Multi-Donor Basket Fund for SLM

Official High-Level Launch of the WOCAT Multi-Donor Basket Fund for SLM

Date: December 12, 2024, 13:15-14:15
Location: UNCCD COP16, MET - 04
Host: WOCAT Consortium in collaboration with UNCCD Secretariat

The launch of the WOCAT Multi-Donor Basket Fund (MDBF) at UNCCD COP16 marks a significant milestone in WOCAT’s global efforts to combat land degradation and promote Sustainable Land Management (SLM) to reach land degradation neutrality (LDN). WOCAT, as a globally recognized leader in knowledge management and capacity development for SLM, has empowered communities, civil society, governments, research and other institutions across continents for over two decades. Through its local to global action and outreach, WOCAT has created a unique platform for knowledge sharing and learning, fostering innovation, and building capacity to address land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss at all levels. As the UNCCD-designated database for SLM best practice reporting, WOCAT plays a pivotal role in supporting UNCCD Parties and stakeholders in documenting, sharing, and scaling up SLM practices. This designation underscores WOCAT’s unique expertise in bridging science, policy, and practice to enable evidence-based, participatory approaches that deliver impactful and sustainable solutions worldwide.

The MDBF represents a bold step forward in WOCAT’s mission to scale up proven SLM practices and achieve LDN. Hosted by the UNCCD Secretariat, the Basket Fund is designed as a collaborative financial mechanism that pools resources from diverse donors to accelerate the adoption and implementation of innovative land management solutions on a global scale.

Aligned with the goals of the UNCCD and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the MDBF addresses critical gaps in knowledge, and capacity, with a special focus on regions most affected by land degradation and desertification. It underscores WOCAT’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, enhancing cross-border knowledge sharing, and empowering local communities to restore and sustainably manage their lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

This high-level event will officially launch the MDBF in collaboration with the UNCCD Secretariat, donors and the WOCAT network, with a particular emphasis on the establishment of WOCAT regional representations, so-called WOCAT Regional Clusters, which will be a cornerstone of the Basket Fund. It will also spotlight WOCAT’s global efforts in supporting SLM, from Africa to Asia, Latin America, and beyond

Leveraging Expertise, Partnerships, and Flexible Funding Mechanisms

The The Multi-Donor Basket Fund (MDTF) for Sustainable Land Management will serves as a sustainable funding mechanism, consolidating various funding sources to streamline WOCAT's operations and enhance management efficiency. This unified approach reduces administrative burdens, ensures predictable financing, and fosters strategic resource prioritization, promoting regional integration and collaboration to effectively address sustainable land management (SLM) challenges.

It unites diverse stakeholders, including international donors, institutions, local and regional governments, international bodies, the private sector, and civil society. It enhances Sustainable Land Management (SLM) through:

• Leveraging Expertise: Facilitates knowledge exchange and capacity building, with a focus on South-South Cooperation to share relevant SLM knowledge and foster innovative problem-solving.
• Facilitating Partnerships: Provides a platform for partnerships between international bodies, local governments, private sector, and civil society, enabling coordinated efforts and resource pooling for greater impact.
• Providing Flexible Funding Mechanisms: Offers various funding options, such as small grants for innovative SLM projects, to meet diverse stakeholder needs and capacities.
• Ensuring Local Involvement and Empowerment: Actively involves local and regional governments and communities to ensure culturally sensitive and locally relevant projects, increasing ownership and sustainability.

Are you interested in contributing to the MDTF

Contributing to the MDTF is a strategic way to support global, regional, national, and local SLM initiatives and activities. Donors can provide financial resources that are managed transparently and efficiently by the UNCCD Basket Fund Manager. To discuss a contribution, contact the WOCAT Secretariat (wocat.cde@unibe.ch) for detailed guidelines and partnership opportunities, ensuring your investment drives impactful and sustainable land management solutions worldwide.

Contribution Options

• One-time Contributions: Support the Basekt Fund for SLM with a one-time contribution starting from 50,000 USD. These funds will be non-earmarked, allowing for flexible use across activities.
• Multi-year Contributions: Commit to an annual contribution of 50,000 USD or more for a minimum of two years. These funds can be earmarked to support specific outcomes, ensuring targeted support for particular agendas or regions, and addressing identified priorities effectively (non-earmarked funds are prioritized to ensure comprehensive and adaptable support for WOCAT's objectives).

MDBF Announcement

On June 17, 2024, during the Desertification and Drought Day, the Multi Donor Basekt Fund will be officially announced.

Find here the more details on the global observance of the Desertification and Drought Day 2024

Details about the Basekt Fund

Institutional aspects of the MDBF

The MDBF is planned to be hosted by the UNCCD Secretariat, which will take financial accountability for the MDBF funds. The governance arrangement ensures efficient decision-making and oversight, with streamlined allocation processes and clear lines of accountability. These arrangements are based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and consensus-based decisions.

The MDBF activities are governed by a Steering Committee comprising WOCAT Consortium Partners and selected WOCAT Organizational Members. This committee is supported by the WOCAT Global Executive Team and the WOCAT Secretariat.

Distribution of Funds

The allocation of funds ensures a balanced distribution across four key categories, focusing on global and regional activities, innovation, and necessary administrative support:

• Global Activities (30%): Geared towards accelerating the global uptake of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and its multiple contributions to sustainable development.
• Regional Activities (40%): Led by WOCAT Regional Clusters, aimed at mainstreaming SLM and Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in regional strategic agendas and implementing and scaling up SLM at the local level.
• Innovative SLM Projects (17%): Reserved for funding small innovative SLM projects, distributed as grants through a yearly SLM innovation call.
• UNCCD Administrative Fee (13%): Covers administrative costs associated with implementing and managing the MDTF.

Contact us if you are interested in getting more information wocat.cde@unibe.ch