Mainstreaming environment and climate change in national development planning, policies and implementation is central to UNDP’s mission of reducing poverty and achieving the MDGs. The UNDP Drylands Development Center is dedicated to fighting poverty and achieving sustainable development in the drier regions of the world, contributing to the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Through its Integrated Drylands Development Programme (IDDP), the Center helps meet the challenges faced by dryland populations in a holistic and strategic manner. IDDP provides financial, policy and technical advice for mainstreaming of drylands issues into national and sub-national development and planning frameworks; making markets work for the poor; strengthening drought risk management; enhancing land governance; and improving decentralized governance of natural resources.This collection of stories demonstrates how UNDP’s assistance in the area is leading to transformational change – change that is bringing about real improvements in people’s lives.