UNCCD COP17 video series featuring Maher Salman, FAO Senior Land & Water Officer

Drought is an unavoidable natural phenomenon that has occurred throughout history and will continue to happen in the future, yet its intensity, severity, and frequency are currently increasing. Consequently, the primary focus must shift from merely acknowledging droughts to effectively managing their associated risks. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the UNCCD and partners like Jeff, is working to unite countries through a unique pathway that guides them from national drought planning toward actionable orientation and prioritization. This approach culminates in the development of investment portfolios that are prepared for financing, creating a scalable model that is both country-owned and replicable across different regions. Beyond facilitating practical action, FAO emphasizes the critical importance of developing knowledge as the foundation for any effective practice. To support this, the organization has established a drought portal under which several specialized tools have been developed to enhance global capacity. One such tool is the drought finance tracker, which assists countries in understanding the current level of investment dedicated to drought management and identifying the remaining funding gaps, thereby enabling them to plan for future financial needs more effectively. In addition to financial tracking, FAO has introduced the drought action tracker to help nations monitor what actions are currently being implemented on the ground and identify further steps required to address ongoing challenges. Furthermore, the drought plan monitor tool is designed to assist countries in tracking their existing plans and evaluating the achievements made through them. By providing these essential resources, FAO ensures that countries have the necessary data and frameworks to navigate the growing threat of drought with greater resilience and strategic foresight.