The Science-Policy Interface

The UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI) promotes dialogue between scientists and policy makers on desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). The mandate of the SPI is to provide the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) thematic guidance on knowledge requirements for implementing the UNCCD.
The composition of the SPI is designed to provide independent scientific perspective from the full range of relevant disciplines to the UNCCD, taking into account regional and global issues and policy considerations. The SPI therefore includes
- 10 globally selected independent scientists
- 5 regionally nominated independent scientists
- 5 elected CST Bureau members (science-focused policy makers)
- 5 observer organization representatives
SPI members and observers 2020-2021
SPI publications
SPI Science Day at COP 14
Collaboration with other panels and institutions
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Intergovernmental Science- Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) | Land degradation and restoration assessment (LDRA) | |
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) | Special report on climate change and land (SRCCL) and Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) | |
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Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) | Cooperation on jointly agreed topics and collaboration on the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon | |
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International Resources Panel of the United Nations Environment Programme | Report on land restoration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | |
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Global Land Indicators Initiative (GLII) of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme | Harmonization of land indicators developed by the GLII with land indicators used by the UNCCD |