Focus on Land Restoration, Drought Resilience, and Rangeland Conservation at UNCCD COP17
UNCCD COP17 was held from August 17–28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope," with land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience as key issues. Established in 1994, the UNCCD is a legally binding treaty that promotes global cooperation to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. The conference placed special emphasis on sustainable rangeland management, early warning systems, drought management, and science-based monitoring. India released its first set of guidelines for grasslands and other open natural ecosystems (ONEs), a move expected to boost biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the livelihoods of pastoralists.
UNCCD COP17 took place from August 17–28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The conference theme was "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope." Discussions focused on issues such as land degradation, desertification, drought resilience, sustainable rangeland management, and land restoration. With 2026 designated as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, rangelands and pastoralists were central to the conference's agenda.
What is the UNCCD?
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a legally binding international treaty established in 1994. Its objective is to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. The UNCCD is part of the Rio Conventions and, alongside the UNFCCC and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), forms a crucial component of global environmental governance.
Meaning of Desertification and Land Degradation
Desertification does not merely refer to the expansion of deserts; rather, it signifies a decline in land productivity and ecological capacity within arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. Key drivers include climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agriculture, improper irrigation, and poor land and water management. It impacts food security, water availability, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
Emphasis on Drought Resilience and Early Warning Systems
At COP17, the focus shifted from post-crisis responses to drought toward preparedness and risk reduction. Transformative drought management, innovative financing, science-based monitoring and early warning systems, and international partnerships were deemed crucial for this purpose. This approach marks a transition from a reactive to a proactive stance in disaster management.
Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)
Grasslands, savannas, deserts, and other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) play a vital role in biodiversity, livestock rearing, food production, water management, and carbon sequestration. However, vast areas of the world's grazing lands are degrading due to land-use changes, overgrazing, and climate change. At COP17, India released its first set of guidelines for grasslands and other ONEs, emphasizing the need for their conservation and scientific restoration.
Significance for India
In India, land degradation and desertification affect agriculture, livestock rearing, water security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity. Sustainable pasture management can enhance soil quality, water conservation, and carbon sequestration while supporting the livelihoods of pastoralists. Therefore, it is essential to integrate land restoration with climate adaptation, food security, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and livelihood security. India’s guidelines on ONEs expand the conservation mindset beyond forests to encompass other natural ecosystems.
