Introducing a CSO-led Declaration on Land, Peace, and Security to be launched at the next UNCCD COP
Rationale
The proposed CSO-led Declaration on Land, peace and security seeks to address a critical gap in global policy: the underrepresentation of the land–climate–peace nexus in international negotiations, particularly the UNCCD.
Land degradation, desertification, and climate change are increasingly linked to economic insecurity, displacement, conflict, and fragility, yet policy responses remain fragmented and disconnected from local realities.
With UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar presenting a timely political opportunity—supported by the recent G7 Environment Declaration, Mongolia’s national priorities, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and existing UNCCD initiatives (e.g., Peace Forest Initiative)—the Declaration aims to elevate this nexus as a strategic global priority and bridge the divide between technical knowledge, grassroots experiences, and political decision-making.
Why this work matters
This work is highly relevant as it reframes environmental sustainability as a core peace and security strategy. By linking land restoration with conflict prevention, peacebuilding and resilience, the Declaration responds to urgent global challenges while amplifying voices from vulnerable contexts. It also creates a pathway for more coherent, inclusive, and actionable policy frameworks that align local realities with international ambition.
Dimensions of the Declaration
❋ Land Governance
Effective and inclusive governance of natural resources; spanning land, trees, and grazing systems is positioned as a critical lever for addressing land degradation while reinforcing resilience and social stability. This framing recognizes that environmental stress and conflict are often rooted in how resources are governed and accessed at the community level.
❋ Peace Finance
Adequate, predictable, and accessible financing is framed as a cornerstone for tackling land degradation while reinforcing resilience and peace in vulnerable regions. Within this, there is a clear push to redesign restoration finance so it reaches communities directly, is accountable, and supports local ownership.
❋ Partnership & International Diplomacy
Addressing the interlinked challenges of land degradation, climate vulnerability, and instability requires partnerships that are not only inclusive but sustained and strategically coordinated across sectors and scales. Within this context, international diplomacy emerges as a critical enabler of coherence and long-term impact.
❋ Enabling Systems to Deliver Change
Effective implementation and measurable accountability are essential for turning policy commitments into real progress on land restoration, resilience building, and peace. This requires that the links between land degradation, insecurity, and social vulnerability be embedded in national planning and decision-making frameworks.
Key Processes And How To Be Part Of It
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The Declaration intends to be grounded into realities from FCAS countries. To ensure credibility, broad geographical coverage and legitimacy of the Declaration, a survey was shared to gather inputs. Responses were used to identify priorities to include in the Declaration. It is expected that the Declaration. If you want to make your voice heard, please fill the survey here
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In May, Surge Africa will organize online consultation meeting to unveil the Draft Declaration and solicit feedback. The first meeting is taking place on May 20th at 2PM CET. You can register here
Complementary targeted consultations will also be undertaken.
In June, online meetings will be organised to receive for comments, questions and concerns.
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Building on previous experiences, our target underline the necessity to bridge the gap between CSOs and states. Anyone willing to support advancing the land, peace and security nexus is welcomed to endorse the declaration. You can do so by filling this form.
Endorsement will start from July 2026 onwards.
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Surge Africa and partners will officially launch the Declaration in Mongolia next August during a side event. We invite you to attend our event.
We will also share our animated video presenting how land, peace and security interact in different contexts.
A link will be posted here should you want to watch the launch remotely
Should you want to provide feedbacks and endorse the declaration, partner at the UNCCD COP17, contact us at sccs@surgeafrica.org
