Press releases

Ordos, September 12 – “Consumption of the earth's natural reserves has doubled in the last 30 years, with a third of the planet's land now severely degraded. Each year, we lose 15 billion trees and 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil. Smallholder farmers, women and indigenous communities are the most vulnerable, given their reliance on land-based resources, compounded by their exclusion from wider infrastructure and economic development,” according to the new publication, The Global Land Outlook (GLO), launched today, at the 13th meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ordos, China.   Currently, more than 1.3 billion people are trapped on degrading agricultural land, drastically increasing competition for crucial ecosystem services such as food, water and energy. The GLO draws on an analysis of recent trends in land productivity and modelling of land demand scenarios up to the year 2050. It outlines how reversing trends in the condition of land resources could accelerate efforts to achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals, by adopting more efficient planning and sustainable practices.   Speaking at the launch, UNCCD Executive Secretary Monique Barbut said, “land degradation and drought are global challenges and intimately linked to most, if not all aspects of human security and well-being – food security, employment and migration, in particular.”   “As the ready supply of healthy and productive land dries up and the population grows, competition is intensifying, for land within countries and globally. As the competition increases, there are winners and losers. To minimize the losses, The Outlook suggests it is in all our interests to step back and rethink how we are managing the pressures and the competition. The Outlook presents a vision for transforming the way in which we use and manage land because we are all decision-makers and our choices can make a difference – even small steps matter,” she further added.   Welcoming the UNCCD’s new flagship publication, UNDP Administrator Mr. Achim Steiner stated, “over 250 million people are directly affected by desertification, and about one billion people in over one hundred countries are at risk. They include many of the world‘s poorest and most marginalized people. Achieving land degradation neutrality can provide a healthy and productive life for all on Earth, including water and food security. The Global Land Outlook shows that each of us can in fact make a difference, and I hope that in the next edition we are able to tell even more stories of better land use and management.”   This landmark publication on the current and future state of the world’s land resources is the first in-depth analysis of the multiple functions of the land viewed from a wide range of interrelated sectors and thematic areas, such as the food-water-land nexus, as well as the ‘less obvious’ drivers of land use change, notably the nature of economic growth, consumer choice and global trade patterns. Crucially, the report examines a growing disconnect between the financial and socio-economic values of the land and how this affects the poor.   The first edition of the GLO was published by the UNCCD secretariat with the support of numerous partners, including the European Commission, the Governments of Korea, Switzerland and the Netherlands, and UNDP. It is available in both print and digital formats on a dedicated web platform.   About UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on land issues. The Convention promotes good land stewardship. Its 196 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The end goal is to protect our land, from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide us all with food, water and energy. By sustainably managing land and striving to achieve land degradation neutrality, now and in the future, we will reduce the impact of climate change, avoid conflict over natural resources and help communities to thrive.   About UNDP UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. Find more on the Global Land Outlook on the UNCCD Knowledge Hub  

 Ordos, September 11, 2017 – Up to 2 billion hectares of land are degraded. On average, 12 million hectares are lost every year and 169 countries are affected by land degradation, desertification and drought. In an unprecedented global campaign to save productive land, 112 countries, as of today, have agreed to make the Sustainable Development Goal target of achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 a national target for action.   The world’s largest and most populous nations, including Brazil, China, India, Nigeria, Russia and South Africa have committed to the national targets in a move that could see over 1.3 billion mostly poor people regaining food, water, energy and job security, and resilience to climate change. Conservative estimates put the cost of land degradation globally at US$297 billion per year.   Under the land degradation neutrality target setting programme spearheaded by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and supported by 17 international partners, more than 60 of these countries have already established national land degradation baselines and set neutrality targets.    Joining the initiative signals a country’s determination to restore degraded land to ensure the amoung of productive land available today is maintained going forward.   “Desertification is the joint mission of all mankind and the responsibility of the international community to ensure a beautiful planet,” said Mr. Wang Yang, China’s Vice Premier.   “Over the coming decades China will put an emphasis on the development of an ecological civilization - including by combating desertification – to ensure better societal fairness and human well-being,” he added.   Wang was speaking on behalf of President Xi Jinping at the Ministerial meeting of the 13th session of the UNCCD in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, where more than 80 ministers discussed pursuing land degradation neutrality as a viable response to the growing threats of desertification, drought, and sand and dust storms.   