Other meetings & events

As part of the GLF Bonn Digital Conference 2020, held online between 3 and 5 June, the UNCCD participates a session on drought risk. The session focuses on Drought risk management, natural resource management and social protection: new alliances for sustainability and resilience. How can local communities protect and restore landscapes and the natural resources they hold: before, during and after drought crises? This session explores research and policy pathways to improving drought risk management–natural resource–management/social protection the nexus. For more information:  https://events.globallandscapesforum.org/agenda/bonn-2020/4-june/drought-food-security-and-poverty-in-africa/

Soils host a tremendous diversity of organisms that are fundamental to terrestrial ecosystems. Soil biodiversity drives many ecological processes, including soil formation, nutrient and water cycling, climate regulation, production of food, medicine and fibre, disease and pest control. In the presence of a changing change, land degradation and biodiversity loss, soils have become one of the most vulnerable resources in the world. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is hosting the Global Symposium on Soil Biodiversity (GSOBI20) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This science-policy meeting is co-organized by the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) and the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI). For more information check the GSOBI20 website.

UNCCD will have a major presence at the upcoming Earth Day Week on 20-25 April 2020. To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Earth Day, artists and speakers from all over the world will come together for free online public events.  On Wednesday 22 April, Land Ambassador Ricky Kej will join forces with UNCCD, WWF, United Nations Climate Change, UNICEF, UNESCO – MGIEP and the Earth Day Network to perform a mega-concert online to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The concert featuring 44 fantastic musicians from six countries including another Land Ambassador Baaba Maal will stream on UNCCD Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube at 8 pm IST/4:30 pm CET/8:00 pm EST.   On Thursday 23 April, UNCCD Executive Secretary Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw will give a keynote speech to present climate solutions in food and agriculture. Agriculture is part of the climate crisis – and can be a part of the climate action. The agricultural sector is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases but also has the potential to sequester billions of tonnes of carbon through reducing livestock emissions and increasing soil health. Our eating habits, and the way we produce food, hold the key to a carbon positive future. Hungry for insights? Join in at 3 pm CET 9 am EST.

The second edition of the International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration was released in September 2019. This groundbreaking publication provides updated and expanded guidance on the practice of ecological restoration, clarifies the breadth of ecological restoration and allied environmental repair activities, and includes ideas and input from a diverse international group of restoration scientists and practitioners. This webinar will walk participants through changes to to the Standards, key concepts, and applying tools like the restoration wheel. This webinar will be lead by George Gann, SER's International Policy Lead.  Register for the webinar here.

UN Heads of Organizations, including UNCCD Executive Secretary Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, will be engaging in an interactive Leadership Dialogue to articulate solutions for the achievement of zero net deforestation. They will demonstrate the UN’s unified vision and commitment to work with countries, partner organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society and the private sector in the fight against climate change through addressing deforestation.  11:00 – 12:15 Meeting room 25 IFEMA - Feria de Madrid Avda. del Partenón, 5 28042 Madrid, Spain.