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Land degradation undermining Earth’s capacity to sustain humanity; Failure to reverse it will pose challenges for generations;Seven of nine planetary boundaries are negatively impacted by unsustainable land use, highlighting land’s central role in Earth systems;Agriculture accounts for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, 70% of freshwater use;Forest loss and impoverished soils drive hunger, migration and conflicts;Transformation of land use critical for humanity to thrive within environmental limitsRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – A major new scientific report charts an urgent course correction for how the world grows food and uses land in order to avoid irretrievably compromising Earth’s capacity to support human and environmental well-being.   Produced under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the report is launched as nearly 200 UNCCD member states begin their COP16 summit on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Land is the foundation of Earth’s stability, the report underlines. It regulates climate, preserves biodiversity, maintains freshwater systems and provides life-giving resources including food, water and raw materials.  The report, Stepping back from the precipice: Transforming land management to stay within planetary boundaries, draws on roughly 350 information sources(*) to examine land degradation and opportunities to act from a planetary boundaries perspective.Deforestation, urbanization and unsustainable farming, however, are causing global land degradation at an unprecedented scale, threatening not only different Earth system components but human survival itself.Moreover, the deterioration of forests and soils undermines Earth’s capacity to cope with the climate and biodiversity crises, which in turn accelerate land degradation in a vicious, downward cycle of impacts.“If we fail to acknowledge the pivotal role of land and take appropriate action, the consequences will ripple through every aspect of life and extend well into the future, intensifying difficulties for future generations,” said UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw. Already today, land degradation disrupts food security, drives migration, and fuels conflicts.The global area impacted by land degradation – approx. 15 million km², more than the entire continent of Antarctica or nearly the size of Russia  – is expanding each year by about a million square km.Planetary boundariesThe report, available for download post-embargo at www.unccd.int and https://publications.pik-potsdam.de/pubman/faces/ViewItemOverviewPage.jsp?itemId=item_30631, situates both problems and potential solutions related to land use within the scientific framework of the planetary boundaries, which has rapidly gained policy relevance since its unveiling 15 years ago. The planetary boundaries define nine critical thresholds essential for maintaining Earth’s stability. How humanity uses or abuses land directly impacts seven of these, including climate change, species loss and ecosystem viability, freshwater systems, and the circulation of naturally occurring elements nitrogen and phosphorus. Change in land use is also a planetary boundary.   Alarmingly, six boundaries have already been breached to date, and two more are close to their thresholds: ocean acidification and the concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere. Only stratospheric ozone – the object of a 1989 treaty to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals – is firmly within its “safe operating space”. “The aim of the planetary boundaries framework is to provide a measure for achieving human wellbeing within Earth’s ecological limits,” said Johan Rockström, lead author of the seminal study introducing the concept in 2009. “We stand at a precipice and must decide whether to step back and take transformative action, or continue on a path of irreversible environmental change,” he adds.The benchmark for land use, for example, is the extent of the world’s forests before significant human impact. Anything above 75% keeps us within safe bounds, but forest cover has already been reduced to only 60% of its original area, according to the most recent update of the planetary boundaries framework by Katherine Richardson and colleagues.Until recently, land ecosystems absorbed nearly one third of human-caused CO₂ pollution, even as those emissions increased by half.  Over the last decade, however, deforestation and climate change have reduced by 20% the capacity of trees and soil to absorb excess CO₂.Unsustainable agricultural practicesConventional agriculture is the leading culprit of land degradation, contributing to deforestation, soil erosion and pollution. Unsustainable irrigation practices deplete freshwater resources, while excessive use of nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers destabilize ecosystems.Degraded soils lower crop yields and nutritional quality, directly impacting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Secondary effects include greater dependency on chemical inputs and increased land conversion for farming.The infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930s resulted from large-scale land-use changes and inadequate soil conservation. Land degradation hotspots today stem from intensive agricultural production and high irrigation demands, particularly in dry regions such as South Asia, northern China, the US High Plains, California, and the Mediterranean.Meanwhile, climate change – which has long since breached its own planetary boundary – accelerates land degradation through extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and intensified floods. Melting mountain glaciers and altered water cycles heighten vulnerabilities, especially in arid regions.Rapid