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The leaders of the three Rio Conventions recently met in Bonn to chart the next stage of their collaboration. Yasmine Fouad, the new UNCCD Executive Secretary, chaired the meeting of the Joint Liaison Group, welcoming her counterparts Simon Stiell of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Astrid Schomaker of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Together, they discussed priority actions for 2025–2026 and pledged to strengthen cooperation to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation. One immediate outcome of the meeting is the launch of the Rio Synergies platform, unveiled to showcase how the three conventions are stepping up joint action. The new website highlights the benefits of integrated approaches and provides a window into how countries, communities and institutions can work across climate, biodiversity and land agendas.Some 30 years ago, at the Rio Earth Summit, the world agreed on three landmark treaties to protect the planet: the UNCCD, the CBD and the UNFCCC. Each tackles a different piece of the environmental puzzle—but all share one truth: climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation are deeply connected, and solving one equals tackling them together.The rationale for closer cooperation is clear: Humanity is on track to reach ten billion people by 2050, just as nature’s life-support systems are reaching breaking point. Almost one million species are at risk of extinction. Three-quarters of the planet’s land has been transformed by human activity. And if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit within decades.At the heart of cooperation is a shared conviction: when climate, land and biodiversity goals are pursued together, the results are stronger, more cost-effective and longer lasting. By linking their mandates, the Rio conventions are committed to turning overlapping challenges into shared opportunities—delivering solutions that benefit people, economies and ecosystems alike.The new platform demonstrates how this can work in practice. It showcases key areas for action, such as sustainable land use planning, nature-positive food production, renewable energy transition and gender-responsive action. It also highlights country case studies where integrated projects are already making a difference: Rwanda’s nationwide restoration strategy combining reforestation, agroforestry and land recovery; Central Asia’s efforts to restore vast degraded steppes as carbon sinks; and Panama’s “Nature Pledge,” which unites its climate, biodiversity and land commitments under a single national framework, among others.The Rio synergies approach is centered around three pillars. First is country support: helping governments strengthen policies, develop integrated plans and build negotiation skills through joint capacity-building. Second is coherence and complementarity: aligning work on shared themes like food systems, forests and water, and engaging Indigenous Peoples and youth. Third is outreach and visibility: speaking with one voice at global events, promoting a joint narrative and sharing inspiring examples of synergy in action.As the three Executive Secretaries agreed, climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation are not separate challenges—they are different symptoms of one planetary crisis. By strengthening synergies, the Rio Conventions aim to help humanity heal its relationship with nature and build a more resilient, sustainable future for all. The Rio journey now leads to 2026 — the triple COP year when all three conventions will hold their governing conferences— a pivotal convergence to align national commitments, showcase joint solutions and generate the political momentum needed to translate promises into action on the ground.Join the Rio journey at https://rioconventions.org

La 23e réunion du Comité chargé de l'examen de la mise en œuvre de la Convention (CRIC23) se tiendra à Panama, du 1er au 5 décembre 2025 L’emblème du CRIC23 met en lumière l’Engagement nature du Panama sur les terres, le climat et la biodiversité Bonn / Panama, 15 septembre 2025 – Les représentants de 196 pays et de l’Union européenne se réuniront au Panama du 1er au 5 décembre 2025 pour examiner leurs efforts de lutte contre la désertification, la dégradation des terres et la sécheresse, en tant que Parties à l’unique traité mondial juridiquement contraignant sur la question — l’une des trois Conventions de Rio, aux côtés de celles sur la biodiversité et le climat. La 23e réunion du Comité chargé de l’examen de la mise en œuvre de la Convention (CRIC23) de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification (CNULCD) rassemblera environ 500 délégués issus des gouvernements, de la société civile et du monde universitaire pour évaluer les progrès accomplis dans la réalisation des objectifs de la Convention. Partie à la CNULCD depuis 1996, le Panama s’est engagé à parvenir à la neutralité en matière de dégradation des terres d’ici 2030. Le pays a identifié 31 zones critiques et met en œuvre des programmes de reboisement et d’adaptation au Corridor sec, soulignant ainsi son rôle d’hôte régional. En 2023, il a connu l’année la plus sèche jamais enregistrée, au cours de laquelle les pénuries d’eau ont perturbé le trafic du canal de Panama et montré comment une sécheresse locale peut avoir des répercussions mondiales. Juan Carlos Navarro, ministre de l’Environnement du Panama, a souligné : « Jamais auparavant un pays n’avait accueilli, au cours d’une même année, les trois grandes conventions environnementales des Nations Unies — sur l’action climatique, la biodiversité, la désertification et la gestion durable des terres. Par cet engagement, le Panama réaffirme sa détermination à préserver la nature et à promouvoir le développement durable, tout en réitérant son appel à gérer de manière intégrée ces trois piliers afin de faire face à la crise planétaire et de construire un