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UNEP Global Environment Outlook 6 (2019) calls on decision makers to address pressing environmental problems among which land degradation as an increasing threat for human well-being and ecosystems.

Library highlights
12-04-2019

GEO-6 is the world’s most comprehensive environmental report, covering a range of topics, issues and potential solutions. This flagship report shows how governments can put the world on the path to a truly sustainable future. It emphasizes that urgent and inclusive action is needed by decision…

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Volunteer - Ecological Project - Nakupenda, Cambodia

Work & Volunteer
Volunteer positions
Country
Cambodia
Application date
2019-05-06
Start date
End date
Language

English

Organization
AIESEC

AIESEC is offering a volunteer opportunity for an ecological project in Cambodia. This volunteer opportunity is linked to the Sustainable Development Goal 15 'Life on Land'. Indeed, by 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development. Nakupenda project mixes permaculture farming with community living. At…

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Great Internship Opportunity!

Work & Volunteer
Country
Germany
Language

English

German

French

Spanish

Chinese, Simplified

Arabic

Russian

Organization
UNU International Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

The UNU International Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) is looking for a research intern on sustainable management of environmental resources based in Dresden, Germany mainly to assist with the development of the units of Systems and Flux Analysis Considering Global Change Assessment, Capacity Development and Governance, Water Resources Management, Soil and Land-Use Management and Waste…

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Study a Master in Global Change Ecology in Germany

University Programs
Masters
Country
Germany
Application date
2019-07-15
Language

English

Organization
University of Bayreuth

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with about 13,400 students. Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. The Global Change Ecology (MSc) programme, established in 2006 as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria, is devoted to understanding and analysing the most consequential environmental concerns of the 21st century…

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NAP Expo 2019: Achieving co-benefits of climate change adaptation and LDN

UNCCD Content
News

Songdo, Republic of Korea – UNCCD participated in the annual NAP Expo to explore the potential of pursuing climate change adaptation and land degradation by advancing national adaptation plans (NAPs). A panel discussion introducing LDN as well as project-level experiences from Peru, Kenya, Georgia…

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New article: Evaluating the desertification vulnerability of a semiarid landscape under different land uses with the environmental sensitivity index

Library highlights
16-04-2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the desertification vulnerability of an approximately 1,000‐ha area in Anatolia, Turkey, comprising semiarid oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) forests and the adjacent cultivated lands by using the environmental sensitivity index (ESI).

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New Article: Soil organic carbon stock as an indicator for monitoring land and soil degradation in relation to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

Library highlights
16-04-2019

Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015 aim to end hunger and poverty, to protect the Planet, and to ensure peace and prosperity for all. The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock is a major planetary resource supporting many critically important ecosystem services (ESs)…

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New issue of Soil Use and Management journal - OPEN ACCESS

Library highlights
16-04-2019

Soil Use and Management publishes research papers, reviews, short communications and informed comment on the wide range of applications of soil science and provides an international forum for those applying scientific prinicples to understand and solve important soil problems as they affect crop…

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You are invited to the Global Symposium on Soil Erosion

Events
Country
Italy
Start date
End date
Language

English

Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER19), ‘Stop soil erosion, Save our future’ will be held from 15-17 May 2019, at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This science-policy meeting is co-organized by the UN FAO and its Global Soil Partnership (GSP), the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), together with the Science-Policy Interface (SPI) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification…

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Online Course on Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control

Courses
Start date
End date
Organization
Ingeoexpert

The course covers grading and drainage techniques from basics to complex designs for who is in the field of Civil Engineering and/or Land Development. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify and apply grading, drainage, and erosion control techniques and methods on real-life projects. It focuses on developing grading and drainage design skills to complete simple or complex projects starting from existing topography to a finalized…

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Extreme heat is growing threat to harvests

Library highlights
17-04-2019

A warmer world means more chance of extreme heat in more than one continent at the same time, and a rising threat to global food security.

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UNCCD meets with Ambassador of India in Chile to plan advocacy and promotion for COP14

UNCCD Content
News

Santiago, Chile – The UNCCD coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Mr. Jose Miguel Torrico met with India's Ambassador in Chile Ms. Anita Nayar on 16 April to discuss the upcoming UNCCD COP14 that will take place in New Delhi from 2 to 13 September 2019. The meeting focused on the…

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The Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER19)‘Stop soil erosion, Save our future’ will be held  from 15-17 May 2019

Library highlights
17-04-2019

The Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER19), ‘Stop soil erosion, Save our future’ will be held from 15-17 May 2019, at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This science-policy meeting is co-organized by the UN FAO and its Global Soil Partnership (GSP), the…

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The FAO has a job for you!

