Land users are more likely to make investments when they have realistic expectations that they will benefit from the returns. Integrating land tenure considerations into land degradation neutrality (LDN) and land restoration policies, projects, and programmes can contribute to better land and water management and other regenerative practices that boost food and water security, rural livelihoods, climate change mitigation, and the resilience of people and ecosystems. Inclusive governance, tenure security, and participatory land use planning are often important enablers for implementing integrated landscape management activities which can have a transformative impact on the environment, economy, and people while helping to resolve ongoing or potential conflicts among communities.

The UNCCD-FAO joint initiative builds on wealth of tools/approaches/methodologies/capacities developed by many partners at all scales (local to global) during the 10 years of VGGT implementation. This global initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among partners, countries, and donors to ensure that land tenure/gender considerations and sustainable land management are seen as actionable priorities to achieve equitable development outcomes and contribute to the global land agenda. More info here.

Introduction and Welcome Remarks: Sasha Alexander (Policy Officer, UNCCD)

Setting the Scene: Andrea Mesa (Deputy Executive Secretary, UNCCD), Aurelie Bres (Land & Water Officer, FAO)

Panel 1: Country and Civil Society Reflections

• Julian Noel, Forester and National Focal Point for AFR100 in Madagascar

• Orlando Rayo, Senior Advisor, National Indigenous Organization of Colombia

• George Tarus, Head of the Forest Conservation Directorate in Kenya

• Eva Maria Okoth, Senior Programme Officer for ILC-Africa

• Beth Roberts, Director, Center for Women's Land Rights at Landesa

Panel 2: Global and Donor Perspectives

• Ulrich Apel, Senior Environmental Specialist at the GEF

• Alexander Müller, Founder and Managing Director of TMG Research

• Gemma Betsema, Senior Programme Advisor for the Netherlands LAND-at-scale

• Romy Sato, Knowledge Management Officer at Landportal

• Dominik Wellmann, Land Governance Advisor at GIZ

There will be an option for virtual participation for the first time this year, and requests for virtual General Registration are now open. Virtual registration is free of charge. More information here.