The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification will bring together governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, youth and private sector actors to address the growing challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought. Under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”, the conference will focus on sustainable land management, drought resilience, rangeland restoration, food systems, soil health and the land–water nexus. Held during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, COP17 will place particular emphasis on dryland ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods, while promoting investment-oriented solutions and science–policy collaboration to strengthen resilience and sustainable development.
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