UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Desertification along with climate change and loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The convention addresses specifically the arid, semiarid and by sub-humid areas known as the drylands where, some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and people can be found.

In the 10-year strategy of the UNCCD (2008 -2018) that was adopted in 2007, following goal was adopted: “To forge a global partnership to reverse and prevent desertification/ land degradation and to mitigate the effects of drought in affected areas in order to support poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.” 

The main focus region of Conventions is Africa alongside other dry land regions in the world such as in India. The UNCCD collaborates with UNFCC and CBD. The convention is implemented through Action Progrmmes at National Sub-regional and Regional levels.

At present, every year 12 million ha of land becomes unproductive through desertification and drought. In the same period, 75 billion tons of soils are lost forever. Globally 1.5 billion people are directly affected by land degradation. The 12 million ha land lost every year have the potential produce 20 million tons of food grains.