The Global Mechanism (GM) is an institution of the UNCCD, mandated to assist countries in the mobilization of financial resources from the public and private sector for activities that prevent, control or reverse desertification, land degradation and drought. As the operational arm of the convention, the Global Mechanism supports countries to translate the Convention into action and to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality at the national level.

In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, including goal 15, which aims to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”. As main expected results it defines under target 15.3 to “combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world” by 2030.

Since then, and based on relevant decisions taken by country Parties in the 12th, 13th and 14th sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP) of the UNCCD:
• The Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) concept was endorsed as a strong vehicle for driving implementation of the UNCCD;
• Country Parties were invited to formulate national voluntary targets to achieve LDN and to integrate LDN targets into UNCCD National Action Programmes (LDN TSP); In the 13th and 14th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) of the UNCCD emphasized the critical role of Land Degradation Neutrality Transformative Projects and Programmes (LDN TPPs) for the implementation of the Convention.

Following the establishment of voluntary LDN targets, several countries are now in the process of planning for LDN implementation, including the design of LDN TPPs.
The Global Mechanism provides advisory services, promotes partnerships and demonstrates innovations at the country level. It aspires to be a trusted international partner that translates cutting-edge knowledge into tailored, country-level action.