WOCAT

Welcome to WOCAT – the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies


WOCAT is a global network on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) that promotes the documentation, sharing and use of knowledge to support adaptation, innovation and decision-making in SLM.

Events

FAO/ IYRP Drylands Summer School

WOCAT, in partnership with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and the FAO Committee on Forestry Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems (COFO WG), is holding a summer school ​session ​to explore transformative approaches to building climate resilient dryland systems. FAO/IYRP dryland summer school 12-15 Sept 2023 in Jordan. WOCAT SLM expert Rima Mekdaschi Studer will be conducting the field say. 

» More information and the application form here

News

New research article on LDN mapping with Ecuador

This paper presents a novel approach to address the challenge of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) in Ecuador. The methodology involves a participatory and data-driven assessment, integrating both biophysical and socio-economic dimensions of land degradation. This tool not only identifies degradation hotspots but also ensures ownership and support for Ecuador's LDN goals, offering a replicable model for other countries and regions.

» Download full article here
WOCAT Training on Google Earth Engine in Ethiopia

In late July, a WOCAT training took place in Addis Ababa, focusing on EarthEngine in collaboration with the GIZ ProSoil project. Participants representing the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural bureaus, and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT learned to access satellite image catalogs and analyze time series to implement the principle of Convergence of Evidence to map Land Degradation Neutrality in Ethiopia.

» Check out the WOCAT Google Earth Engine App for Ethiopia
WOCAT Newsletter, January-June 2023

2023 has started incredibly, with more than 15 global events partaken by WOCAT and 50+ partners. Moreover, the invitation to become official Organizational Members of the WOCAT Global Network is now open!

» Read the Newsletter here!
Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa

The new perspective paper highlights the importance of SLM in mitigating climate change and supporting adaptation practices, particularly in rainfed regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It analyses WOCAT Global SLM Database and presents current advancements in the field and outlines future directions for utilizing SLM as a climate change adaptation solution for land users in SSA.

» Download full article here
WOCAT related UNCCD COP15 decisions

Five COP15 decisions highlight the role of WOCAT in supporting knowledge sharing, generating SLM good practices data and developing capacities of UNCCD stakeholders.

» read the decisions here
WOCAT supports LDN

“Land degradation neutrality” means the maintenance and increase of the amount of healthy and productive land resources, in line with national development priorities.

» learn more about WOCAT's LDN activities here
Global SLM Database

The Global Database on SLM contains a vast range of good practices from all over the world and is the primary recommended database by UNCCD.

» learn more about the Global SLM Database
SLM knowledge products

Are you looking for global or national good SLM practices compilations, guidelines, videos, factsheets, papers or other media?

» discover WOCAT's knowledge products

Funding Partners