urbanization intensifies these challenges, contributing to habitat destruction, pollution, and biodiversity loss.The impacts of land degradation hit tropical and low-income countries disproportionately, both because they have less resilience and because impacts are concentrated in tropical and arid regions. Women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and local communities also bear the brunt of environmental decline. Women face increased workloads and health risks, while children suffer from malnutrition and educational setbacks.Weak governance and corruption exacerbate these challenges. Corruption fosters illegal deforestation and resource exploitation, perpetuating cycles of degradation and inequality.According to the Prindex initiative, nearly one billion people lack secure land tenure, with the highest concentration in north Africa (28%), sub-Saharan Africa (26%), as well as South and Southeast Asia. The fear of losing one’s home or land undermines efforts to promote sustainable practices. Agricultural subsidies often incentivize harmful practices, fueling overuse of water and biogeochemical imbalances. Aligning these subsidies with sustainability goals is critical for effective land management.From 2013 to 2018, more than half-a-trillion dollars were spent on such subsidies across 88 countries, a report by FAO, UNDP and UNEP found in 2021.  Nearly 90% went to inefficient, unfair practices that harmed the environment, according to that report. Transformative actionTransformative action to combat land degradation is needed to ensure a return to the safe operating space for the land-based planetary boundaries. Just as the planetary boundaries are interconnected, so must be the actions to prevent or slow their transgression.Principles of fairness and justice are key when designing and implementing transformative actions to stop land degradation, ensuring that benefits and burdens are equitably distributed.Agriculture reform, soil protection, water resource management, digital solutions, sustainable or “green” supply chains, equitable land governance along with the protection and restoration of forests, grasslands, savannas and peatlands are crucial for halting and reversing land and soil degradation.Regenerative agriculture is primarily defined by its outcomes, including improved soil health, carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. Agroecology emphasises holistic land management, including the integration of forestry, crops and livestock management. Woodland regeneration, no-till farming, nutrient management, improved grazing, water conservation and harvesting, efficient irrigation, intercropping, organic fertiliser, improved use of compost and biochar – can all enhance soil carbon and boost yields.Savannas are under severe threat from human-induced land degradation, yet are essential for ecological and human wellbeing. A major store of biodiversity and carbon, they cover 20% of the Earth’s land surface but are increasingly being lost to cropland expansion and misguided afforestation. The current rate of groundwater extraction exceeds replenishment in 47% of global aquifers, so more efficient irrigation is crucial to reduce agricultural freshwater use. Globally, the water sector must continue to shift from “grey” infrastructure (dams, reservoirs, channels, treatment plants) to “green” (reforestation, floodplain restoration, forest conservation or recharging aquifers).More efficient delivery of chemical fertilizer is likewise essential: currently, only 46% of nitrogen and 66% of phosphorus applied as fertilizer is taken up by crops. The rest runs off into freshwater bodies, and coastal areas with dire consequences for the environment.New technologiesNew technologies coupled with big data and artificial intelligence have made possible innovations such as precision farming, remote sensing and drones that detect and combat land degradation in real time. Benefits likewise accrue from the precise application of water, nutrients and pesticides, along with early pest and disease detection.Plantix, a free app available in 18 languages, can detect nearly 700 pests and diseases on more than 80 different crops. Improved solar cookstoves can provide households with additional income sources and improve livelihoods, while reducing reliance on forest resources.Regulatory action, stronger land governance, formalisation of land tenure and better corporate transparency on environmental impacts are all needed as well. Numerous multilateral agreements on land-system change exist but have largely failed to deliver. The Glasgow Declaration to halt deforestation and land degradation by 2030 was signed by 145 countries at the Glasgow climate summit in 2021, but deforestation has increased since then. Protecting intact peatlands and rewetting 60% of those already degraded could transform such ecosystems into a net sink, or sponge, of greenhouse gases by the end of the century. Currently, damaged peatlands account for 4% to 5% of global GHG emissions, according to the IUCN.