Desertification, land degradation and drought are threats to global security due to their impacts on number of livelihoods tied to the productivity of land - more than 2 billion. This year, drought led to the worst humanitarian crises since the Second World War. Distress migration driven by desertification in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 60 million out to 2045.   “The population is growing at an extra 200,000 people every day, while 20 countries have declared drought emergencies in the last 18 months alone. We were clearly not sufficiently prepared for these challenges. Hundreds of millions of people go to bed desperate, hungry and thirsty as a result. Under business as usual scenarios, there is no future relief,” said Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary, UNCCD.   She said the Convention, at its current Conference, “can offer the poor a new deal. By using our land resources rationally and acting before it is too late, there is enough for everyone to live well… We can be better prepared for drought and offer stable, green and land-based employment and development for millions of rural people. We can promote harmony between city and country and offer opportunity for all,” Barbut added.   A priority issue for the ministers is the mechanism needed to ensure communities that are vulnerable and at risk of drought have the means to take early action. They will also consider how to address the new sources of sand and dust storms, how to motivate the private sector to invest in land-restoration, and motivate mayors and local and regional leaders to support the achievement of these targets.   The 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification (COP13) is taking place in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China.   At a press conference with journalists, Mr Liu Dongshen, Vice Minister State Forestry Administration, said for some years now, China has restored more land than it has degraded. Last year, it registered a net surplus of more than 2,000 square kilometers. This year, the country has restored over 1,000 square kilometers above the net balance.   In addition to the strategic plan for 2018-2030, the ministerial declaration and the decisions COP13 will take on drought, land rights and sand and dust storms, he underlined the mobilization of youth as an important issue from the Conference, which China will pursue going forward.   More than 4000 delegates are participating in COP13, which runs until 16 September.   For more information or interviews contact: wwischnewski@unccd.int or telephone +8615598835711 (in China)

Hamburg/ Bonn/Ordos – 22 August 2017 – More people, less erosion – Ethiopia’s Tigray region demonstrates that this can be a reality: They will take home the Gold Future Policy Award 2017, beating 26 other nominated policies to the prize. Also known as “Oscar for Best Policies,” the Future Policy Award highlights the world’s best policies that combat desertification and land degradation this year. With unique collective action, voluntary labour and the involvement of youth, the people of Tigray are restoring land on a massive scale. As a result, erosion has decreased significantly, groundwater levels are recharged, and the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices made a significant contribution to food self-sufficiency and economic growth. Two Silver Awards were granted to:  Brazil’s Cistern Programme, which empowered millions of the country’s poorest people by building 1.2 million cisterns in the Semiarid region and providing water for consumption and for growing food and keeping livestock China’s Law on Prevention and Control of Desertification, the world’s first integrated law dedicated to combating desertification. Over the last 15 years, China has reversed the trend of desertification  The international jury further bestowed Bronze Awards to:  Australia’s Indigenous Protected Areas and Rangers Programmes, since the more than 2,600 indigenous rangers are at the forefront of tackling environmental degradation Jordan’s Updated Rangeland Strategy, which is enshrining the Middle East’s most widespread and longstanding indigenous traditional conservation institution ‘Hima’ into law  Niger’s large-scale, cross-sectoral 3N Initiative ‘Nigeriens Nourishing Nigeriens’ addressing land degradation and food security  The Vision Award goes to the international “4 per 1000” Initiative which communicates a new concept for mitigating climate change through the increase of soil organic carbon Statements from the UNCCD and the World Future Council Monique Barbut, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): “Drylands cover close to 40% of the Earth’s land surface. Hundreds of millions of people are directly threatened by land degradation and climate change is only going to intensify the problem. So far, this underestimated environmental disaster has received far too little attention. The Future Policy Award 2017 is turning the spotlight on the looming environmental challenge and effective responses. The seven Future Policy Awardees are all from affected countries, and demonstrate great environmental and political determination.”  