PROGRAM SUMMARY

The objective of this activity is to improve the knowledge of the Chinese government on sustainable forest management so that China’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) can be achieved.

CHALLENGE

Forests rose to prominence in the 2015 Paris Agreement and in many countries’ policies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), including China’s. Since 2015, the Chinese Government has included in its NDC a commitment to increase its forest stock volume by an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters by 2030, compared to the 2005 level, and to enhance mechanisms and capacities to reduce climate change risks in forest management. However, China’s efforts are hampered by a number of challenges, including poor forest quality, low-production plantations with fragile forest ecosystems, unsustainable financing, and weak coordination between sectors. China’s NDC, therefore, presents an opportunity for the Chinese Government to shift focus from measures that promote bigger acreage to, instead, improve forest quality and enhance the benefits and poverty-reduction that forests bring to forest-dependent populations. However, in order to achieve the goals of China’s NDC, the Chinese Government must use a different approach in planning and implementation than what was done before.

APPROACH

This activity will review, assess and disseminate best practices from other forestry projects in order to extract replicable forest management models and financing mechanisms to inform China’s efforts. Recommendations will be made to the Chinese government regarding technical models, long-term financing mechanisms, multi-sector coordination for landscape management, and public and private partnerships for forest management. This effort aims to enhance the benefits of forests, including carbon sequestration capacity and tolerance to natural disasters, such as extreme climate, fire, and pest attacks. Specifically, this activity will provide analysis to the following:

• Close-to-nature forestry management
• Forest carbon financing
• Key government ecological afforestation and production operations
• Technical improvement and investment effectiveness of government programs
• Financing regimes

RESULTS

This activity is complete. The outcomes of this activity have been achieved.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The objective of this activity is to improve the knowledge of the Chinese government on sustainable forest management so that China’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) can be achieved.

CHALLENGE

Forests rose to prominence in the 2015 Paris Agreement and in many countries’ policies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), including China’s. Since 2015, the Chinese Government has included in its NDC a commitment to increase its forest stock volume by an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters by 2030, compared to the 2005 level, and to enhance mechanisms and capacities to reduce climate change risks in forest management. However, China’s efforts are hampered by a number of challenges, including poor forest quality, low-production plantations with fragile forest ecosystems, unsustainable financing, and weak coordination between sectors. China’s NDC, therefore, presents an opportunity for the Chinese Government to shift focus from measures that promote bigger acreage to, instead, improve forest quality and enhance the benefits and poverty-reduction that forests bring to forest-dependent populations. However, in order to achieve the goals of China’s NDC, the Chinese Government must use a different approach in planning and implementation than what was done before.

APPROACH

This activity will review, assess and disseminate best practices from other forestry projects in order to extract replicable forest management models and financing mechanisms to inform China’s efforts. Recommendations will be made to the Chinese government regarding technical models, long-term financing mechanisms, multi-sector coordination for landscape management, and public and private partnerships for forest management. This effort aims to enhance the benefits of forests, including carbon sequestration capacity and tolerance to natural disasters, such as extreme climate, fire, and pest attacks. Specifically, this activity will provide analysis to the following:

• Close-to-nature forestry management
• Forest carbon financing
• Key government ecological afforestation and production operations
• Technical improvement and investment effectiveness of government programs
• Financing regimes

RESULTS

This activity is complete. The outcomes of this activity have been achieved.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The objective of this activity is to improve the knowledge of the Chinese government on sustainable forest management so that China’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) can be achieved.

CHALLENGE

Forests rose to prominence in the 2015 Paris Agreement and in many countries’ policies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), including China’s. Since 2015, the Chinese Government has included in its NDC a commitment to increase its forest stock volume by an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters by 2030, compared to the 2005 level, and to enhance mechanisms and capacities to reduce climate change risks in forest management. However, China’s efforts are hampered by a number of challenges, including poor forest quality, low-production plantations with fragile forest ecosystems, unsustainable financing, and weak coordination between sectors. China’s NDC, therefore, presents an opportunity for the Chinese Government to shift focus from measures that promote bigger acreage to, instead, improve forest quality and enhance the benefits and poverty-reduction that forests bring to forest-dependent populations. However, in order to achieve the goals of China’s NDC, the Chinese Government must use a different approach in planning and implementation than what was done before.

APPROACH

This activity will review, assess and disseminate best practices from other forestry projects in order to extract replicable forest management models and financing mechanisms to inform China’s efforts. Recommendations will be made to the Chinese government regarding technical models, long-term financing mechanisms, multi-sector coordination for landscape management, and public and private partnerships for forest management. This effort aims to enhance the benefits of forests, including carbon sequestration capacity and tolerance to natural disasters, such as extreme climate, fire, and pest attacks. Specifically, this activity will provide analysis to the following:

• Close-to-nature forestry management
• Forest carbon financing
• Key government ecological afforestation and production operations
• Technical improvement and investment effectiveness of government programs
• Financing regimes

RESULTS

This activity is complete. The outcomes of this activity have been achieved.