avenir résilient pour nos communautés. » La Secrétaire exécutive de la CNULCD, Yasmine Fouad, a déclaré : « Les sécheresses sévères et la perte de terres fertiles mettent déjà sous pression la production alimentaire et énergétique, déplacent des communautés rurales et menacent les moyens de subsistance de millions de personnes. Nulle part cela n’est plus visible qu’en Amérique latine et dans les Caraïbes, une région où la dégradation des terres est particulièrement grave, touchant au moins 20 % de la superficie totale. En accueillant le CRIC23, le Panama se place au centre de la réponse collective — de son Engagement nature national à l’Initiative régionale du Corridor sec — et contribuer à créer l’élan nécessaire pour renforcer la résilience face à la sécheresse et restaurer les terres à l’échelle mondiale » Ce CRIC mettra également un accent particulier sur la dimension de genre. Les femmes figurent parmi les plus durement touchées par la dégradation des terres : elles subissent au quotidien les conséquences des sols appauvris et de la sécheresse, tout en restant à l’avant-garde pour subvenir aux besoins de leur famille et assurer l’alimentation des communautés. Les données récentes de la CNULCD montrent l’urgence d’agir : le monde perd chaque année près de 100 millions d’hectares de terres saines et plus de 70 % des zones terrestres ont connu une augmentation de l’aridité au cours des 30 dernières années, compromettant la capacité de la planète à nourrir une population croissante. Pour atteindre les objectifs mondiaux de restauration des terres et lutter contre la désertification et la sécheresse d’ici 2030, il faudra mobiliser 1 milliard de dollars US par jour — une fraction de ce qui est actuellement consacré à des incitations et investissements pervers. Le CRIC23 se tiendra au Panama Convention Center, à Panama City. Les Parties examineront les progrès accomplis et formuleront des recommandations pour atteindre les cibles mondiales de prévention et de restauration des terres et de renforcement de la résilience à la sécheresse d’ici 2030. Le CRIC23 discutera également du cadre stratégique post-2030 et réunira des acteurs clés, notamment les femmes, les jeunes, les peuples autochtones et les communautés locales. Le logo du CRIC23 s’inspire de la fleur de colombe (Peristeria elata), fleur nationale du Panama. En son centre, l’esquisse d’une colombe blanche en plein vol émerge — un symbole universel de paix et d’unité. Aujourd’hui, cette fleur délicate est de plus en plus menacée par la désertification dans son habitat naturel, ce qui souligne l’urgence de protéger la biodiversité et de restaurer nos sols. L’emblème du CRIC23 met également en valeur l’Engagement nature du Panama, qui unit ses engagements en matière de terres, de climat et de biodiversité dans une vision commune. Le logo rend en outre hommage au patrimoine naturel et culturel du Panama et reflète la volonté du pays de bâtir un avenir résilient, durable et en harmonie avec la nature. Notes aux rédacteurs    Les représentants des médias accrédités sont invités à assister au CRIC22 et aux événements associés. Le Bulletin des Négociations de la Terre de l'IIDD fournira des informations quotidiennes sur le CRIC23.   Le programme des événements parallèles est disponible ici : https://www.unccd.int/cric23/side-events Les supports visuels sur le CRIC23 et le tableau de bord de données de la CNULCD sont disponibles ici : https://trello.com/b/zq0kxtkK/unccd-cric23-panama-2025 L’inscription en ligne pour les médias sera ouverte à partir du 15 septembre 2025 à l’adresse suivante : https://indico.un.org/e/unccd-cric23 (cliquer sur « Media Registration »). Pour vous inscrire, veuillez fournir les documents suivants: Une photo d'identité récente ; Une carte de presse valide ; Une copie (photo et pages de signature) de votre passeport (pour les journalistes étrangers) ou de votre carte d'identité nationale (pour les demandeurs locaux) ;  Une lettre d'introduction du chef de bureau qui sponsorise votre voyage à la session. Pour les journalistes indépendants, une lettre de l'organe de presse qui vous confie la couverture de la conférence est nécessaire ;  Après cette date, l’inscription sur place aura lieu au Centre d’accréditation et d’enregistrement du Panama Convention Center (Calle General Juan D. Perón, Amador, Panama City) pendant les heures officielles d’ouverture. Les journalistes inscrits en ligne pourront retirer leur accréditation au Panama Convention Center sur présentation d’une carte de presse valide et d’un document d’identité. Pour plus d’informations sur les conditions de visa et l’introduction de matériel de reportage au Panama, veuillez consulter : https://es.tourismpanama.com/planea-tus-vacaciones/requisitos-de-viaje/ Pour toute question relative à l’accréditation ou à la couverture médiatique de l’événement, veuillez contacter : press@unccd.int Un espace de travail réservé à la presse et aux médias sera disponible sur le lieu de la conférence.    Des informations supplémentaires et des mises à jour médiatiques sur la Convention et le CRIC23 seront disponibles sur le site Internet de la CNULCD : https://www.unccd.int/cric23  À propos de la CNULCD  La Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification (CNULCD) incarne la vision et la voix mondiales pour la gestion des terres. Elle rassemble gouvernements, scientifiques, décideurs, secteur privé et communautés autour d’une vision commune et d’une action globale pour restaurer et gérer durablement les terres de la planète, au bénéfice de l’humanité et de l’environnement. Bien plus qu’un traité international signé par 197 Parties, la CNULCD constitue un engagement multilatéral visant à atténuer les effets de la dégradation des terres aujourd’hui et promouvoir une gestion durable des terres demain. Son objectif : garantir à tous, l’accès équitable à la nourriture, à l’eau, à un habitat et à des opportunités économiques, dans un esprit d’inclusion et de justice sociale.  