Alexandra Wandel, Director and Vice-Chair, Management Board of the World Future Council (WFC): “The Ethiopian Tigray Region’s win of the Gold Future Policy Award is sending a strong, empowering message: they show how a small region in a climate vulnerable country can find a smart and highly effective way to successfully address a global challenge.This is placing Ethiopia firmly on the map as an environmental leader.” The Future Policy Award is the only award which honours policies rather than people on an international level. Each year, the World Future Council chooses a topic for the Future Policy Award on which policy progress is particularly urgent. In 2017, in partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), laws and policies were evaluated that contribute to the protection of life and livelihoods in the drylands, and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 15, target 3, to “combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.” The Awards will be presented at a ceremony on 11 September 2017, at the thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD in Ordos, China. More information:Read more about the winning policies and the award. Follow the 2017 Future Policy Award on Twitter with #FPA2017 For more information about the Future Policy Award, see here. Media Contacts: Miriam Petersen Media & Communications Manager World Future Council Tel: +49 (0) 40 307 09 14 19 (L) +49 (0) 1573 68 38 736 (M)miriam.petersen@worldfuturecouncil.org Wagaki Wischnewski Public Information and Media Officer United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Tel: +49 (0) 228 815 2820wwischnewski@unccd.int The World Future Council The World Future Council brings the interests of future generations to the centre of policy-making. Its up to 50 eminent members from around the globe have already successfully promoted change. The Council addresses challenges to our common future and provides decision makers with effective policy solutions. In close cooperation with civil society actors, parliamentarians, governments, business and international organizations the World Future Council identifies “best policies” around the globe. The World Future Council is registered as a charitable foundation in Hamburg, Germany.www.worldfuturecouncil.org  The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement on land issues. The Convention promotes good land stewardship. Its 196 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The end goal is to protect our land, from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide us all with food, water and energy. By sustainably managing land and striving to achieve land degradation neutrality, now and in the future, we will reduce the impact of climate change, avoid conflict over natural resources and help communities to thrive.www.unccd.int

Hamburg/Bonn, 20 July 2017 – The 2017 Future Policy Award has released a shortlist of the world’s best policies for tackling land degradation, one of humanity’s foremost challenges that undermines food security, livelihoods and the health of hundreds of millions of people. Press-release: English French

The global observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification took place on Thursday, 15 June 2017 at the Centre des Conférences de Ouaga 2000, in Ouagadogou, Burkina Faso. Over 400 international and local participants attended the ceremonies including Presidents, ministers and high-ranking officials, and Cardinal and Archbishop of Ouagadougou.  Press release English   French   Spanish

En français. En español. “Our land. Our home. Our Future,” is the rallying call for this year’s celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification on 17 June 2017. The slogan draws global attention to the central role productive land can play in turning the growing tide of migrants abandoning unproductive land into communities and nations that are stable, secure and sustainable, into the future. The UNCCD has also released the campaign logo for use by any group, organization, government or entity that will organize a celebratory event for the Day. “Migration is high on the political agenda all over the world as some rural communities feel left behind and others flee their lands. The problem signals a growing sense of hopelessness due to the lack of choice or loss of livelihoods. And yet productive land is a timeless tool for creating wealth. This year, let us engage in a campaign to re-invest in rural lands and unleash their massive job-creating potential, from Burkina Faso, Chile and China, to Italy, Mexico, Ukraine and St. Lucia,” says Ms. Monique Barbut, the United Nations top advisor on combatting desertification and drought. “The possibility for success today is greater than ever before. More than 100 of the 169 countries affected by desertification or drought are setting national targets to curb a run-away land degradation by the year 2030. Investing in the land will create local jobs and give households and communities a fighting chance to live, which will, in turn, strengthen national security and our future prospects for sustainability,” Ms. Barbut added. Ms. Barbut also announced that Burkina Faso, in West Africa, will host the global observance of the World Day to showcase the political commitment and proactive steps the region is taking to tackle the migration and land degradation challenges. “Since the early 1980s, we have been rehabilitating degraded land by building on our traditional techniques such as the Zaï or adopting new techniques that work, such as farmer managed natural regeneration. We intend to be land degradation neutral by 2030. We are hosting the global observance on 17 June because we want to show the world, what we have achieved and is possible in order to inspire everyone into action,” said Mr. Batio Bassiere, Minister of Environment, Green Economy and Climate Change of Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso hosted the 2005 Heads of State Summit for the Sahel-Saharan countries where 11 countries reached an agreement to restored degraded land on an 8000 kilometer stretch of land cutting across the Sahel. The initiative is now popularly known as the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel. The United Nations designated 17 June as the World Day to Combat Desertification to raise public awareness about the challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought and to promote the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa. For more information on the World Day to Combat Desertification contact: YHori@unccd.int. For all media Inquiries, click here. Download the campaign materials here.