(*) Complete references can be found in the report.By the numbers: Recent research highlights 7 out of 9: Planetary boundaries impacted by land use, underscoring its central role in Earth systems.60%: Remaining global forest cover—well below the safe boundary of 75%.15 million km²: Degraded land area, more than the size of Antarctica, expanding by 1 million km² annually.20%: Earth’s land surface covered by savannas, now under threat from cropland expansion and ill-conceived afforestation.46%: Global land area classified as drylands, home to a third of humanity; 75% of Africa is dryland.90%: Share of recent deforestation directly caused by agriculture—dominated by expanding cropland in Africa/Asia, livestock grazing in South America.80%: Agriculture’s contribution to global deforestation; 70% of freshwater use.23%: Greenhouse gas emissions stemming from agriculture, forestry, and land use.50% vs. 6%: Share of agricultural emissions from deforestation in lower-income vs. higher-income countries.46% / 66%: Fertilizer efficiency for nitrogen and phosphorus; the rest runs off with dire consequences.2,700+: National policies addressing nitrogen pollution while phosphorus is largely overlooked.10%: World’s arable land planted with genetically modified crops by 2018—dominated by soy (78%), cotton (76%), and maize (30%).11,700 years: Length of the Holocene period, during which Earth’s temperature varied within a narrow 0.5°C range—until a 1.3°C rise since the mid-19th century.1/3: Anthropogenic CO2 absorbed by land ecosystems annually.25%: Share of global biodiversity found in soil.20%: Decline in trees’ and soil’s CO2 absorption capacity since 2015 attributed to climate change.3%: Freshwater share of Earth’s water, mostly locked in ice caps and groundwater.50%+: World’s major rivers disrupted by dam construction.47%: Aquifers being depleted faster than they replenish.1 billion: People with insecure land rights, fearing loss of home or land (e.g., 28% in MENA, 26% in sub-Saharan Africa).1 in 5: People worldwide who paid bribes for land services in 2019—rising to 1 in 2 in sub-Saharan Africa.$500B+ (2013–2018): Agricultural subsidies across 88 countries, 90% of which fueled inefficient, harmful practices.$200B/year: Public and private finance for nature-based solutions, dwarfed by $7 trillion/year financing environmental harm145: nations that pledged in 2021 to halt deforestation by 2030; forest loss has since continued.* * * * *The full report Stepping back from the precipice: Transforming land management to stay within planetary boundariesis available for media preview at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m2hdIKka9AhJ-CvGCFF7DEuVdE2mx_Nk/view?usp=sharing and publicly available post-embargo at www.unccd.intThe 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024. Theme: “Our Land, Our Future”  www.unccd.int/cop16The COP is the main decision-making body of UNCCD’s 197 Parties – 196 countries and the European Union. UNCCD, the global voice for land, is one of three major UN treaties known as the Rio Conventions, alongside climate and biodiversity, which recently concluded their COP meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan and Cali, Colombia respectively.Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, COP 16 will be the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, which knows first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.COP 16 marks a renewed global commitment to accelerate investment and action to restore land and boost drought resilience for the benefit of people and planet.COP16 opening press conference: Monday 2 Dec at 13:15 local time (10:15 GMT), Press Conference Room (MET-17), live streamed via UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/enUNCCD COP16 media kit and other resources: www.unccd.int/cop16/media-informationCOP 16 early news highlights include:Special Report on Land: Johan Rockström, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) (2 Dec)Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership launch (2 December)International Drought Resilience Observatory launch (2 December)Global Drought Atlas launch (2 December)Report launch: Investing in Land’s Future: Assessing Financing Needs for Land Restoration and Drought Resilience (3 December)Ministerial dialogues: Policy instruments for proactive drought management (2 Dec)Unlocking public and private finance for land restoration and drought resilience (3 December), and  Impacts of land degradation and drought on forced migration, security and prosperity (3 December)Full COP 16 overview schedule, negotiation track, and action agenda: unccd.int/media/50289/openAccreditation: https://indico.un.org/event/1005866/registrations/15631Media contacts: Fragkiska Megaloudi, +30 6945547877 (WhatsApp), fmegaloudi@unccd.int   Terry Collins, +1-416-878-8712, tc@tca.tcJuliane Otto, +49 331 288 2492, jotto@pik-potsdam.deAuthors and other experts are available for advance interviews.  The report in full is available for media preview at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m2hdIKka9AhJ-CvGCFF7DEuVdE2mx_Nk/view?usp=sharing

Today, up to 40 per cent of the world's land is degraded, affecting half of humanity and with dire consequences for our climate, biodiversity and people’s livelihoods. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, increasing by 29% since 2000 due to climate change and unsustainable land management. If current trends continue, restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 will be necessary to achieve a land-degradation-neutral world.In a pivotal year of environmental negotiations, with major conferences focusing on biodiversity, climate change and desertification, the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) represents a crucial milestone. Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the Conference will host representatives of governments, civil society and leading experts to advance global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification and drought while promoting sustainable development. