UNCCD COP17 video series featuring Soalandy Rakotondramanga, Land & Water Officer

Agricultural lands are the foundation of global food security, yet they face a persistent threat from ongoing degradation that endangers food systems, livelihoods, and future stability. At COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, parties to the UNCCD mandated the FAO and the convention secretariat to create specific guidance aimed at avoiding, reducing, and reversing this land and soil degradation. Building on that mandate, the current gathering at COP in Ulaanbaatar marks a significant milestone with the launch of the "Living Soils, Productive Lands, Resilient Landscapes" initiative, which serves as a practical tool for countries to implement these critical environmental goals. This new guidance empowers nations to take concrete action through integrated land use planning, the development of resilient and diversified production systems, and the establishment of an enabling policy environment. The framework is firmly grounded in five key principles that ensure a holistic approach: upholding the right to food, ensuring equitable land tenure, promoting inclusive governance, respecting the cultural value of land, and prioritizing evidence-based decision-making. By adhering to these foundational values, the initiative seeks to transform global commitments into tangible on-the-ground results that protect both people and the planet. In addition to its strategic principles, the guidance is supported by a digital companion hosted in the FAO knowledge base, which provides accessible resources to help countries navigate complex challenges. This technological support ensures that the transition from high-level agreements to practical implementation is smooth and effective for all stakeholders involved. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive approach is to restore agricultural lands, thereby securing food resilience and sustainable livelihoods not just for the present generation but for those who will follow in the future.