January 2013: The Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is seeking expressions of interest for partners in the development of a database on best practices and a portal on scientific knowledge.

With regard to the database on best practices, the project scope will address two topics: sustainable land management technologies, including adaptation; and funding and resource mobilization. The UNCCD seeks to provide an overview of existing expertise and capacity that could support the UNCCD Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) in its tasks of compiling, reviewing and disseminating best practices. CRIC 11, which is expected to convene in April 2013, will consider the outcomes of the call and make recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Expressions of interest should be presented by 31 January 2013 at 23:45 CET.

In addition, the UNCCD Secretariat has called for expressions of interest to become a partner in UNCCD scientific knowledge brokering. The call seeks organisations and institutions to provide information through a UNCCD portal that will respond to the COP decision calling on the Secretariat to build efficient knowledge management and knowledge brokering systems to serve as tools for the successful implementation of the UNCCD’s communication strategy. Interested organisations and institutions should send their expression of interest by 17 February 2013. [UNCCD webpage for best practices database][UNCCD webpage for scientific knowledge brokering portal]