Professional
Consultant
Country
Italy
Application date
2019-04-18
Language

English

French

Spanish

Arabic

Chinese, Simplified

Russian

Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Land and Water Division (CBL) of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations invites eligible soil specialists based in Rome, Italy to support the development, quality control and effective implementation of FAO’s soil portfolio including the Global Soil Partnership work plan through the provision of expertise in relevant technical areas including project formulation and implementation to support member countries. The purpose of…

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Appels à projets liés à la lutte contre la pollution environnementale

Grants & Funding
Project
Country
France
French Polynesia
Application date
2019-11-18
Language

French

Organization
Fondation Léa Nature- Jardin Bio

La Fondation Lea Nature a pour objectif de favoriser la sauvegarde de la nature et prévenir des impacts de la dégradation de l’environnement sur la santé. Ses actions prioritaires sont: le lien santé/environnement, la souveraineté alimentaire et l’accès aux semences. Les critères d'éligibilité des projets soumis seront: Les projets menant des actions concrètes sur le terrain Les programmes de sensibilisation Les projets de recherche…

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Livestock rotation practices and de-stocking

Livestock rotation approach relies on grazing different types of animals on the same land in a carefully controlled pattern, which ideally will enhance the land they roam. With several different animals, the technique is sometimes called multi-species grazing. Destocking refers to reducing the animal stock during drought.

Advantages / Benefits
Livestock rotation: more efficient use of pastures, better weed control, more parasite control, healthier and more productive soil, as well as more income per acre if you can accommodate more animals
Destocking: A successful drought strategy allows to focus limited resources (forage and stock water) on the breeding stock based on carefully selected traits and performance criteria
Disadvantages
Livestock rotation requires more facilities, labour and management, as well as high initial investment, short-term losses and loans
Who involved
Farmers
Costs
Vary
Information sources
https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/2010/10/18/advantages-of-multispecies-grazing/
https://ucanr.edu/sites/placernevadasmallfarms/files/181318.pdf
Evidence of success
Index-based livestock insurance project in Mongolia (http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2009/09/23/index-based-livestock-insurance-project)
Feasibility
Livestock rotation:for farmers who look for more deversified economic potential, sustainability and ecological health

Shelterbelts

Linear plantings of trees and shrubs in agriculrual systems, espcially intensively cropped land devoid of trees and shrubs

Advantages / Benefits
Protects soil, improves air and water quality, and provides shade and shelter to livestock to reduce heat stress
Disadvantages
Requires portion of farm land to be removed from production
Initial planting may need to be protected from livestock using fences or tree guards
Who involved
Farmers
Costs
Variable depending on design and fencing requirements
Information sources
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/agrofore…
Evidence of success
In Ghana, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has introduced drought-resistant and early maturing maize varieties to farmers in the Dormaa Central Municipality of Brong-Ahafo Region to help minimise the effect of climate change on farming activities in the area (http://citifmonline.com/2017/12/02/mofa-introduces-drought-resistant-early-maturing-crop-varieties)
Feasibility
Feasible where there is land available to set aside for shelterbelt planting

Land restoration

Land restoration or rehabilitation is the process of ecological restoration of a site to a natural landscape and habitat, safe for humans, wildlife, and plant communities

Advantages / Benefits
Maintain biodiversity
Increases soil productivity
Creates jobs
Food supplies are enhanced
Disadvantages
Some ecosystems require long time to restore
Small fraction of land continue to be degraded in restored ecosystems
Hard for the community to commit to land restoration
Information sources
https://goodlifepermaculture.com.au/land-regeneration-in-action/
Evidence of success
Excellent Development and its partner in southeast Kenya, the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF), work closely with community self-help groups over a number of years to build sand dams and other rainwater harvesting systems (https://www.excellentdevelopment.com/news/how-sand-dams-are-changing-the-quality-of-life-in-rural-drylands)
Feasibility
In areas with degraded land

