New EU initiatives to tackle desertification and drought

The Commission remains committed to addressing the critical issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought, recognizing the pivotal role of nature-based solutions in doing so.

Today, on Desertification and Drought Day, the Commission has announced two new initiatives to strengthen global resilience against drought and enhance gender equality in land restoration efforts. 

Boosting global drought resilience

In partnership with the UNEP, the Commission is developing a Water Resilience Indicators Report, which will offer data-driven insights to strengthen drought preparedness worldwide.

The report will support policy and decision-makers in designing more effective drought response strategies. Additionally, the Commission is contributing scientific input to the International Drought Resilience Observatory, as proposed by UNCCD in the context of the International Drought Resilience Alliance.

Empowering women in environmental negotiations

The EU is launching a Training Programme for Women Negotiators to strengthen women’s leadership in environmental diplomacy.

The goal is to promote inclusive and gender-responsive solutions to land degradation, ensuring a diverse and inclusive team of negotiators at UNCCD COP17, which takes place in August 2026 in Mongolia - a key partner and committed supporter of multilateralism. 

Speaking on the issue, the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said:

"Desertification and drought demand urgent global action. By investing in resilience tools and empowering women, the EU is driving forward inclusive and innovative solutions for sustainable land and water management.” 

Broader commitment to water and land resilience

These initiatives align with the EU’s recently launched Water Resilience Strategy, which aims to enhance EU-wide water management for improved water security and disaster preparedness.

It proposes measures to restore and protect the water cycle, secure clean and affordable water for all and create a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy.

The Strategy recognises the links between sustainable and resilient water and land management, by stepping up efforts to improve water retention on land. At the same time, the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation aims to revive critical ecosystems and enhance Europe's resilience against natural disasters and droughts.   

The EU is also working beyond its borders to combat desertification, land degradation and drought. In the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, for example, several EU-funded projects and programmes are actively supporting the ‘Great Green Wall Initiative’.

These range from land restoration, sustainable agriculture, soil and water management and conservation to rural renewable energy solutions and climate-smart infrastructures. Overarching support is provided through the ‘Knowledge for Great Green Wall Action – K4GGWA’ programme, which is organizing a dedicated information event for Desertification and Drought Day.  

Meanwhile, the Global Drought Observatory — part of Copernicus Emergency Management Service — provides real-time drought monitoring and forecasts worldwide. Its tools are already helping to shape early warning systems, such as the East Africa Drought Watch. 

Background

The theme of this year’s Desertification and Drought Day is "Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities." It underscores the urgent need to invest in nature-based solutions that protect our environment and unlock sustainable economic and social opportunities.  

The EU remains committed to addressing the critical issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought. It recognises the pivotal role of nature-based solutions in reversing land degradation and securing the future of our economies, communities, and ecosystems. 

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