Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD).
The mission of the External Relations, Policy and Advocacy (ERPA) Unit is to position the UNCCD as a credible and trusted partner in addressing DLDD. To achieve this goal, the Unit develops and then communicates relevant and persuasive policy messages to decision makers at all levels. It places a special emphasis on supporting the work of Parties at regional level and on building up partnerships that expand the UNCCD’s reach with key stakeholders such as civil society and the private sector.