SLM and SDGs

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WOCAT deals with local and global concerns and linkages to SDGs

Local-level occurrences can have a global impact, which is why WOCAT looks beyond local sustainable land management (SLM). For example, if soil erosion occurs on enough farms, greenhouse gas emissions will rise, leading to climate change. For this reason, WOCAT is dedicated – on the one hand – to assisting land users, and – on the other – to helping governments define national policy. WOCAT is engaged in the international debate on land degradation, ecosystems, climate change, and SLM. It works to implement the objectives of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), of which the WOCAT database is an official tool. Furthermore, WOCAT’s focus on SLM in the broadest sense anchors it firmly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, it promotes sustainable agriculture and food security (SDG 2). or it also is concerned with water security (SDG 6). The focus on climate change-related issues that involve land – including adaptation, resilience, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction – all fall under “climate action” (SDG 13). The broad range of issues that concern land degradation, biodiversity, and ecosystems are covered by “life on land” (SDG 15).


SLM and SDG 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Food security is a global issue because nearly 800 million people in the world are chronically undernourished. With a global population of more than 7 billion, this is one in nine people.

We take a closer look at SLM and food security, as well as climate-smart agriculture.

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SLM and SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Water security falls under SDG 6, which is to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. Water security is not just about domestic use, but also about adequate supplies for farming.

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SLM and SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

It is clear to all (except a small minority of non-scientific “doubters”) that climate change is happening, with worldwide impacts. It takes different forms. Some places will be affected by warming; others by too much or too little rain. But nowhere on the planet will be spared, which is why adaptation is relevant to every country.

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SLM and SDG 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Throughout the world, functioning ecosystems provide essential services and thus play a vital role as the lifeblood of our planet, and have a direct impact on biodiversity.

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UN SDG
WOCAT 2020+ Concept Note

Developed by the Consortium Partners, the WOCAT 2020+ Concept Note describes the goal, strategy and the new organizational structure of WOCAT.

Projects and initiatives

At national and regional level, WOCAT is included in specific projects, mainstreamed in local programmes, and may be part of a national strategy.

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.

WOCAT knowledge products

Are you looking for the WOCAT books, videos, factsheets, papers or other media?

Training material

Discover and download the WOCAT training material with presentations on the different tools and methods, and video instructions.