WWF: Building on UNCCD COP17 Momentum for Rangelands and Drought Resilience

• Parties at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia prioritized rangelands, grasslands, and food systems, moving them from the periphery to the center of global action.
• A flagship Rangelands Initiative was launched with $1.2 billion in funding to support pastoralists, sustainable management, and nature-positive agriculture.
• Formal negotiations failed to reach a consensus on a binding protocol for drought preparedness and resilience, deferring the decision to COP18 in 2028.

Key Outcomes and Challenges

• Rangelands and Grasslands: Recognized as critical ecosystems covering over half of the world's land and providing most global food sources; they are now a central focus for governance and finance.
• Drought Preparedness: Despite severe global drought impacts, no framework was established, marking a second consecutive deferral after COP16.
• Policy Integration: Efforts to coordinate between the three Rio Conventions faced obstacles, though food and agriculture are emerging as central themes for bridging these gaps.

Implementation and Future Outlook

• WWF emphasizes that while momentum is positive, the focus must shift from political negotiations to ground-level implementation and community support.
• Stakeholders are encouraged to build on the progress made in Mongolia during the upcoming CBD and UNFCCC COPs in Armenia and Türkiye.