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UNCCD COP17: Rangelands gain momentum as finance, drought talks remain key tests – EnviroNews
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As the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17 reaches its halfway point, negotiations are showing signs of progress on protecting and restoring grasslands, savannahs and rangelands, raising hopes that the summit could deliver a formal decision to accelerate investment and strengthen action on these often-overlooked ecosystems.
The emerging momentum could pave the way for stronger legal and policy frameworks, increased financing and broader cooperation among governments, communities, businesses and conservation organisations to protect, sustainably manage and restore degraded landscapes.
Progress at the negotiating table has been accompanied by initiatives led by the COP17 Presidency, including the launch of the Rangelands Flagship Initiative, valued at about $1.2 billion and covering more than 40 projects.
The summit has also placed greater emphasis on soil health and the adoption of nature-positive agricultural practices as important tools for preventing land degradation and restoring damaged ecosystems.
However, the critical test in the final week will be whether the momentum can be translated into concrete agreements, increased financing and implementation on the ground.
Financing Remains a Major Challenge
The scale of the financing challenge remains significant. The annual global gap for land restoration finance stands at an estimated $278 billion, highlighting the need for substantially greater investment if countries are to turn political commitments into practical action.
The private sector, which currently accounts for only about six per cent of restoration funding, has significant potential to increase its contribution.
Innovative financing mechanisms, including debt-for-nature swaps and other blended finance approaches, could also help mobilise additional resources for land restoration and resilience.
Joao Campari, Global Food & Agriculture Leader at WWF, said progress on rangelands and grasslands demonstrated that action was possible both within and outside the formal negotiating process.
“For COP17 to move from action to implementation, there must be progress both inside and outside negotiation rooms. Thankfully, for rangelands and grasslands, this is happening,” Campari said.
He stressed that these ecosystems had long been under-prioritised despite their importance to land, nature, climate and development goals.
According to him, recognition of the importance of these landscapes is only the beginning, as proven solutions already exist and nature-positive agriculture can play a critical role in implementation.
“Implementation rests on finance being unlocked. The pledges made so far at COP17 are the first step in providing what’s needed and to leaving a lasting legacy,” he added.
Drought Negotiations Remain Deadlocked
While progress has been recorded on rangelands and land restoration, negotiations on drought remain a major area of concern.
The drought discussions were carried over from UNCCD COP16, where Parties failed to reach agreement on a formal decision.
Negotiations at COP17 remain divided between countries seeking a legally binding drought protocol and those favouring a voluntary or flexible framework.
The impasse comes as countries and regions increasingly confront the impacts of worsening drought conditions and are developing strategies to strengthen preparedness and resilience.
Christine Colvin, Head of Freshwater Policy at WWF, warned that further delays could undermine coordinated international action and support for countries most vulnerable to drought.
“Droughts are becoming more common and more severe because of climate change and land degradation. Negotiators at COP17 have several options on the table to improve drought preparedness and drought resilience,” Colvin said.
She urged Parties to reach an ambitious agreement rather than postpone action until the next round of negotiations.
“We can’t afford implementation to be delayed until Parties hold yet more talks at COP18. We want to see ambitious consensus from Parties and swift action to tackle the ever-worsening impacts on people and nature,” she said.
Rio Conventions Cooperation Still Awaiting Action
Another issue requiring urgent attention during the final week is stronger cooperation among the three Rio Conventions dealing with climate change, biodiversity and desertification.
Formal discussions on strengthening cooperation between the conventions have yet to begin, increasing the importance of progress during the remaining days of COP17.
Failure to reach a formal agreement on greater synergies would be a setback, but stakeholders could still advance cooperation through the Action Agenda outside the formal negotiations.
Such efforts could include processes led by the Joint Liaison Group and the COP Presidencies, as well as multistakeholder platforms operating alongside the official COP proceedings.
Finance and Implementation to Define COP17 Legacy
With the summit entering its decisive phase, the outcome of discussions on rangelands, grasslands, drought, soil health, agricultural practices and cooperation among the Rio Conventions will be closely watched.
For rangelands and grasslands, the progress already recorded provides an opportunity to move from recognition to implementation.
But without adequate and accessible financing, commitments risk remaining largely on paper.
The combination of stronger agreements, increased public and private investment and effective implementation will ultimately determine whether COP17 succeeds in converting its political momentum into lasting action on land degradation, drought resilience and ecosystem restoration.