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, COP16 will be the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, which knows first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.WHAT: 16th Session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification WHEN: 2 to13 December 2024WHERE: Boulevard Riyadh City, at Al Imam Saud Ibn Faysal Rd. Hittin, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaPROGRAMME: https://www.unccd.int/official-documents/cop-16-riyadh-saudi-arabia-2024/agenda?date=2024-12-02PARTICIPANTS:Senior leaders from some 100 countriesSeveral former Heads of State who are members of the COP16 high-level advisory council (Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland, Senegal)Members of the Royal Family from Saudi Arabia and other countries UN Deputy Secretary-General and over 30 heads of UN entities and international organizationsPersonalities from the world of art and sports, including UNCCD Goodwill Ambassadors, award-winning musicians, filmmakers and athletesYouth leaders including UNCCD Land Heroes and youth entrepreneurs Private sector, civil society and Indigenous leadersUPCOMING KEY REPORTS1 December: Launch of the Special report on land by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Join the Opening Press Conference on 2 December at 13:15 with: Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. MohammedUNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim ThiawIncoming COP16 Presidency, and Johan Rockström, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)2 December: Launch of the Global Drought Atlas3 December: Launch of the Financial Needs Assessment for the Implementation of UNCCD 3 December: Launch of the Economics of Drought Resilience Report6 December: Launch of the Primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land9 December: Launch of the Global Aridity Trends ReportKEY FOCUS AREASCOP16 will address critical themes, including land degradation, drought resilience, and sustainable land management. The primary goals for this conference include:  Accelerate restoration of degraded land by 2030 and beyondBoost resilience to intensifying droughts and sand and dust stormsRestore soil health and scale up nature-positive food productionSecure land rights and promote equity for sustainable land stewardshipEnsure that land continues to provide climate and biodiversity solutionsUnlock economic opportunities, including decent land-based jobs for youthTHEMATIC DAYSLand Day (4 December): Focus on the role of healthy land in addressing climate change, job creation and poverty alleviation, with emphasis on nature-based solutions and private sector engagementAgri-Food Systems Day (5 December): Highlighting sustainable farming practices for resilient crops, healthy soils and ecosystem protectionGovernance Day (6 December): Exploring inclusive land governance and policies to strengthen equitable land managementPeople’s Day (7 December): Emphasizing the involvement of youth, women and civil society in land-related decision-makingScience, Technology and Innovation Day (9 December): Aims to accelerate scientific advancements for land health and resilienceResilience Day (10 December): Focus on policies and technologies that foster resilience to climate changeFinance Day (11 December): Aims to showcase innovative financial mechanisms supporting land restoration and drought resilienceHIGH-LEVEL EVENTS Ministerial high-level dialoguesMinisterial dialogue on drought resilience: From Geneva to Riyadh and beyond: Enhancing global and national policy instruments for a proactive drought management approach (2 December, 15:00 - 17:00): Highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the systemic impacts of droughtMinisterial dialogue on finance: Unlocking public and private finance for land restoration and drought resilience (3 December, 10:00 - 13:00): Addresses the critical need for increased investments to combat land degradation, desertification and droughtMinisterial dialogue on migration: Impacts of land degradation and drought on forced migration, security and prosperity (3 December, 14:00 - 17:00): Examines how sustainable land management and drought resilience can address the interconnected challenges of land degradation, forced migration and conflictBusiness for Land Forum (4 December 13:00 - 15:00)The Forum will bring together global leaders to drive private sector engagement, foster public-private partnerships and highlight business leadership in sustainable land use, restoration and resilience.Gender Caucus (4 December 10:00 - 13:00)The Gender Caucus promotes dialogue and showcases initiatives to advance gender equality, driving collaborative solutions to address desertification, land degradation and drought.Youth Forum (5-7 December) The three-day forum empowers young leaders, fosters knowledge exchange and mobilizes action to restore and protect lands for a sustainable future.Indigenous Peoples Forum (7 December, 10:00 - 13:00)The inaugural COP16 Forum will showcase Indigenous Peoples' role in land conservation, blending ancestral knowledge with global efforts to combat desertification.Sport4Land Champion announcement (7 December, Pavilion 1 Stage)Launched at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the UNCCD #Sport4Land campaign mobilizes athletes to champion land restoration, unveiling new ambassadors and sparking global dialogue on sports' role in restoration.Media accreditation and logisticsAccreditation for media representatives covering COP16 is now open. Journalists are encouraged to apply through the Online Registration System (ORS), the exclusive platform for obtaining accreditation and permissions. Further information for media is available at the COP16 media page.Information on visa and accommodation can be found at: UNCCD COP16 visa and accommodationsSocial media Follow: @UNCCD (Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)Primary hashtag: #COP16RiyadhSecondary hashtags: #UNCCDCOP16, #OurLandOurFuture, #UNited4Land, #HerLand, #Sport4Land, #Youth4Land Key resources UNCCD 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 kit

