Panama, December 3, 2025
The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) organized and led a side event on the conditions required to accelerate the implementation of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Designed as an operational framework serving local territories, LDN goes far beyond an environmental objective: it supports improved livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and water and food security - critical priorities in arid regions facing increasing climate pressures, water scarcity and soil vulnerability.
The side-event adressed the central question “How can we move more rapidly from commitments to large-scale action?” and highlighted the key levers needed to speed up LDN implementation and overcome persistent challenges. Discussions emphasized that strong national ownership is the first condition for success, ensuring coherent intersectoral coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and the production of reliable data essential for monitoring, evaluation and demonstrating progress.
Speakers also underscored the crucial role of partnerships in combining resources, expertise and capacities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of restoration initiatives. By bringing together governments, UN agencies, financial partners, research institutions, civil society and the private sector, these alliances help align priorities and accelerate scaling-up efforts.
Mobilizing finance emerged as another decisive factor, determining the ability to translate national strategies into tangible outcomes. Participants stressed the need to develop well-structured project pipelines, supported by strong partnerships and measurable results, in order to reduce risks and improve access to funding.
A strong consensus emerged around one essential point: integrating water security and drought management into LDN planning is indispensable, particularly in arid regions. This approach strengthens resilience, enhances the long-term viability of restoration efforts and protects investments against climate-related shocks.
This side event was a renewed opportunity for the OSS to reaffirm its commitment to supporting countries and partners in accelerating LDN by promoting coordinated national action, reliable data production and use, strengthened partnerships and the development of project pipelines capable of mobilizing funding and generating lasting impact.