In the past decade, the world has made a historic push to prepare for drought before it strikes, unlocking solutions in policy, practice, and finance. Humanity has never been better equipped to face this growing challenge. The next step, experts say, is using all the available knowledge and expertise to build drought resilience for everyone, everywhere. At World Water Week, held in Stockholm from 24 to 28 August, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), co-convened leading experts to highlight success cases and new initiatives for drought resilience.Here are five takeaways from the session ‘Accelerating Drought Resilience in a Changing Climate:’Systemic measures for a systemic riskFar from only affecting agriculture, drought can have long-lasting impacts on all sectors of society, the economy and ecosystems —-uprooting people from their lands, stunting the development of entire generations, and causing GDPs to plummet by up to 10 per cent. Drought is a systemic risk, but too often, it is addressed with piecemeal measures.“Water crosses so many boundaries as it moves from the tops of mountains through ecosystems towards the ocean: administrative, legal, cultural, ecological boundaries,” said Global Director of Freshwater Outcomes at TNC Nicole Silk. “That is why we need to work across systems, sectors, borders, and scales to build drought resilience”.In that spirit, the nonprofit is supporting the implementation of nature-based solutions across entire watersheds in collaboration with communities, the private sector, and governments. Protecting key ecological functions is a nature-based solution, as are financial innovations.One example is TNC's work in the Tana River in Kenya, which supplies 95% of the water for Nairobi’s 4 million residents, feeds one of the country’s main agricultural areas, and provides half of the country’s hydropower output. In the past 50 years, the substitution of agricultural fields for forests and wetlands had reduced the ability of the land to store runoff water and hold the soil, compromising the water security of millions.Enter the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund. The mechanism, which TNC kickstarted in 2015 as is now an independent Kenyan-registered entity, has public and private donors and major water consumers downstream contribute resources to support water and soil conservation measures upstream, which is improving water quality and supply.No-regret investments Protecting ecosystems, managing land and water resources sustainably, and restoring degraded land are some of the most effective and sustainable ways of building drought resilience. But the benefits of nature-based solutions go way beyond drought.Every dollar invested in nature-based solutions (NbS) can generate up to US$27 in improved ecosystem services and livelihoods —-a no-regret investment, according to a recent report launched at UNCCD COP16 and as evidenced by the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative.“More intense and frequent droughts are the new normal,” said Senior Policy Officer at BMZ Mario Lootz-Petersen. “Our goal is to make nature-based solutions a new normal, as well. The evidence and the tools are definitely there.” For the expert, one of the keys is continuing to build robust business cases and models around sustainable land and water management with a view to scaling up the many successful initiatives around the world.Tailored approaches While the pillars of drought resilience are universal, each context requires its own tailored solutions. Hence the importance of adapting drought resilience approaches to different realities.“A key question is how we can localize drought resilience solutions such as climate-smart agriculture, drought insurance, and water-storage innovation,” said Giriraj Amarnath, Principal Researcher on Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).Through the Drought Action Catalyst, experts, decision-makers, and communities can come together to co-design and scale solutions for drought. The IWMI-led platform, launched at UNCCD COP16, also promotes South-South learning; an integrated action across sectors like agriculture, health, and infrastructure, and even an AI-based chatbot to help farmers tackle drought.From policies to practice With support from UNCCD, more than 70 countries have put in place national plans to manage drought risk, up from three only a decade ago. In parallel, the convention is hosting two major initiatives on drought resilience and is collaborating with academic, research and civil society organizations to bridge policy and practice.One of the UNCCD-hosted initiatives is the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), which is building political momentum and developing tools to help countries anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to drought —for example, the International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO). The other is the Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership (RDRP), which will financially support 74 vulnerable countries in implementing their national drought plans from early 2026, as explained by Policy Officer with the UNCCD Daniel Tsegai. The idea is to invest in people, land, and ecosystems today, so that communities can thrive tomorrow.Additionally, the Convention and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) have launched a series of regional and global  Communities of Learning and Practice (CLP) —an agora where practitioners, decision-makers and scientists can learn from each other, ask for advice, and share new developments on drought-related matters.