Groundwater management and conservation

Groundwater management means management of groundwater sub-basins to provide for multiple long-term benefits without resulting in or aggravating conditions that cause significant economic, social, or environmental impacts, such as long-term overdraft, land subsidence, or damage to ecosystems

Advantages / Benefits
Ground water generally does not get polluted Since bore well is closed, no risk of getting contaminated
Since it is closed no danger of children or animals falling into it
Temperature of deep water remains stable
It feels cool in summer and warm in winter
Since bore wells are deep, chances of water remaining available in summer are higher
Disadvantages
Managing groundwater requires a lot of effort
Polluted rainwater
Who involved
Local water councils
Farmers
Non-governmental organization (NGOs)s
Farmers
Information sources
http://re.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Indigenous%20water%20conservation…
Evidence of success
The small-scale irrigation project in Colombia financed by the World Bak will provide supplementary irrigation for about 43,000 farmers over a six-year period by establishing about 850 small irrigation schemes (http://projects.worldbank.org/P006860/small-scale-irrigation-project?lang=en)
Feasibility
In all water-stressed semi-arid areas with limited yearly rainfall supply and lack of perennial streams

Assessing drought damage and vulnerability

Consists in assessing the vulnerability of a society to drought which can depend on several factors such as population, technology, policy, social behavior, land use patterns, water use, economic development and diversity of economic base and cultural composition.The Disaster Risk Profiles are representations of information regarding a population, place or system’s exposure, sensitivity and resilience to given hazards that can be applied to DRM strategies in a district

Advantages / Benefits
Precise data on people who are vulnerable to drought
Support decision making
Disadvantages
Costly
Contacting local populations is not always easy
Who involved
NGOs
International Organizations
Governments
Information sources
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/cs-risk-reduction-pla…
Evidence of success
Wereda Disaster Risk Profiling Programme (WDRP), Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management commission.
300 Weredas (administrative divisions) out of 670 have completed vulnerability profiles. These profiles rely on data sets which include: meteorological information, demographic information, access to health facilities, and frequency of disaster occurrence. Each Wereda profile is presented in a short summarized report accessible to stakeholders through a digital library (https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/cs-risk-reduction-planning-ethiopia-150714-en.pdf)
Feasibility
Systems are established in areas with no vulnerability profiles

Drought proof drought prone villages (India)

Rain water use and storage. Eco friendly sustainable agriculture. Develop waste land, sloppy land and forest land (control of erosion loss Kitchen gardens for nutritional security testing of SRI and mixed cropping). Soil conservation, land shaping, pasture development, vegetative bunding

Advantages / Benefits
Any region with such traditional knowledge and techniques can replicate this approach with small local technological and social additions/adaptability approaches
These villages have been champions of forest protection traditionally, therefore, when the project talked about forest protection and management as one of the important components to arrest desertification, the people easily agreed to it and got organized
Who involved
Local water councils
Farmers
Non-governmental organization (NGOs)s
Farmers
Information sources
https://qcat.wocat.net/en/unccd/view/unccd_236/
Feasibility
The continuous drought condition in an area where drought was not seen before had already made people so much vulnerable that they were looking for some direction to fight this situation.  This became the first condition for achieving success in this model. 

SLM examples from [term:name]

Sustainable land management (SLM) refers to practices and technologies that aim to integrate the management of land, water, biodiversity, and other environmental resources to meet human needs while ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services and livelihoods. Implementing Sustainable Land Management options can contribute to reducing drought risk.

You can find examples from [term:name] in the WOCAT database.

Advantages / Benefits
Food security
Maintenance of dams and irrigation structures
Soil carbon sequestration
Climate change mitigation
Information sources
Concrete examples in the WOCAT database

When the skies ran dry

Bonn, Germany – Over the past hundred years, the increase in human populations has been three times greater than during the entire previous history of mankind. More natural resources have been extracted from the earth and more land converted for cities, agriculture, and industry than ever before. On this warming planet, droughts seem to have changed their nature as well, increasing in spatial extent, duration, frequency, and severity.

The new film "When skies ran dry," produced by Dr. Patrick Augenstein, attempts to answer the following questions: How can we more actively prepare for drought on a planet more radically altered by humans than ever before? What’s causing drought in the anthropocene and how we can confront the risks and challenges it brings? The filmmakers visit some of the world’s regions affected and altered by drought, speaking to farmers, water managers, scientists and policy makers.