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of MENA are covered with drylands – such a harsh environment limits water resources to support its fragile ecosystems. In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat identified the far reaching impacts and downward spiral of desertification, deforestation and their impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. Turn Down the Heat III described the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification; whereby increased temperature and evapotranspiration and reduced precipitation can affect desertification and desertification process can in turn affect the climate. Turn Down the Heat notes, however, that there is a need for a MENA regional study that looks into the dynamics of climate change, social influences and desertification. The proposed activity will address this need.

APPROACH

This activity will involve developing policy notes that will (i) inform senior decision-makers of MENA countries, project coordinators, and the media about the interlinkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of climate change impact on dry eco-systems, and (ii) provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment in the MENA region. This information will be shared at a regional conference and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016 (COP-22).

The main tasks of this activity are:

(1) Comprehensive desk review and identification of potential knowledge gaps: (a) Review existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems in MENA region; (b) Assessment of the vulnerably and resilience of forest and rangeland users’ livelihoods to climate change; and (c) Identification of potential knowledge gaps.

(2) Development of country and/or regional policy notes and briefs on the existing knowledge findings.

(3) Organization of two dissemination events: (i) a regional conference by June 2016; and (ii) a side event during the COP22 (which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7-18 November 2016). National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups will be invited to the two events.

RESULTS

Comprehensive desk reviews assessed existing knowledge on impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of natural resource users to climate change, and identification of potential knowledge gaps. Policy notes and briefs based on these reviews informed senior decision-makers about the inter linkages between climate change and deforestation, the expected magnitude of the climate change impact on dryland ecosystems, and how to best manage forest cover in an arid environment. Notably, two dissemination events took place:

 (i) A regional conference was held at the end of June 2016 in Marrakesh: National and international policy-makers, government bodies, research institutions, development practitioners, and representatives of community groups attended this event, which was accredited as a preparatory conference for the COP22.

(ii) A side event was organized during the COP22 conference (November 2016): The policy notes and the main finding of the analytical work were presented and discussed with representatives from several countries and institutions. The disseminated Policy notes not only served to improve the awareness of policy-makers about the impact of climate change, but also helped involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates.

These activities have improved the knowledge of the linkages existing between ecosystems and livelihoods in desert areas and the systems of knowledge sharing on issues related to desert ecosystem and livelihoods. This work is informing the World Bank Tunisia Oases Ecosystems and Livelihoods project as well as the Tunisia Ecotourism and Conservation of Desert Biodiversity project. This activity contributed to the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in desertification, biodiversity, and climate change issues. In October 2017, OSS became accredited as a regional implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will enable OSS to mobilize financing from climate funds. The activity informed the MENA-Desert Ecosystems and Livelihoods Program (MENA-DELP) regional project, which aims to strengthen cooperation among selected national organizations in areas of sustainable management of desert ecosystems.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates

CHALLENGE

Large parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are covered with drylands. This harsh environment may have limited water resources, but it still supports fragile ecosystems, which are vulnerable to the far reaching impacts climate change, including desertification and deforestation, and their associated impacts on food, security and extreme poverty. The 2014 Turn Down the Heat report describes the multifaceted role of climate change on desertification, but also notes the lack of regional studies on the dynamics of climate change, social influences, and desertification. This activity will help to fill this knowledge gap.

APPROACH

This activity aims to raise awareness among policy-makers about the impact of climate change on forest and rangeland ecosystems and users in the MENA Region. This objective will be achieved by developing policy notes to inform senior decision-makers, project coordinators, and media about the inter-linkages between climate change and deforestation, and the expected magnitude of the climate change impacts on these dry ecosystems. The notes will also provide policy advice on how to best manage forest cover in MENA’s arid environments.

RESULTS

A knowledge review assessed current understanding of the impacts of climate change on desert ecosystems, the vulnerability and resilience of resource users to climate change, and potential knowledge gaps. These findings were shared at through meetings and conferences with 400 representatives of participating countries in the lead up to UNFCCC COP-22 in Marrakech in 2016, and country and regional policy notes and briefs. The disseminated policy notes were intended not only to improve the awareness of policy makers about the impact of climate change (which is the main objective of the project), but also to better involve and sensitize different national stakeholders in the debates. 

A key findings from this work is that policy makers tend to favor investment in more developed regions because they are not adequately informed about the strengths and potentials of arid and semiarid ecosystems, thus perpetuating regional disparities. Awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives should consistently target key policy and decision makers and provide them with concise and comprehensive analyses. In addition, innovative forms of partnership, networking, and cooperation should be supported between development practitioners and policy makers, both at national and subregional levels. For example, representatives of nongovernmental organizations and users/producers associations should systematically be invited to participate in consultations between ministerial departments and financial/technical partners.