(French text follows) Marrakesh, (15/11/16) - “The Kingdom of Morocco will host the Africa Regional coordination Unit of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This will provide the secretariat with vital support services that the Parties to the Convention need to effectively implement the Convention in Africa.”  The announcement was made Monday, 15 November 2016 by Mr. Abdeladim Lhafi, Morocco’s High Commissioner for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification and Commissioner of the 22nd session of Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Conference (COP22), currently under way in Marrakesh. “Africa is experiencing some of the severest droughts in the world that are increasing in frequency and spreading to new areas, and requires a strong Regional Coordination Unit. I am sure that with the help of the Moroccan Authorities, and by drawing on their knowledge and expertise in this subject, we will have a very effective Regional Coordination Unit,” said Ms. Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, when accepting the offer. Mr. Lhafi added that “in response to the Executive Secretary’s invitation of May 2014 to African governments to submit proposals to host the regional coordination unit in conformity with the appropriate conditions and comparable to other regional coordination units, Morocco presented its offer during the 12th session of the [UNCCD] Conference of the Parties in October 2015 in Ankara. Morocco’s offer was also favorably received following informal consultations during the 15th session of the Committee for the Review of Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 15), which was held from 17-20 October 2016 in Nairobi.” The Convention has five regional implementation annexes that provide a coordinated regional approach both in tackling desertification and drought effectively and in mobilizing all the relevant stakeholders to take actions to implement the Convention. The Convention’s other regional coordination units are based in Thailand, for the Asia region, Chile, for the Latin America and Caribbean region, Türkiye, for the Northern Mediterranean region, and in Germany, for the Central and Eastern European countries. About the UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement on land issues. The Convention works, with partners, to promote good land stewardship. Its 195 Parties aim to combat desertification, mitigate drought and achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN). By achieving LDN, we will secure the health and productivity of the land, mitigate the effects of drought and make people and ecosystems more resilient to climate change. Media contacts UNCCD: Ms. Wagaki Wischnewski, wwischnewski@unccd.int. Tel number: + 49-228-815 2820, Roaming: +49 173 268 7593. Morocco: Mr. Abderrahim Houmy, ahoumy@gmail.com Tel : +212 537 763015   *********** ********** ********* PROJET DE COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE Le Royaume du Maroc accueille le bureau de coordination de l'Afrique sur la désertification et la sécheresse Marrakech, 15/11/2016- « Le Royaume du Maroc accueillera l'Unité de coordination régionale de l’Afrique de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la Lutte Contre la Désertification (CNULCD). Cela fournira au secrétariat des services de soutien indispensables dont les Parties à la Convention ont besoin pour mettre efficacement en œuvre la Convention en Afrique. » " L'annonce a été faite, mardi 15 novembre 2016 par Dr Abdeladim Lhafi, Haut-Commissaire des Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification du Maroc et Commissaire de la 22ème session de la Conférence des Parties sur les changements climatiques (COP22) qui se tient actuellement à Marrakech au Maroc. « L'Afrique connaît des sécheresses parmi les plus sévères du monde dont la fréquence augmente et qui se propagent à de nouvelles zones, ce qui nécessite une unité de coordination régionale forte. Je suis certaine qu’avec l'aide des autorités marocaines, et en s’appuyant sur leurs connaissances et leur expertise dans ce domaine, nous aurons une unité de coordination régionale très efficace », a déclaré Monique Barbut, la Secrétaire Exécutive de la Convention des Nations unies sur la Lutte Contre la Désertification, lorsqu’elle a accepté l'offre. M. Lhafi a précisé « que suite à l’appel du Secrétariat Exécutif de la CNULCD, en Mai 2014, invitant les pays africains à faire des propositions pour l’hébergement de l’Unité de Coordination Régionale selon des conditions appropriées à l’Instar des autres régions qui ont fait des propositions ; le Maroc a présenté son offre d’héberger l’Unité de Coordination Régionale pour l’Afrique, lors de la COP12 en octobre 2015 à Ankara. L’offre du Royaume du Maroc a été accueillie favorablement lors des réunions informelles à l’occasion de la quinzième session du Comité chargé de l’examen de la mise en œuvre de la Convention (CRIC 15) qui s'est tenu du 18 au 20 octobre 2016 à Nairobi. La Convention est dotée de cinq annexes régionales pour mettre en œuvre une approche régionale coordonnée à la fois pour lutter contre la désertification et la sécheresse de manière efficace et pour mobiliser tous les acteurs concernés. Les autres unités de coordination régionale de la Convention sont basées en Thaïlande, pour la région Asie, au Chili, pour la région Amérique latine et Caraïbes, en Turquie, pour la région de la Méditerranée septentrionale, et en Allemagne, pour les pays d'Europe centrale et orientale. A