Changwon Initiative

The Republic of Korea launched the Changwon Initiative during the UNCCD COP10 in 2011 to support the global target SDG15.3 of a land degradation-neutral world by transforming global commitments into practical, result-driven actions anchored on sound science. Coordinated by the Korea Forest Service, the initiative has evolved over the years to pursue the following strategic objectives. 

Phase one (2012-2018): Laying the foundations for Land Degradation Neutrality  

During the first phase, the Changwon Initiative focused on three primary objectives to complement the UNCCD’ 10-year strategic plan (2008-2018): 

• Enhancing the scientific process: Establishing clear targets, refining monitoring indicators, and offering scientific guidance to policymakers. 
• Mobilizing resources and partnerships: Supporting the alignment of National Action Programmes (NAPs) with global frameworks on sustainable development, biodiversity and climate, while promoting both North-South and South-South cooperation. 
• Promoting good practices: Launching the Land for Life Award to recognize and share outstanding land restoration projects. 

Phase two (2018-2030): Expanding impact and partnerships 

Building on the success of the first phase, the second phase of the Changwon Initiative (2018-2030) broadened its focus with four strategic pillars aimed at deeper integration and impact: 

• Scientific credibility: Strengthening the integration of cutting-edge scientific insights into global and national policies, including the work of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI), which translates scientific research into actionable policy recommendations. The Global Land Outlook also plays a key role in guiding these efforts by providing comprehensive assessments and actionable recommendations. 
• National and global synergies: Ensuring coherence with the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework and fostering synergies between global, regional and national actions. 
• Strengthened partnerships: Expanding collaborations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional and emerging donors, to ensure sustainable and scalable impact. 
• Local impact: Focusing on tangible outcomes at the community level, particularly in areas most affected by land degradation and desertification. 

Key achievements: A decade of progress 

Over the past decade, the Changwon Initiative has made significant strides in advancing the goals of the UNCCD. It has been instrumental in operationalizing the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), with over 120 countries setting national LDN targets and more than 100 nations committing to restoring more land than they degrade. 

Land for Life Award (2012-2021) 

From 2012 to 2021, the Land for Life Award recognized 18 outstanding projects worldwide, demonstrating that land restoration is a viable solution to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. 

World-class research 

A key component of the Changwon Initiative is its focus on research and knowledge dissemination. Through the UNCCD Science Policy Interface and resources like the Global Land Outlook, the initiative ensures that the latest scientific research is translated into actionable policy and made accessible to policymakers and practitioners. 

Responding to today’s pressing environmental challenges of drought, land degradation and climate change, the Initiative equips UNCCD country Parties with tools such as the UNCCD Drought Toolbox to support knowledge exchange for policy development, early warning and mitigation. 

Ongoing support and commitment 

The long-term financial and political commitment of the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Changwon Initiative sets it as a model for building partnerships and achieving the objectives of the convention, contributing to a future that avoids, minimizes and reverses land degradation. 

Learn more about the Changwon Initiative and join us on a mission to create a land-degradation neutral world!