The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international treaty that aims to address the issue of land degradation and desertification in affected countries. The convention was adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996. It was created as a response to the increasing concern about the social, economic, and environmental consequences of desertification, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The UNCCD seeks to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through sustainable land management practices and the restoration of degraded land. It recognizes that desertification is a global problem that requires international cooperation and the involvement of various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and local communities.
The convention focuses on several key objectives. These include improving land management practices, promoting sustainable development in affected areas, and enhancing resilience to climate change and drought. It also aims to mobilize financial resources, promote scientific research, and facilitate the exchange of information and experiences among member countries.
The UNCCD operates through a strategic framework that sets out specific targets and goals to be achieved by parties to the convention. It encourages the implementation of national action plans to combat desertification and provides support and technical assistance to member countries in their efforts to address this issue.
Overall, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is a binding international agreement that seeks to combat land degradation and desertification by promoting sustainable land management practices and international cooperation. It aims to protect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the affected lands and contribute to the achievement of broader sustainable development goals.