propos de la CNULCD La Convention des Nations Unies sur la Lutte Contre la désertification (CNULCD) est le seul accord international juridiquement contraignant sur la question des terres. La Convention travaille, avec ses partenaires, à promouvoir la bonne gestion des terres. Ses 195 Parties visent à lutter contre la désertification et la sécheresse ainsi qu'à atteindre la neutralité en matière de dégradation des terres (NDT). En atteignant la NDT, nous sécuriserons la santé et la productivité des terres tout en atténuant les effets de la sécheresse et en permettant aux populations et aux écosystèmes d’être plus résilients aux changements climatiques. Media contacts CNULCD : Ms. Wagaki Wischnewski, wwischnewski@unccd.int. Tel : + 49-228-815 2820, Roaming: +49 173 268 7593. Maroc : Mr. Abderrahim Houmy, ahoumy@gmail.com Tel : +212 537 763015  

(French text follows) Alarmed by the dangerous effects of climate change especially on fragile and unstable communities, African governments meeting at the Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, agreed on practical measures to set the region on a path towards security, stability and sustainability.  A Task Force, with regional representatives from across the continent, is being established to define and operationalize an action plan in early 2017. The 3S Initiative was endorsed at the 1st African Action Summit held in the margins of the Climate Change Conference in Morocco on Wednesday, 16 November. Thousands of villages, in those African countries joining the initiative, are set to receive help to create green jobs and to promote investment opportunities by migrants themselves.  The 3S initiative is also expected to promote programs at country-level to adopt drought early warning systems; strengthen land tenure; identify hotspots of land degradation, population movement and migration; track new pastoralist routes to prevent the emergence of tensions over natural resources and to integrate natural resource management into national security strategies and migration policy. Discussing the initiative, many countries in Africa expressed their alarm at the declining productivity of the land in a region with the youngest population in the world and where a growing proportion of young people are without jobs.  Government delegates spoke about the dangers of this trend, especially in areas hard hit by climate change.  Delegates in particular cited the growing pressures on the supply of fresh water and fertile land as a result of the increasing frequency, number and intensity of droughts.  A lack of opportunity is forcing many young Africans to make difficult choices and is driving large scale migration flows as rural lands are abandoned an increasing number of Africans are moving to urban areas. The Minister of Environment of Senegal, Mr. Abdoulaye Balde said, “These are complicated and interconnected issues. By giving our young people access to land, we give them a chance of a better life. We all want to live worthwhile, prosperous lives in healthy, sustainable and secure communities. If they have nothing, many people are ready to risk taking dangerous decisions. Distressed migration is a deep concern. We have to work together to establish resilient and prosperous communities and towards a sustainable and secure future”.    The King of Morocco, H.M. Mohammed VI, mentioned in his opening remarks at the African Action Summit that an estimated 60 million people are at risk of moving from the degraded areas of sub-Saharan Africa over the next ten years.  The Monarch also highlighted that the degradation of land and of natural resources could continue to be the main driver of most transnational conflicts in Africa. Relevant link Security. Stability. Sustainability. Note to Editors For media-related information or requests contact, Ms. Wagaki Wischnewski, wwischnewski@unccd.int. About the UNCCD The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the legally binding international agreement on land issues. The Convention works, with its 195 Parties and other partners, to promote good land stewardship and to combat desertification and drought. ****** (French translation) Les gouvernements africains lancent l’Initiative Triple S (3S) pour promouvoir la stabilité et la sécurité face à la migration causée par la dégradation des terres et le changement climatique. Alarmés par les effets dangereux du changement climatique, en particulier sur les communautés fragiles et instables, les gouvernements africains réunis lors de la Conférence sur les changements climatiques à Marrakech, au Maroc, ont convenu de mesures pratiques pour engager la région sur la voie de la sécurité, de la stabilité et de la durabilité. Une Task Force  a été créé, avec des représentants régionaux de tout le continent, pour affiner et mettre en œuvre le plan d’action début 2017. L’initiative 3S a été adoptée lors du 1er Sommet Africain de l’Action qui s’est tenu Mercredi 16 Novembre en marge de la Conférence sur les changements climatiques au Maroc. Des milliers de villages dans les pays Africains ayant adhéré à l’initiative recevront de l’aide pour la création d’emplois verts et la promotion d’opportunités d’investissement pour les migrants eux-mêmes. L’initiative 3S contribuera aussi à promouvoir des programmes au niveau national pour l’adoption de système d’alerte précoce, le renforcement du foncier, la cartographie des « hotspot » de dégradation des terres, des mouvement de populations et de migration, la localisation des nouvelles routes de transhumance pour prévenir l’émergence de tensions sur la gestion des ressources naturelles dans les stratégies nationales de sécurité et dans le politiques de migration.  