Large event 09 May, 2022

IUCN at UNCCD COP15

A delegation of 13 experts, led by Ms Sonia Peña Moreno – Director, International Policy Centre – represented IUCN at the fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP15), held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire from 9 to 20 May 2022, under the theme 'Land. Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity.'

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Photo: UNCCD

As a partner to the Convention since 2011, IUCN supports progress towards policies and programmes that deliver Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) through the application of nature-based solutions (NbS) as the preferred option for LDN achievement, as it provides a holistic and balanced response and generates multiple benefits for people and nature, addresses SDGs and contributes to poverty reduction. Other important considerations that would help achieve LDN include greater commitment to rangeland and grassland restoration, drought management, and the involvement of all stakeholders and groups.

IUCN Key Messages at the UNCCD COP15

  1. Adopt Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)
  2. Increase and maintain action and commitment for rangeland restoration
  3. Adopt land health and ecosystem-based approaches in national drought-risk frameworks and strategies
  4. Engage Indigenous People Organisations (IPOs), women’s organizations, the Private Sector and Civil Society organisations (CSOs) in LDN achievement
  5. Strengthen and operationalize synergies with the other Rio Conventions and other relevant agreements and processes