New report showcases women-led solutions for building drought resilienceWomen produce up to 80 per cent of food in developing countries, yet less than 20 per cent of landowners are womenDroughts contribute to 15 per cent of disaster-related economic losses globally and are responsible for 85.8 per cent of livestock deathsBonn, Germany, 15 October 2024 – Women and girls are not only experiencing greater hardships but are also demonstrating remarkable leadership in the face of drought, finds the new report by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).Launched on the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, the report titled Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience calls for better recognizing and supporting women-led efforts to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of drought. It also underscores that women's land rights are crucial for achieving food security."Women have long been viewed as the most vulnerable to drought, but as this report reveals, they are also the most resilient, leading the way in developing solutions to one of the world's most pressing challenges," said Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD. "The ingenuity and resourcefulness of women combatting drought around the world is boundless. Whether in the Africa’s Sahel region, in northern Kenya, in Iran, in Peru or in Morocco, women have proven their resilience and their ability to overcome the most inextricable conditions to keep their families thriving. Addressing gender inequality is not only about fairness—it is an opportunity to harness untapped potential in the fight against climate change."Gender inequalities and disproportionate impactsWomen and girls are disproportionately affected by drought due to persistent structural gender inequalities that limit their access to essential resources such as land, water, and financial services. These inequalities also place formidable workloads on women and girls. In many drought-impacted areas, women are primarily responsible for collecting water, often walking long distances, putting their health and safety at risk. Moreover, they manage unpaid care work, such as caring for children and the elderly, which further complicates their ability to cope with drought and underscores the need for drought plans to take into account specific challenges faced by women.Key findings: Women as drivers of global drought resilienceDespite facing systemic barriers such as limited land ownership, women are developing innovative solutions that enable their communities to adapt to the increasingly harsh environmental conditions.Women’s role in food production: Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but own less than 20 per cent of the land globally. This disparity limits their access to resources such as credit and training and their ability to prepare for and recover from droughts exacerbating their vulnerability to climate change.Drought’s global impact: Droughts contribute to 15 per cent of disaster-related economic losses globally and are responsible for 85.8 per cent of livestock deaths. In rain-fed agricultural regions, drought threatens the livelihoods of women, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural labour force.Land degradation and poverty: Up to 40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting over 3.2 billion people. As a result of land degradation and drought many women, are forced to walk longer distances to access clean water and gather fuel wood for their families.Economic benefits of women’s land rights: Research shows that securing land rights for women improves household nutrition, increases spending on children’s education, and enhances overall economic conditions. Women-led initiatives across the globe:The report features 35 case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, showcasing women's leadership in addressing drought resilience. From water conservation practices to climate-smart farming techniques, the examples illustrate how women are driving progress and building resilience to drought.In Peru, pastoralist women combine modern and traditional knowledge to manage water resources using ecohydrological monitoring, ensuring year-round vegetation to support livestock and mitigate drought crises.In India, women have developed rainwater collection systems during monsoons, securing water for crops during dry periods and safeguarding food production.In Kyrgyzstan, women are restoring degraded land by cultivating medicinal herbs, creating both environmental recovery and sustainable income sources.Looking ahead: Women’s leadership at COP16The findings of Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience will inform the discussions at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) that will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024. A key focus of UNCCD COP16, including its Gender Caucus, will be scaling up women-led initiatives and ensuring that gender-responsive strategies are at the heart of global drought resilience efforts. Increased investment in these strategies will be critical for supporting communities in addressing the growing environmental challenges posed by desertification, land degradation and drought worldwide.Notes to the editors Published by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the report is supported by the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the Government of Canada and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).Webinar with report authorA webinar featuring global gender expert Lorena Aguilar, Executive Director of the Kaschak Institute for women and girls, and author of the report Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience, will be held on 15 October from 16:00-17:30 CEST (14:00-15:30 GMT).To register: https://unccd-int.