The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
There are currently 197 Parties to the Convention, encompassing all 193 member states of the United Nations, the European Union, the Cook Islands, and Niue. Australia ratified the convention in 2000.
The Convention covers a number of themes in which Australia has both a domestic and international interest, including desertification, land degradation, sustainable development, sustainable land management, drought mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
The Conference of the Parties (COP)
COP 15 was convened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from 9 – 20 May 2022 with the theme Land. Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity. The Conference adopted 38 decisions to improve drought resilience, reduce land degradation, and invest in land restoration efforts. For more information visit the UNCCD website.
Read more information on previous COP meetings.
National Reporting
Reliable and up-to-date information enables the COP to support an effective achievement of the Convention’s strategic objectives.
In accordance with article 26, it is a requirement under the Convention for Parties to communicate information about measures undertaken to implement the Convention, results achieved and challenges they faced along the way.
The reporting process occurs every four years. Australia’s last national report was completed in 2018. The next report is due in 2022.
Read more information on the reporting process.