gender Caucus.Her Highness Princess Mashael bint Saud Al-Shalan , Co-Founder, Aeon Collective, Saudi ArabiaHindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)This media briefing tackles the role of indigenous people, youth, and women in land restoration and as champions of inclusive and sustainable development.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference ScheduleFuture Key COP16 Events for Media 9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

UNCCD COP16: Uniting Leaders to Take Action on Pressing Land Issues on Governance DayJournalists are  invited to attend Day 5 of COP16,  where a series of significant events will focus on local and regional actions in combating land degradation, water scarcity, and desertification, as well as advancing women's land rights and enhancing urban-rural linkages.Key EventsMayor's Forum: Showcasing the Role of Local and Regional Governments in Combating Land Degradation, Water Scarcity, and DesertificationWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33This forum will feature a roundtable dialogue on the role of local governments in addressing land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity, highlighting effective climate resilience actions. A plenary discussion on 6 December will further explore practical experiences and solutions shared by local and regional governments.Women’s Land Rights for Effective Restoration Efforts: Understanding Synergies, Taking ActionWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33This session will examine the vital role of strengthening land rights for women in ecosystem restoration efforts, showcasing successful approaches, offering recommendations for equitable action, and exploring how gender justice can be integrated into land and restoration policies..Urban-Rural Linkages and Land: Tools and Governance Frameworks for ActionWhen: 15:30–17:30Where: MET-24This session will provide an overview of the challenges and solutions related to urban-rural linkages, focusing on governance frameworks, spatial planning, and finance tools. It will discuss how these tools can strengthen the connections between rural producers and urban consumers.Key ReportsPrimer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land: Tools and Governance Frameworks for ActionOther Press EventsPlease note that there will be no press briefing on 6th December. However, you’re cordially invited to join the People’s Day press briefing on 7th December which will cover Indigenous Peopl and gender issues related to land. Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule World Soil Day 2024 underlines vital importance of accurate soil data and information for food securityFuture Key COP16 Events for Media 6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report 

Largest private sector participation at a UNCCD COP to date builds momentum for sustainable land management UNCCD’s Business4Land (B4L) Initiative releases a guide to help the private sector assess land degradation risks and report on mitigation actions5 December (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) — On Wednesday 4th December, hundreds of private sector representatives from finance, fashion, agri-food to pharmaceuticals, convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss their role in ensuring sustainable land, soil and water management. They responded to a call to action launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the 16th Conference of the Parties.The Business 4 Land Forum brought together high-level decision makers and CEOs from companies that are particularly land-and-water-dependent, including firms in the agrifood, pharma, energy, textiles, ICT, and finance and insurance sectors. Land degradation and drought pose serious risks for businesses and investors, meaning it is in their best interest to mitigate them by contributing to global efforts for healthy lands and drought resilience.The event was part of  Business 4 Land (B4L), an initiative launched by UNCCD earlier this year in Davos with InTent - a platform that can quickly mobilize an influential and diverse group of decision-makers for change - to engage and support private actors in sustainable land management. It is supported by the COP16 Presidency, the World Economic Forum, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, ChangeNOW, the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, the International Chamber of Commerce, the UN Global Compact, and the Saudi Environment Fund. “COP16 has attracted the largest-ever participation of the private sector to a UNCCD COP to date, providing a critical momentum to make sustainable land management a core part of corporate and financial strategies,” said the Executive Secretary of UNCCD Ibrahim Thiaw. “Shifting towards nature-positive operations, supply chains, and investments, is not only about environmental sustainability, but about the long-term profitability and resilience of businesses.”The B4L Forum brought together 60 high-level speakers and 400 guests; among them, more than 40 corporations that recognize the urgent need to address land degradation and drought, and acknowledge their responsibility in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources as a business and social imperative.  B4L’s call to action urges companies to contribute to one or more of the Business 4 Land (B4L) initiative's pillars: promoting sustainable practices across business operations; supporting finance solutions; and advocating for better land and water management policies. “$44 trillion, over half of global GDP, is at risk from nature loss. It is imperative for business to explore innovations that can halt and reverse land degradation while unlocking opportunities for business growth,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director at 1T.org, World Economic Forum. “Through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders, business can accelerate progress on land restoration for a more resilient future for all.”André Hoffmann, member of the high-level advisory committee of COP16 and founder of InTent and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors said: "The private sector, which can play vital role in the sustainable transition we urgently need, must see nature not as a resource to exploit but as our life-support system. The B4L Forum was an opportunity to forge new coalitions to restore land and build resilience. By shifting from extraction to collaboration, we can drive investments in nature-based solutions that secure human prosperity and planetary health."The forum highlighted the need to align business, policies, and finance to protect land as a critical asset. Participants discussed how to account for the corporate impacts on land, how to mitigate the risks of land degradation - for example, by setting measurable targets both in direct operations and across supply chains - and by reporting on progress.New guidance for the private sectorThe Business 4 Land initiative launched a guide to help corporate actors navigate land-related disclosures and target-setting and align their strategies with national policies and global goals for a fair land transition. "Corporate disclosures are essential for land-positive businesses. Today, many companies still lack a clear understanding of their land-related impacts and dependencies, leaving them vulnerable to significant risks”, said Razan Al Mubarak, Co-Chair of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and President of IUCN. The report, ‘Corporate Disclosures and Target-Setting on Land Guide’, was developed together with the (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), in consultation with actors like the WEF and the COP16 Presidency.  