The Science-Policy Interface Day at COP 16 is a dedicated event for fostering dialogue among scientists, policymakers and practitioners on addressing desertification, land degradation and drought. This year’s focus is on historical and future aridity trends and sustainable land use systems.

The event will explore two critical dimensions: adapting to aridification and scaling up systems approaches to land use and management. Drawing from recent scientific assessments, the SPI will present findings on aridity trends and their role in climate adaptation, along with strategies for addressing land degradation through sustainable land use systems.

Panel discussions and interactive sessions will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, case studies, and practical solutions. Participants will discuss how to scale up effective practices and integrate science into policy, with a focus on fostering collaboration and aligning efforts under the three Rio conventions. Audience engagement will be central, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to enhancing land resilience to aridity.