“I cannot overstate how important peer-to-peer learning is when it comes to accelerating drought action on the ground,” said Tsegai, who stressed the importance of sustainable land and water management. “Together, we can go further, faster —and the CLPs provide a safe space to do just that.”Beyond early warningIn Africa, UNCCD teamed up with the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) —an IDRA partner— and the National Drought Mitigation Center/ University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NDMC/UNL) to create a drought impact tracker for countries in the region. The tool looks to empower farmers to report on drought signs and impacts using their phones, contributing to improve drought management.A project led by the GWP is now integrating the impact tracker into efforts to improve early warning systems in Eastern Africa. For GWP specialist Anjali Lohani, the move shows the importance of integrating existing tools and insights, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.“So much knowledge already exists, so a priority is to make it available and accessible to those who need it,” said Lohani, who also noted the importance of building the capacity of communities to act on early warning messages. “Knowing that drought is coming is not enough; you need to have preparedness and response capabilities in place.”

Riyadh, 14 September 2025 – On her first official mission as UNCCD Executive Secretary, Yasmine Fouad met with HE Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and COP16 President, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh."My visit to Riyadh was an opportunity to reinforce our shared commitment and emphasize the critical leadership of the Saudi COP16 Presidency as we work toward COP17," said Dr. Fouad. "To address the profound impacts of land degradation on food insecurity and economic uncertainty, we must act decisively and collectively. Our partnership is key to mobilizing political will and resources to restore land and hope."Discussions focused on shared priorities, including accelerating efforts toward drought resilience, transforming food systems, and creating new opportunities for private sector engagement in land restoration.On drought resilience, the meeting followed up on the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership at COP16, emphasizing the need for a proactive, global approach to preparedness and response, and for strong policies that support vulnerable communities and ecosystems.On food systems, the two leaders highlighted the crucial link between healthy land and sustainable food production. Building on the landmark COP16 decision on productive agricultural lands, they noted that agriculture remains a major driver of land degradation, deforestation, freshwater extraction and biodiversity loss worldwide, and must be transformed to become part of the solution.On private sector engagement, discussions built on the Business for Land Initiative endorsed by leaders at COP16, concentrating on strategies to unlock financing and innovation, reduce investment risks, and develop a compelling business case for companies to become key partners in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and restoring land.Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December 2024, UNCCD COP16 was the largest and most inclusive in the Convention’s history, resulting in 39 decisions adopted by UNCCD’s 197 Parties."I am confident that through the Saudi COP16 Presidency and the upcoming Mongolian COP17 Presidency, we will be able to showcase that we can be united for land, united for people and united with hope," Ms. Fouad added.For more information, please contact: UNCCD Press Office press@unccd.int; About UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the global vision and voice for land. We unite governments, scientists, policymakers, private sector and communities around a shared vision and global action to restore and manage the world’s land for the sustainability of humanity and the planet. Much more than an international treaty signed by 197 parties, UNCCD is a multilateral commitment to mitigating today’s impacts of land degradation and advancing tomorrow’s land stewardship in order to provide food, water, shelter and economic opportunity to all people in an equitable and inclusive manner. 

