14 January 2013: Among the documents released by the UN on 14 January 2013 was document ICCD/CST(S-3)/3, which provides an overview of the working papers prepared for the 2nd Scientific Conference for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The 2nd Scientific Conference will convene under the theme “Economic assessment of desertification, sustainable land management and resilience of arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas.” It was scheduled to convene in February 2013, but has been postponed.
The document, which is dated 26 November 2012, provides an overview of the two white papers prepared by the Global Risk Forum (GRF) Davos for the Conference. White Paper I explores “Economic and social impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.” White Paper II investigates “Costs and benefits of policies and practices addressing desertification, land degradation and drought.” The document also summarizes the work of two working groups (established by the Scientific Advisory Committee) and a review group.
The White Papers seek to identify and assess the different types of costs relating to desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) and elaborate methodologies on how to develop effective policies and strategies, including support for shaping action at the local level. The Papers also aim to synthesize existing scientific knowledge to provide a basis for policy-oriented recommendations and ensure the flow of new knowledge to and from the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference.
The document contains sections on: economic and social impacts assessment of DLDD; macro and micro-level impact assessment of DLDD; direct and indirect cost assessment of DLDD; socioeconomics of sustainable land management policies and practices; valuing and measuring resilience; and valuing ecosystem services. An Annex lists the members of the Review Group of the UNCCD 2nd Scientific Conference. Other documents that have been released for this meeting and the third special session of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST S-3) include an annotated agenda, [Documents for the 2nd UNCCD Scientific Conference and CST S-3]