Genesis & Key Facts
The UNCCD is one of the three "Rio Conventions" that emerged from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development - UNCED), alongside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
It was developed in response to growing concerns about the widespread problem of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD), particularly affecting arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas (known as "drylands"). These issues significantly impact sustainable development and livelihoods, especially in Africa.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought:
Observed every year on June 17th.
Adoption & Entry into Force:
- Adopted: Paris, France, on June 17, 1994.
- Opened for signature: October 1994.
- Entered into force: December 26, 1996.
- India's Ratification: October 1996.
Key Milestones
Adoption in Paris
The UNCCD was formally adopted in Paris, France, marking a global commitment to address desertification.
Opened for Signature
The Convention was opened for countries to officially sign, indicating their intent to be bound by its provisions.
India Ratifies UNCCD
India demonstrated its commitment by ratifying the convention, becoming a key party.
Entry into Force
The UNCCD officially entered into force, becoming a legally binding international agreement.
Understanding Key Terms (Article 1)
Desertification
Land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities.
Land Degradation
Reduction or loss, in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of various land types (rainfed/irrigated cropland, range, pasture, forest, woodlands) due to land uses or processes like soil erosion, deterioration of soil properties, and loss of natural vegetation.
Drought
The naturally occurring phenomenon when precipitation is significantly below normal recorded levels, causing serious hydrological imbalances that adversely affect land resource production systems.
Drylands
Refers to arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. These cover about 40% of Earth's land surface and are home to over 2 billion people.
Nature of the Convention
- A legally binding international agreement.
- Links environment and development to sustainable land management.
- The sole legally binding international agreement specifically addressing land degradation in drylands.
- Emphasizes a bottom-up approach, with active participation of local communities and land users.
Objectives of the UNCCD (Article 2)
"To combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements... with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas."
Specifically, it aims to:
- Prevent land degradation.
- Restore degraded land.
- Mitigate the effects of drought.
- Improve living conditions of people in affected areas.
- Contribute to poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.
Key Principles & Provisions
National Action Programmes (NAPs)
Affected developing countries prepare, publicize, and implement NAPs as a central strategy. Developed with local participation and integrated into national sustainable development plans.
SRAPs & RAPs
Parties are encouraged to develop Sub-Regional and Regional Action Programmes to address transboundary issues and harmonize national efforts.
International Cooperation
Developed countries support affected developing countries via financial resources, technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
Role of Science & Technology
Promotes research, data collection, information exchange, and use of traditional knowledge. The Committee on Science and Technology (CST) advises the COP.
Local Communities & Civil Society
Strong emphasis on bottom-up, participatory approach, involving women, farmers, pastoralists, and indigenous communities.
Financial Mechanism
Includes the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Global Mechanism (GM) for resource mobilization, and the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund.
Reporting and Review
Parties report on implementation measures. The Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) assesses implementation.
Synergies with other Rio Conventions
Recognizes close linkages with climate change (UNFCCC) and biodiversity loss (CBD). Promotes synergistic approaches as land degradation affects carbon storage, water cycles, and habitats.
Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)
SDG Target 15.3
"By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world."
What is LDN?
LDN is a state whereby the amount and quality of land resources necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security remain stable or increase within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems.
Many countries, including India, have set voluntary LDN targets.
The LDN Response Hierarchy:
The goal is to achieve a balance where land degradation is offset by land restoration.
UNCCD and India
Ratified in 1996
MoEFCC is the nodal ministry.
~30% Land Affected
Significant land degradation challenges.
LDN Target by 2030
Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land.
Major Causes of Land Degradation in India:
India's Actions to Combat Desertification:
India has a comprehensive NAP aligning with UNCCD objectives, focusing on preventive measures and restoration.
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) (now part of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - PMKSY).
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP) / Green India Mission.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
- Soil Health Card Scheme.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) - for land and water conservation works.
India Hosted UNCCD COP14 (2019)
Location: Greater Noida, September 2019.
Theme: "Restore Land, Sustain Future."
Key Outcomes (Delhi Declaration): Called for action on drought, land tenure, gender equality, ecosystem restoration, and private sector engagement. Strengthened commitment to LDN. Launch of initiatives like the Peace Forest Initiative.
Significance of UNCCD
Global Focus on Drylands
Brings international attention and resources to critical DLDD problems in dryland ecosystems, home to vulnerable populations.
Link to Poverty & Food Security
Recognizes DLDD's direct impact on food security, livelihoods, and poverty, especially for rural communities.
Promotes SLM
Encourages adoption of Sustainable Land Management practices to prevent degradation and restore lands.
Bottom-up Approach
Promotes participation of local communities, recognizing their crucial role and traditional knowledge.
Climate & Biodiversity Synergies
Addressing land degradation yields co-benefits for climate change (carbon sequestration) and biodiversity conservation.
International Cooperation
Facilitates financial and technical support to affected developing countries.
Challenges in Implementing UNCCD
Funding
Mobilizing adequate and predictable financial resources remains a major challenge.
Complexity of DLDD
Driven by multiple interacting factors, making solutions difficult.
Poverty & Land Tenure
Poverty can force unsustainable practices; insecure tenure reduces SLM investment.
Capacity Constraints
Lack of technical, institutional, and human resource capacity in many affected countries.
Policy Integration
Inadequate mainstreaming of DLDD concerns into national development planning.
Data & Monitoring
Lack of reliable data on land degradation extent and intervention impacts.
Transboundary Issues
Managing shared dryland ecosystems requires regional cooperation.
Climate Change Impacts
Rising temperatures, altered rainfall, and increased droughts exacerbate DLDD.
Spotlight: The Great Green Wall Initiative (Africa)
An African-led initiative to restore degraded landscapes and combat desertification across the Sahel region by planting a mosaic of trees, grasslands, and promoting sustainable land management.
Objective:
To restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030.
Approach:
Involves over 20 African countries, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society. Focuses on integrated landscape restoration, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood improvement.
Progress & Challenges:
Ambitious with some progress, but faces challenges in funding, governance, security, technical capacity, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Relevance to UNCCD: Closely aligns with UNCCD objectives, demonstrating a large-scale effort to combat desertification and achieve LDN.
Relevance for Deeper Study (e.g., UPSC)
Key Areas for Prelims:
- UNCCD basics (adoption, entry, Rio Conventions).
- Definitions (desertification, LDN, drylands).
- Key objectives, NAPs, Financial Mechanisms (GEF, LDN Fund).
- SDG Target 15.3.
- India's COP14 hosting, Delhi Declaration.
- World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
Potential Focus for Mains (GS Papers):
- Causes, consequences, and measures for desertification in India.
- Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN): concept and India's strategy.
- Linkages: land degradation with poverty, food security, climate change, biodiversity.
- Role of sustainable land management.
- Impact of international conventions like UNCCD on national policies.
This Digital Explorer provides a foundation. For comprehensive understanding, refer to official UNCCD documents, MoEFCC resources, and relevant academic literature.