The 17th Conference of Parties (CoP 17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026, has brought the issues of land restoration and drought resilience to the forefront of the global environmental agenda. Under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”, the conference sought to strengthen cooperation and commitment among nations to tackle the escalating threats of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). India played an active and leading role in this crucial global forum, presenting significant policies and initiatives.

Established in 1994, the UNCCD is a major global agreement on issues related to land, aiming to protect and restore land and address the phenomenon of desertification. Desertification is the process through which fertile and productive land becomes degraded and unfit for useful activities like agriculture. It stands as the only legally binding international framework for addressing desertification and the effects of drought, with 197 Parties, including 196 country Parties and the European Union. The Conference of the Parties (CoP) serves as its main decision-making body, meeting biennially since 2001.

Key Highlights of CoP 17 and India's Contribution

At CoP 17, India emphasized several critical areas. Firstly, India underscored the vital role of community-led restoration of rangelands. India highlighted the importance of rangelands in sustaining pastoralist communities, conserving biodiversity, and regulating water and carbon cycles. This approach reflects India's commitment to empowering local communities as partners in land restoration efforts.

Secondly, India called for a fundamental shift in the global approach to drought—from reactive relief to proactive, technology-enabled resilience. Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, stressed the need to move beyond merely responding to droughts. He also highlighted India’s coordinated, multi-institutional approach integrating early warning, mitigation, relief, and community resilience. This approach represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and preventative strategy for future drought events.

Thirdly, India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at CoP 17. This guide highlights the rich diversity, ecological significance, and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems. It compiles information on major ONEs across India, covering their geographical settings, ecological characteristics, biodiversity, and associated communities and tribes. Minister Bhupender Yadav described the guide as an important step towards recognizing India’s open natural ecosystems and stressed the need for their science-based conservation alongside forests.

Finally, India called for diversified and sustained international finance for land restoration and drought resilience. Minister Yadav emphasized that restoring degraded land is not a cost but an investment in food, water, biodiversity, livelihood, and long-term resilience. He also highlighted India’s blended green-finance framework, which enables financing for climate-change adaptation, sustainable land use, forestry and agriculture, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the outcomes of UNCCD CoP 17 are crucial for global sustainability, food security, and biodiversity conservation. Land degradation and desertification not only threaten ecosystems but also impact the livelihoods of millions, potentially leading to increased migration and conflict. Proactive measures by nations like India and robust international cooperation are essential to tackle these challenges and build a more resilient future.

“Land restoration is not just an environmental imperative, but a socio-economic necessity that ensures food, water, and livelihood security for billions globally.”

Beyond the Nugget: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought and Bonn Challenge

June 17 is observed annually as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought under the UNCCD. The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness and promote action against desertification, land degradation, and drought. The theme for this year was “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” Notably, the UN has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), underscoring the significance of these vital ecosystems.

India has restored 21.7 million hectares of degraded and deforested land between 2011 and 2020, according to the country’s second progress report on the Bonn Challenge, released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on 17th June, 2026. This includes restoration through planted forests, natural regeneration, silviculture, agroforestry, and mangrove restoration. The Bonn Challenge is a global initiative launched in 2011, with the efforts of the Government of Germany and IUCN, which acts as its Secretariat.

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