The costs of land degradation and drought are steep. For example, U.S. farmers may face short-term costs of up to USD 40 per acre for regenerative agriculture practices, but long-term profits can increase by up to 120%. B4L's guide supports companies in harnessing these opportunities.“In a context of rising nature risks, businesses have a key role to plan in taking action for land and reversing the trend of degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss impacting our societies and economies, across value chains and industries,” concluded a member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum Nicole Schwab.***COMMENTSPhilippe Zaouati, CEO of the MIROVA sustainable investment fund, said: “Companies stand to gain significantly by transforming their value chains to incorporate sustainable practices, not only to reduce their impact on nature but also to seize the economic opportunities that arise. Mobilizing funding for land restoration requires a concerted effort by the public and private sectors. By working together, we can create an enabling environment for restoration, which is essential to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a sustainable future.”Henri Bruxelles, CSO of Danone, said: “The livelihoods of more than 2.5 billion people, many of them smallholder farmers, depend on agriculture, which is both a significant contributor to climate change and one of the most impacted by its impacts. Collaborating across sectors of society is vital to address the intertwined climate and water challenges; guarantee food security and nutrition; and secure the livelihoods of the communities that feed the world; and build a sustainable food system.”Erin Billman, Co-lead of SBTN’s Land Hub & Executive Director of the Science Based Targets Network: “Connecting corporate actions and their science-based targets to party commitments under the UN conventions is an important lever in delivering the promise of global targets.”Maryanne Gichanga, CEO of AgriTech Analytics Ltd, who won a USD 50,000 grant provided by InTent as part of the Land of Opportunities Pitch Competition on 4 December at COP16: “Having our start up, AgriTech Analytics being spotlighted in such a global stage during Land Day has been such an incredible opportunity, spearheading collaborations and partnerships. Receiving the generous prize of 50k USD the Land of Opportunities Pitch competition will enable us to scale and help more farmers in the farming communities in Kenya. We are very grateful for UNCCD for inviting us to join COP16 and for the pitch competition partners for their contributions.”NOTES Media enquiries: Please contact contact UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.int  or unccd@portland-communications.comSocial media: @UNCCD #COP16Riyadh #UNited4Land #Business4LandAbout UNCCDThe United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on good land stewardship. It supports communities and countries in creating wealth and securing nutritious food, clean water and energy through sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 parties also set up robust systems to proactively manage drought risks. Good land stewardship based on sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change, and prevents biodiversity loss.About Bussiness 4 Land (B4L)B4L is the UNCCD’s main initiative to engage the private sector in sustainable land and water management. It helps companies and financial institutions manage risks and seize opportunities tied to land degradation and drought. B4L aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global commitment to achieve net zero land degradation by 2030, as well as enhancing drought resilience.

UNCCD COP16:  Advocating for Sustainable Land Management on Agri-Food Systems DayJournalists are invited to attend Day 4 of COP16, which focuses on how resilient crops and healthy soils can drive global food security and sustainable development. The day will spotlight innovative strategies and global action to advance sustainable land management through agri-food system transformation.Key EventsWrapping up a COP year: The Role of Agrifood Systems Across the Three Rio ConventionsWhen: 8:00–8:45Where: MET-33This event will set the tone for Agri-food Systems Day, focusing on the transformation toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. It will discuss the restoration of agricultural land to achieve multiple co-benefits, including food security, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), carbon storage, and biodiversity. The session aims to enhance the interlinkages between the three Rio Conventions, soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.World Soil Day CelebrationWhen: 10:30–11:30Where: MET-33A live stream of the World Soil Day celebration from Bangkok (Thailand) observing its 10th anniversary, followed by a panel discussion led by World Food Prize 2020 recipient Prof. Rattan Lal. The panel will focus on the current status and challenges facing global soils, emphasizing the urgent need for action to preserve and restore soil health.High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food SystemsWhen: 13:00–15:00Where: MET-33A high-level, interactive, multi-stakeholder dialogue that will discuss the contributions of governments and non-state actors to catalyze the transformation toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems. The session will launch the Agri-Food Systems component of the Riyadh Action Agenda and outline a collaborative pathway to meet the UNCCD’s land degradation neutrality commitments.Other Press EventsWorld Soil Day Press Conference and Daily BriefingWhen: 12:30-13:00Where: MET-17Speakers:Juan-Carlos Mendoza, IFAD Director Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion DivisionAbdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-GeneralLifeng Li, FAO Director of Land and WaterWorld Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. The theme for this year is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," which underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information to understand soil characteristics and support informed decision making on sustainable soil management for food security.This press conference is held in conjunction with the daily briefing for journalists at UNCCD COP16.Media AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule Future Key COP16 Events for Media 6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report