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HiTabvUDQpSPGLfBKnvoagDownload the full report The full report Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience is available in English:  Women-led solutions for drought resilience | UNCCD  Media enquiriesFor media enquiries please contact UNCCD Press Office at press@unccd.int  or unccd@portland-communications.comSocial media assets, including photos and videos, are available at:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZRbzjUbDITX0HmOQEQyhLzCvI0vLO3H9 UNCCD #HerLand CampaignAbout UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement on good land stewardship. It helps people, communities and countries create wealth, grow economies and secure enough food, clean water and energy by ensuring land users an enabling environment for sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 parties set up robust systems to manage drought promptly and effectively. 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 the International Day of Rural Women  The International Day of Rural Women, celebrated annually on 15 October, highlights the critical role rural women play in sustaining their communities and global food systems. The theme for 2024, "Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All", highlights their contributions from crop production to food distribution, despite facing systemic inequalities such as limited access to land, financial resources and decision-making power. As key drivers of food security, rural women are essential to building more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, which is an essential step towards achieving global development goals such as zero hunger and gender equality.Photo credit (c): AMPLED 

In just two months, global attention will focus on land and drought resilience as the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024.

Paris, 26 July 2024 - Desertification and land degradation represent a major challenge for the global sporting community. Sports pitches are directly affected by these phenomena. Drought and extreme temperatures make playing surfaces harder and more brittle, increasing the risk of injury for athletes. In addition, frequent heatwaves mean sporting events must be rescheduled, disrupting athletes' preparation and performance.According to a recent survey, 75 per cent of athletes perceive a negative impact on their health and performance because of climate change. In addition to the direct effects on athletes, global warming reduces opportunities for community and youth activities, particularly affecting marginalized groups.Healthy land not only provides us with almost 95 per cent of our food but so much more: it clothes and shelters us, provides us with jobs and livelihoods and protects us from worsening droughts, floods and forest fires. At the same time, population growth and unsustainable production and consumption patterns fuel demand for natural resources. By 2050, 10 billion people will share our planet and depend on healthy land for their livelihoods.To address these issues, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is organizing a ‘Desertification Day’ on 31 July 2024 at the Africa Station of the Olympic Games on Ile-Saint-Denis. The aim of the event is to raise awareness and get the sporting community involved in land issues ahead of UNCCD COP16, the UN's biggest conference on land issues, in December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.In partnership with the Mairie de l'île-Saint-Denis and the Association d'Esprit d'Ebène, the UNCCD is offering exciting activities such as a desertification fresco, an oasis of solutions, a desertification quiz with prizes to be won, and a screening of the film ‘The Great Green Wall’ by Inna Modja, the UNCCD's Goodwill Ambassador.To mark the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, a debate will be organized with athletes and personalities from the world of sport to demonstrate the links between desertification and sport.Among the participants are:Merem Tahar, Special Envoy on Youth of the President of UNCCDCOP15, Chad/FranceNaomi Akakpo, Olympic Athlete (hurdler), Togo/FranceMustapha Berraf, First Vice-President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, AlgeriaVladyslava Kravchenko, Para Swimming Athlete and member of the International Paralympic Committee's Athletes' Council, MaltaThe day will also see the launch of the UNCCD's ‘Sport4Land’ campaign, which aims to get sports personalities involved in protecting the land: #United4Land for a prosperous future.Restoring land is an effective method of promoting a better quality of life, ensuring food security and sustainable growth.A healthy playground starts with a healthy planet. Let's commit to preserving our land in the same way we commit to our favorite sport!For media enquiries, please contact press@unccd.int.

Accreditation for media is now available for the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).  The conference will take place from 2 to 13 December 2024 at Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ( Al Imam Saud Ibn Faysal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh).  Journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via our Online Registration System (ORS).  Please note that the Online Registration System (ORS) is the only platform through which media accreditation and permission to cover COP 16 can be obtained. The UNCCD secretariat does not accept accreditation requests via email or post. Any materials sent outside the ORS will not be processed.  Please ensure that all documents comply with the specified requirements and that the applicant details are consistent throughout the application. Kindly note that participation is moderated and that all registrations must be approved.  Please monitor your ORS account for any additional documentation or information requests that may be required to confirm your application. Once your registration has been confirmed, you will be sent a Registration Acknowledgement Form.  Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us via your online registration account or at press@unccd.int   Further details will be made available on our website in due course. 

