UNCCD names winners of World Restoration Flagship awards as land degradation affects billions

The head of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) highlighted the growing importance of land‑restoration initiatives on Wednesday, noting that 40 percent of the world’s land is currently degraded or experiencing drought. This widespread degradation threatens the livelihoods of more than three billion people, underscoring the urgency of effective restoration strategies.

In a ceremony that drew international attention, the UNCCD announced the recipients of its World Restoration Flagships awards. The awards recognize projects that demonstrate innovative, scalable, and sustainable approaches to restoring degraded ecosystems. While the specific projects were not detailed in the brief announcement, the selection process was described as rigorous, involving peer review and an assessment of each initiative’s impact on biodiversity, climate resilience, and local communities.

The announcement signals a renewed global commitment to combat land degradation and desertification. By spotlighting successful restoration efforts, the UNCCD aims to encourage wider adoption of best practices and secure additional funding for projects that can reverse the trend of environmental decline and safeguard the well‑being of vulnerable populations worldwide.