UNCCD COP16:  Driving Business Innovation and Sustainable Practices for Land RestorationJournalists are invited to attend Day 3 of COP16, which focuses on practical solutions and innovative partnerships to tackle land degradation and promote sustainability. Highlights include the Business for Land Forum, showcasing how businesses are driving change in land restoration, and Fashion for Land, exploring the environmental impact of the textile industry and its role in sustainable land management.The day also features expert-led discussions, report launches and press briefings, providing valuable insights into global efforts to build resilient landscapes and communities.Key EventsBusiness 4 Land ChampionsWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 8:00–9:45Where: MET-25A high-level gathering to showcase the intersection of business, finance, and policy in driving sustainable land management. The forum will spotlight private sector contributions to soil and water restoration and strategies for scaling impactful actions globally.Global Rangelands Standards: A Framework for Sustainable Pastoral FuturesWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 15:00–15:45Where: MET-24The launch of a comprehensive framework to promote sustainable pastoral practices, focusing on building resilience in communities and ecosystems reliant on rangelands.The Nature of Business: The Path to Prosperity and SustainabilityWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 9:30–11:00Where: MET-21André Hoffmann presents a visionary approach for businesses to align profitability with sustainability. Drawing on case studies from companies like Roche and IKEA, the session outlines actionable strategies for a balanced and inclusive future.High Level Interactive Dialogue : Gender Caucus. HerLand: Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Land Management When: Wednesday 4 December,  10:00–13:00Where: MET-11A critical platform for promoting gender-responsive solutions in land management. This session will highlight women-led initiatives, practical tools, and the use of sex-disaggregated data to inform future strategies for drought resilience.Fashion 4 LandWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 18:00–20:00Where: MET-25This event  explores the intricate connection between the fashion industry and land health, focusing on the impact of fiber production on soil and sustainable land use. It will encourage innovative approaches to fashion’s environmental footprint.Press briefings & conferencesICARDA Press Conference for the Launch of the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient DrylandsWhen: Wednesday, 4 December, 14:00–14:30Where: MET-17Speakers: Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director CGIAREng. Aly Abousabaa, Director General ICARDA & Regional Director CWANA of CGIARDr. Stanford Blade, acting Deputy Director General, ICRISATDr.RebbieHarawa, Africa Director ICRISATDr. Michael Baum, acting Deputy Director General, ICARDAOn behalf of collaborating CGIAR Centers, partners, and stakeholders who played a vital role in its development, ICARDA and ICRISAT are thrilled to launch the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) – a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize dryland agriculture and generate thriving and resilient livelihoods in dryland communities across the world.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing for European Investment BankWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 15:00–15:30Where: MET-17Speakers:Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice PresidentThe EIB Vice President, Gelsomina Vigliotti, and expert colleagues will discuss the EIB’s commitment to financing sustainable land management and drought resilience projects globally, with a focus on the interconnectedness of the three Rio Conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD).To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing on Business 4 Land When: Wednesday 4 December 15:30–16.00Where : MET-17Speakers:Sarah Toumi, Monitoring Officer at the UNCCD Global MechanismNeo Gim Huay is Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic ForumWEF The media briefing will highlight private sector actions to restore soil and water resources, showcasing innovative solutions and strategies for scaling sustainable land management.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia Briefing on a Arab Coordination Group’s USD 10 bn pledge to reverse land degradationWhen: Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 16:15–16:45Where: MET-17Speakers:Representative from Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (TBC)Representatives from the Arab Coordination Group will discuss the pledge in greater detail and what it means for land restoration. Caribbean Small Island Developing States Press ConferenceWhen: Wednesday 4 December 17:00–17:30Where : MET-17Speakers:Minister Vaughn Miller, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources - the BahamasMinister Alfred Prospere, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development- Saint LuciaThe Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) wishes to convene a briefing session to further discuss the formation of the UNCCD Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Forum and convene an interim executive committee to oversee the further work necessary to the launch of the Forum.To follow live: https://webtv.un.org/en/scheduleMedia AccreditationAll journalists must be accredited to attend. Accreditation can be completed through the Online Registration System (ORS). Additional information, including the full agenda and session details, is available on the COP16 website.For inquiries, contact press@unccd.intKey resources Press releases and other media materials from COP16 updated daily  hereUNCCD COP16 Trello Board, including branding guidelines and key messagesUNCCD COP16 websiteHost country website COP16 conference app available in the Apple app store and Google PlayUN WebTV – live broadcast of key plenary sessions with live interpretation in all six UN languages.Press and media kitSocial media kitPhoto assets – Flickr and Earth Negotiation Bulletin Press Conference Schedule Future Key COP16 Events for Media 4 December New Nature of Business Book Launch4 December Fashion for Land6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends Report