By Yasmine Fouad, UNCCD Executive SecretaryThe global energy transition is often portrayed as a challenging, complex, costly and urgent necessity. But this perspective fails to capture the full picture. What if this monumental transformation offers one of the greatest opportunities of our time to restore our planet? This is an opportunity both to change how we power our world and to restore the land itself, addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity at their source.  A bucket-wheel excavator, one of the world's largest land vehicles, looms against the sky at the Hambach open-pit mine. This machine symbolizes the large-scale extraction of lignite coal that has shaped the region for generations. I witnessed this firsthand in Eschweiler, Germany, this week. For generations, this region was defined by the massive machinery of the Hambach open pit mine, which spans 85 square kilometers (about the area of Manhattan) and plunges 400 meters (about half the height of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world) deep. With a delegation of parliamentarians from around the world for our Global Changemaker Academy, I visited this former mine site. Through a meticulous, multi-decade effort, the landscape is being transformed into what I can only describe as a "friendly land": an ecosystem reborn from an industrial scar that is teeming with new life. The vast pit is destined to become Germany's second-largest lake after 2029. UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad joined the global delegation of parliamentarians from the Global Changemaker Academy, who were welcomed by the deputy mayor of Eschweiler at City Hall (Stadt Eschweiler Rathaus). What is happening in Eschweiler is powerful and tangible, going beyond a "good story." It is a prime example of what can happen when investment, technology, law and community dialogue converge. But Eschweiler's story is a complex narrative of a just transition that acknowledges the decades of community displacement and environmental degradation that preceded it. The most important lesson from this visit is not found in the soil or the newly planted trees. It is found in the law. The remarkable restoration we have seen did not happen by virtue of corporate goodwill alone. It was the direct result of a robust, forward-thinking legislative framework: Germany's Federal Mining Act. The law shows the principle that those who profit from extracting resources are responsible for restoring the land afterward. It requires companies to submit detailed, science-based reclamation plans for approval before any earth is moved. This legal framework designs the end from the beginning. The successful restoration of the land was achieved because the law required it, setting ambitious standards and ensuring the land was returned to the people in a healthy, productive and ecologically diverse state. UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad This is the critical framework we must bring from Eschweiler to the rest of the world. For the parliamentarians who joined me, this was the primary takeaway. While the specific restoration techniques or financial scale of this "Rolls Royce" project may not be replicable everywhere, the principle of strong, enforceable policies is universal. As lawmakers, they are the architects of this change. For three decades, the international community has addressed our planet's greatest challenges through three related agreements stemming from the Rio Earth Summit. Too often, these agreements tended to be pursued in relative isolation. Eschweiler shows us, in contrast, that on-the-ground action creates the constructive collaboration we need. Here, land restoration is the unifying, practical action that allows us to address climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification all at once. The restored Inde River flows through a lush, green landscape that was once an open pit mine. Wind turbines in the background represent the successful integration of a revived ecosystem and a clean energy future. Healthy soil and thriving ecosystems act as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Restored lands become our best defense against climate shocks. They act like natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters and keeping moisture during droughts. At the same time, restoration is the engine of biodiversity's return. By rebuilding healthy soil and restoring water cycles, we lay the foundation for life. Reintroducing native plants sets the stage for the return of pollinators, insects, birds and mammals, transforming a barren landscape into a complex, resilient web of life. My journey from Eschweiler starts locally but will go globally. This first field visit as Executive Secretary served as a clear statement of intent. I am here for the land. Seeing this restoration firsthand alongside these dedicated lawmakers reinforces my conviction. My message to them and to leaders everywhere is this: "The UNCCD stands ready to be your partner on the ground. We will come to your countries, walk your landscapes and work with you to craft the people-centric policies that will bring your land back to life." The Blausteinsee, a popular recreational lake formed from an old open pit mine, features a visible power plant in the distance. Its transformation from an industrial scar to a community hub for nature and leisure exemplifies the ultimate vision of restoration.  

As the planet continues to warm, harsher droughts, extreme heat and erratic rainfall are eroding the food security and livelihoods of millions – especially the smallholder farmers who produce one third of the world’s food. Over the past three decades, disasters have caused US$3.8 trillion in crop and livestock losses globally. But in regions like Africa, only three per cent of family farmers have agricultural insurance, leaving millions exposed to shocks. Meanwhile, land degradation and drought are pushing rural communities deeper into poverty, jeopardizing the ability to feed a growing world population.  One way to address the challenge is reducing insurance premiums for farmers who manage the land sustainably, as explained by a new report commissioned by UNCCD and funded by the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) This innovative model leverages mobile and satellite technologies, behavioral science and systems thinking to provide financial protection while promoting sustainable land use. The report, called ‘Securing Land and Livelihoods: Insurance for Drought Resilience,’ shows the practical and economic benefits of the model through case studies from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and the Horn of Africa. To put it in practice, authors recommend building public-private partnerships, establishing pilot projects and embedding these solutions into national development plans and climate risk strategies. This integrated model reflects UNCCD’s commitment to solutions that align land management, insurance innovation and resilience-building for the communities most affected by land degradation and drought. A pilot project is underway in Namibia, with progress to be shared at UNCCD CRIC23 this December, and the project findings to be presented at a dedicated insurance event during UNCCD COP16 in 2026.