WOCAT Participation at the UNCCD COP16

Join us at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024, under the theme: “Our Land. Our Future.”

WOCAT, together with its partners and members, will bring the expertise of its global network to the forefront. At the WOCAT Pavilion, through engaging side events, during the CRIC plenary, and at the Gender Caucus, we will contribute to the COP16 agenda with innovative sessions, trainings, and discussions, complementing the official program.

With our UNCCD-Designated Global Database on Sustainable Land Management Best Practices, WOCAT continues to lead efforts to document, share, and scale impactful solutions that support achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Find us at the WOCAT UNCCD Pavilion (Blue Zone, Pavilion A14)

The WOCAT UNCCD Pavilion, co-branded with the UNCCD, serves as a hub to highlight SLM tools, methodologies and successful practices, providing a dynamic space for stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and explore collaborative solutions.

Fostering learning and dialogue in the context of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), the Pavilion will host a variety of events, including presentations, panel discussions, training sessions, and informal meetups.

Join our sessions at the WOCAT Pavilion

The WOCAT sessions are designed to complement the official COP16 agenda, ensuring they do not overlap with COP, CRIC, CST, or COW plenary. Participants can engage in...

• WOCAT Morning Meetups (08:30-10:00 UTC+3) featuring informal presentations and discussions,
  
• Afternoon Sessions (13:00-15:00 UTC+3) aligned with Thematic Days and partner-led initiatives, and
  
• Evening Sessions (from 18:00 UTC+3) for extended collaboration and in-depth engagement.

Between Pavilion events the WOCAT staff will be at your disposal to:

• Deliver customised presentations on the application of WOCAT tools and methods
• Answer questions about WOCAT’s database, tools, methodologies, and its role in collaboration with the UNCCD.
• Distribute and showcase WOCAT–UNCCD products and joint publications with partners.
• Schedule, organise and hold bilateral meetings.

WOCAT Morning Meetups, from 08:30 to 10:00 (UTC+3)

Informal presentations and discussions

Gather and center in relaxed and engaging atmosphere, accompanied by croissants and coffee.

Every day, we will hold informal presentations and discussions featuring tools, methodologies, and innovations from WOCAT and partners.

Registration is optional but greatly appreciated, as it helps us plan and organize the WOCAT Morning Meetups more effectively.

Programme

• December 4: The WOCAT Global Sustainable Land Management Database
• December 5: ISRIC Maps e.g Soil Grids
• December 6: The Land Matrix Promoting transparency and accountability in land acquisitions
• December 7: Land Degradation Neutrality Decision Support System
• December 9: Gender-responsive Sustainable Land Management Technologies
• December 10: LUP4LDN Land Use Planning for Land Degradation Neutrality
• December 11: WOCAT Mapping
• December 12: Sustainable Land Management Progress Calculator (SLM PC)
• December 13: The WOCAT Global Sustainable Land Management Database

please bring your laptop