Ten Land Heroes were announced by UNCCD at the global observance event. These young changemakers from around the world are working to restore land, boost resilience to drought, develop sustainable agricultural businesses, and harness technology and innovation to tackle global environmental challenges.  

The country reinforces its commitment to combat desertification and drought in the face of climate change Bonn (Germany)/ Petrolina (Brazil), 10 June 2024—Brazil is the latest country to join the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the global coalition mobilizing political, technical, and financial capital to prepare the world for harsher droughts. This addition brings the total membership of IDRA to 38 countries and 28 intergovernmental and research organizations, showing an increasing willingness to tackle one of the world’s most deadly and costly natural hazards. Launched at UN Climate Summit COP27 by the leaders of Spain and Senegal, IDRA drives action against droughts in the face of global warming, acknowledging that we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The IDRA secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). At a joint event with the UNCCD in Petrolina, in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil H.E. Marina Silva said: “Brazil's accession to the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) demonstrates the government's determination to combat drought and desertification, promote food and water security, and combat inequalities. Our objective is to promote sustainable development, while ensuring the protection of biodiversity and the communities of the semi-arid region. The cooperation with UNCCD reinforces Brazil's commitment to combating desertification and climate change.” The event, which launched a national campaign to combat desertification and drought, put an end to a visit to the semi-arid region of Caatinga, a unique ecoregion that covers around 70 percent of northeastern Brazil, and 11 percent of the total country area. Brazilian researchers recently identified the country’s first arid region and projected the expansion of semiarid lands across much of the territory. Nearly 38 million Brazilians from 1.561 municipalities are vulnerable to desertification and drought , as are 1,4 million square kilometers of land across 13 states, according to the Environment and Climate Change Ministry. In Caatinga, authorities are supporting community-led initiatives to restore watersheds, improve agricultural practices, and harvest water as a means of building their resilience to drought. Around the world, addressing challenges at the water-land-and-climate nexus is essential to protecting agricultural and energy production, and to maintaining vital ecosystem services like the provision of clean water and fertile soils for present and future generations. Speaking at the event in Petrolina, the UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw, said: “I commend Brazil’s commitment to proactively investing in resilient lands and livelihoods. Science and experience show time and again that preparing societies and economies for droughts before they strike prevents human sufering and is much more cost-effective than emergency responses. Drought is a hazard, but in needn’t be a disaster.” A decisive year for land and drought UNCCD COP16 will be the largest-ever meeting of UNCCD’s 197 Parties, the first to be held in the Middle East region, and the largest multilateral conference ever hosted by Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom recently hosted the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. On 17 June, the 2024 Desertification and Drought Day will mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity. The High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy , co-organized by the UNCCD, (Geneva, 30 September-3 October) will bring together policy-makers and practitioners with a twin objective: taking stock of progress and lessons learned in the past decade and charting the way forward for the implementation of drought resilience actions. *** Notes to editors For interviews and enquires please contact: press@unccd.int  Social media X: @UNCCD / Instagram: @unccd  For information about IDRA visit: https://idralliance.global  About IDRA The International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) is the first global coalition creating political momentum and mobilizing financial and technical resources for a drought-resilient future. As a growing platform of more than 30 countries and 20 institutions, IDRA draws on the collective strengths of its members to advance policies, actions, and capacity-building for drought preparedness, acknowledging we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The work of IDRA is aligned with, and supportive of, the mandate of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which hosts the IDRA Secretariat. For more information: https://idralliance.global. 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.