En discutant l’initiative, de nombreux pays africains ont exprimé leur inquiétude face à la baisse de la productivité dans une région où la population est la plus jeune au monde et où une proportion croissante de jeunes est sans emploi. Les délégués gouvernementaux ont reconnu le danger lié à cette tendance, particulièrement dans les zones fortement touchées par les changements climatiques. Les délégués ont également souligné les pressions croissantes pesant sur l’approvisionnement en eau douce et en terres fertiles, en raison de l'augmentation de la fréquence, du nombre et de l'intensité des sécheresses La manque d’opportunité force de nombreux jeunes africains à faire des choix difficiles et entraîne des flux migratoires à grande échelle due au nombre croissant d’africains abandonnant les zones rurales pour rejoindre les villes. Le Ministre de l'Environnement du Sénégal, M. Abdoulaye Balde, a déclaré : « Ce sont des questions complexes et interconnectées. En offrant à nos jeunes l'opportunité d’accéder à la terre, nous leur donnons le choix d’une vie meilleure. La quête du bien-être explique la prise de risque et souvent conduit à des décisions périlleuses. Les migrations d’infortunes constituent un mal profond.  Nous devons travailler, ensemble, pour asseoir des communautés résilientes et prospères dans l’option d’un développement durable et sûr ».   Dans son allocution à l’ouverture du Sommet Africain de l’Action, le Roi du Maroc, S.M. Mohammed VI, a indiqué que 60 millions de personnes risquent de migrer des zones dégradées de l’Afrique sub-saharienne dans les dix prochaines années. Le Monarque a souligné que la dégradation des terres et des ressources naturelles peut continuer à être la cause principale des conflits en Afrique.         Relevant link Security. Stability. Sustainability. Note aux rédacteurs : Pour tout renseignement ou demande de contact, Mme Wagaki Wischnewski, wwischnewski@unccd.int. À propos de la Convention : La Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification (CNULCD) est l'accord international juridiquement contraignant sur les questions des terres. La Convention travaille, avec ses 195 Parties et d'autres partenaires, à promouvoir une bonne gestion des terres et à lutter contre la désertification et la sécheresse.

​Stockholm, Sweden, 1 September 2016 – On the occasion of the world water week in Stockholm, the UNCCD coordinated a panel discussion event together with the German Development Institute (DIE), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The event was attended by approximately 50 participants. The UNCCD’s presentation focused on the importance of leveraging drought as a ‘connector’ and as an ‘opportunity’ to harness synergies and minimizing tradeoffs. It was highlighted that in order to reduce society’s vulnerability to drought hazards and conflicts, we need to create a mechanism that links drought, food security, climate, water, migration and conflict. This will require the involvement of various actors from different strands of governments, civil society, international organizations and - more importantly- the affected people themselves. The need for policy coherence, capacity development and multi-sectoral approach was also highlighted. Read the event summary.

Stockholm, Sweden, 26 August 2016 – Given the multi-faceted nature and interconnectedness of drought, food security, conflict and migration, the UNCCD is co-hosting a panel event focusing on the need for integrated approaches and the institutional coherence in order to identify solutions, minimize cross-sectoral trade-offs and harness synergies. The panel event will take place at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on 1 September 2016, at the World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. Climate induced hazards such as droughts, heat waves, floods and typhoons have clear negative impacts on food security, conflicts and migration. The influx of migrants witnessed in countries such Israel and Jordan, with already highly stressed water resources, can elevate migration as a security issue.  Robert Mcleman, Wilfrid Laurier University, will deliver the keynote address titled, “Climate change, droughts, and migration: Adaptation or conflicts, which will we choose?" The panelists are Ousman Sowe, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Water and Wildlife, the Gambia, Rikke Olivera, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Martina Climesova, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and Daniel Tsegai, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Michael Brüntrup, German Development Institute (DIE) will moderate the event.  Drought and water scarcity are considered a contributing factor to the civil unrest and subsequent migration in Syria. Unfortunately, countries continue to manage drought and water scarcity as a ‘crisis’ and react only after the event has taken its tall with often poorly coordinated emergency relief measures. A silo approach is still the norm.  The event will highlight the interconnectedness of drought, food insecurity, conflict and migration. The role of empowering the vulnerable rural population, relevance of coherent and coordinated proactive policy approach will be discussed. For more information, contact: dtsegai@unccd.int For interview with UNCCD staff, contact: wwischnewski@unccd.int