During the first quarter of 2014, the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has focused on linkages between the issues of security and land degradation, undertaken a number of activities related to the newly created Science-Policy Interface, revised its national reporting process, and considered how to engage the private sector, among other activities.
April 2014: During the first quarter of 2014, the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has focused on linkages between the issues of security and land degradation, undertaken a number of activities related to the newly created Science-Policy Interface, revised its national reporting process, and considered how to engage the private sector, among other activities.
The latest issue of ‘UNCCD News’ focuses on whether land degradation is a security issue. In her message, UNCCD Executive Secretary Monique Barbut notes that “We are still in the early stages of exploring the link between land degradation and security. To get a clearer picture of the human connections between poverty, conflict and environmental degradation, the UNCCD secretariat is partnering with CAUX – Initiatives of Change for the 2014 Caux Dialogue on Land and Security, an international conference to take place in Switzerland this summer.” The bulletin also explores whether land degradation played a role in the conflict in Syria, and interviews Hartmut Behrend, a climatologist at the German Armed Forces’ Geoinformation Office, on the impact of environmental degradation on security. Finally, the newsletter includes “best practice” examples of addressing land degradation and security issues in Kenya.
Also on the topic of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) and security, the UNCCD Secretariat published a brochure, titled ‘Desertification. The Invisible Frontline,’ which provides an overview of various security touchpoints between desertification, land degradation and drought, including food security, water security, climate change and national security.
In March, the Secretariat, the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the UN Global Compact (UNGC) co-organized three workshops to discuss how the private sector can support decision-making for sustainable land management (SLM) and use. Participants discussed a training programme to be used in the Soil Leadership Academy, which was launched in September 2013 during the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD (COP 11). In related news, Syngenta announced on 10 April 2014 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the UNCCD Secretariat to develop and operationalize the Soil Leadership Academy.
On the provision of scientific advice, the Secretariat is undertaking efforts to update the roster of experts, and has requested nominations to the new Science-Policy Interface (SPI), which will seek to “facilitate a two-way science-policy dialogue and ensure the delivery of policy-relevant information, knowledge and advice on desertification/land degradation and drought (DLDD).”
In February, the 2014 UNCCD reporting exercise was launched. Reporting requirements have been simplified, and National Focal Points and Reporting Officers have been invited to submit national reports by 30 June. To support the reporting process and in preparation for the first leg of this fifth reporting and review cycle, the Secretariat has developed an e-learning course to support reporting entities to conclude their 2014 reports. The course will begin on 28 April 2014.
Also in February, an Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) of the UNCCD charged with following up on the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) convened for its first meeting to discuss the concept of land degradation neutrality. The Group established task forces to address the definition of land degradation neutrality (LDN) and outline the options for achieving it.
The UNCCD Secretariat is also preparing for events to mark the annual World Day to Combat Desertification, which will focus on the theme ‘ecosystem-based adaptation’ and the slogan ‘Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate Proof It,’ during the 17 June 2014 celebration. [UNCCD News issue 6.1] [PRAIS fifth reporting cycle] [UNCCD News Report on e-learning course for national reporting] [Land Policy & Practice summary of March private sector workshops][Land Policy & Practice stories about UNCCD][Syngenta Press Release][World Day to Combat Desertification]