Position paper

IUCN Position Paper for UNCCD COP17

Land degradation now affects up to 40% of the Earth's surface, with cascading consequences for biodiversity, climate change, water security, food systems, and the stability of communities. Yet progress against our shared climate, biodiversity, land, and development goals remains deeply insufficient, and the gap between commitments and delivery continues to widen. Closing that gap will require transformative change and integrated approaches that address the financing gap and governance deficits for key stakeholder groups.

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As the first of the three Rio Convention COPs to convene in 2026, UNCCD COP17 takes place at a moment when ambition must translate into measurable results on the ground. The conference also coincides with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), placing an overdue spotlight on ecosystems that cover more than half of the Earth's land surface and sustain the livelihoods of around 500 million people. COP17 must be a turning point for implementation.

In this context, IUCN makes the following recommendations to the Parties:

Increase ambition to deepen coordination and strengthen national integration of the Rio Conventions, without sacrificing dedicated financing
Invest in rangelands and empower pastoralists as leaders in sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation
Advance a proactive global drought process that integrates nature metrics, technology, and traditional knowledge
Commit to mitigating sand and dust storms at the source through ecosystem restoration and manage risks through a One Health approach
Anchor farmers, soil health and security, and Nature-based Solutions for agriculture in LDN achievement
Strengthen the structural participation of civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and women across UNCCD processes and LDN implementation

IUCN Position Paper for UNCCD COP17

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