The global observance event of Desertification and Drought Day 2024, hosted by the Government of Germany, will take place on 17 June 2024 in Bonn. The event will also mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three global agreements known as the Rio Conventions, alongside climate and biodiversity.    In line with this year’s slogan "United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future”, this event will focus on ensuring healthy land for future generations, driving global prosperity and stability.   Join leaders from government, academia and civil society as we unite for land stewardship. Meet young changemakers from around the world who are working to restore land, boost resilience to drought, develop sustainable agricultural businesses, and harness technology and innovation to tackle global environmental challenges.   Event details:  17 June 2024, from 14:30 – 17:00 CEST, Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundeskunsthalle), Bonn, Germany  Programme highlights:  Youth Focus: Highlighting the role of young leaders and innovators in transforming land management practices, Presentation of the new cohort of UNCCD Land Heroes profiles attached), Presentation of UNCCD’s Youth Engagement Strategy and the Land Youth Negotiators Programme.  Policy Focus: Highlighting the milestones in the history of the Convention and sharing insights into the upcoming UNCCD COP16 negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2-13 December 2024. Proving space for youth representatives to present their policy recommendations in view of COP16.  Detailed event information is available here.  For in person attendance please refer to this link and register under the category “media” before 10 June. For online attendance, the livestream will be made available here.  Why this event matters:  Land degradation affects up to 40% of the world's land area, resulting in the loss of 100 million hectares of healthy land each year - an area the size of Egypt. Droughts are up 29% since 2000, driven by climate change but also the way we manage our land.  Desertification, land degradation and drought threaten the world's food supply, increase the risk of droughts, floods and wildfires, and are major drivers of conflict and forced migration.   A quarter (187 million) of the world's rural youth (778 million) live in areas with the greatest potential for agriculture and trade. This is an important area for targeted development.   Investment in land restoration can yield significant economic returns, with up to $30 in benefits for every $1 invested. Engaging youth in food system transformation and land restoration can help create the estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030.  For further information on the day, please click here  For accessing social media assets and other visuals, please click here  For media inquiries and any interview requests please contact: press@unccd.int    

UNCCD COP16 host raises water resilience issues on the global agenda Bonn/Riyadh, 23 May 2024—The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the latest country to formally join the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the global coalition mobilizing political, technical, and financial capital to prepare the world for harsher droughts. This addition brings the total membership of IDRA to 37 countries and 28 intergovernmental and research organizations, reflecting a growing commitment to address droughts in the face of climate change and unsustainable land management. Launched at UN Climate Summit COP27 by the leaders of Spain and Senegal, IDRA rallies world leaders against one of the world’s most deadly and costly natural disasters, acknowledging that we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The IDRA secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said: “We see IDRA as an opportunity to protect our societies and economies in the face of drought.  As hosts of the largest-ever UN conference on land and drought this December, one of our priorities is to further the countries commitment to a drought-resilient future.” His Excellency Minister Al Fadley emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of COP 16 reflects the commitment of its leadership to environmental protection at the national, regional, and international levels, and adds to pioneering efforts  like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. Al Fadley also highlighted the urgent need to build drought resilience globally, while combating land degradation and desertification to counter their environmental, economic, and social impacts. He expressed hope that the Alliance would foster effective collective action and intensify global efforts to address these issues, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources for future generations. One-quarter of the world’s population is already affected by drought, and three out of four people are projected to face water scarcity by 2050. In the Middle East and North Africa, 100 percent of the population will live with extremely high water stress by 2050. Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain, Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and IDRA Co-Chair Ms. Teresa Ribera encouraged more countries to follow in the steps of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that drought resilience yields returns of up to ten times the initial investment: “The Alliance is as strong as the knowledge, experiences, and networks contributed by its members. I invite world leaders to join IDRA to transform the way humanity tackles drought, building our collective defenses before crises strike.” UNCCD Executive Secretary Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw concluded: “Droughts are a natural phenomenon, but we are turbo-charging them by degrading our lands and disrupting the climate. In the lead up the UNCCD COP16, I urge countries to raise their ambitions for healthy lands and drought-resilient societies and economies.” A watershed year for land and drought UNCCD COP16, taking place in Riyadh from 2-13 December, will be the largest-ever meeting of UNCCD’s 197 Parties, the first to be held in the Middle East region, and the largest multilateral conference ever hosted by Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will also host the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. On 17 June 2024, Desertification and Drought Day will mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity. *** Notes to editors For interviews and enquires please contact: press@unccd.int. X / Instagram: @unccd  About IDRA The International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) is the first global coalition creating political momentum and mobilizing financial and technical resources for a drought-resilient future. As a growing platform of more than 30 countries and 20 institutions, IDRA draws on the collective strengths of its members to advance policies, actions, and capacity-building for drought preparedness, acknowledging we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The work of IDRA is aligned with, and supportive of, the mandate of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which hosts the IDRA Secretariat. For more information: https://idralliance.global. 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. https://www.unccd.int