Factsheets about the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Established in 1994, the United Nations to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. The 10-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention for 2008-2018 outlined a clear vision to forge global partnerships to reverse and prevent desertification and land degradation, coupled with a mission to provide a worldwide framework to support the development and implementation of national and regional policies that contribute to the reduction of poverty.

Keywordsdesertification, land degradation, drought, sustainable land management