Leading international organizations and GEO partners have expressed their support for GEO-LDN and its mission to strengthen the use of Earth observation for monitoring land degradation, informing sustainable land management, and advancing global Land Degradation Neutrality goals.
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)
Statement of Support for GEO-LDN
In its statement to the GEO-21 Plenary (May 2026), the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) reaffirmed its strong commitment to the GEO Work Programme and identified GEO-LDN as one of the key initiatives supported by its member agencies.
CEOS highlighted that its agencies contribute to GEO-LDN as data providers, scientific partners, and technology enablers, leveraging coordinated satellite Earth observation to support land degradation monitoring and sustainable land management.
The statement also emphasized CEOS’ broader commitment to delivering high-quality, interoperable, and analysis-ready Earth observation data, advancing data standards and interoperability, and improving access to trusted satellite information. These efforts strengthen GEO-LDN by enabling more effective monitoring, evidence-based decision-making, and implementation of land restoration activities in support of global Land Degradation Neutrality goals.
Source: Committee on Earth Observation Satellites – GEO
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Statement of Support for GEO-LDN
In a video statement delivered during the GEO Symposium 2026, UNCCD Chief Scientist Barron Joseph Orr emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination across GEO initiatives, including GEO-LDN, to better support countries in applying Earth observation for sustainable land management.
Recorded Video Message from UNCCD Chief Scientist Barron J. Orr.
He highlighted GEO-LDN as part of a collaborative network alongside GEOGLAM, GEO BON, and GFOI that is helping more than 120 countries access Earth observation data, analytical tools, and technical support.
The statement also underscored the need for sustained technical capacity, greater harmonization of data and methodologies, and stronger coordination across initiatives. UNCCD called for deeper operational integration through interoperable tools, shared workflows, aligned indicators, and coordinated regional support mechanisms, reaffirming its commitment to continued collaboration with GEO-LDN and the wider GEO community.
National GEO Initiatives
National GEO initiatives are also contributing to the GEO-LDN community through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and implementation support.
GEO Germany
Germany reaffirmed its commitment to GEO-LDN through a statement by Dr. Dirk Engelbart, GEO Principal for Germany, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and Earth observation to support land degradation neutrality and sustainable land management.
GEO Senegal
Senegal expressed its support for GEO-LDN through a statement by Dr. Amadou Sall, GEO Principal for Senegal, emphasizing the value of Earth observation for sustainable land management, capacity development, and regional collaboration across Africa.
A full account of all GEO-LDN activities at the 2026 GEO Symposium and GEO-21 Plenary can be found here.
Author: Alicia Hupperich (GEO-LDN Secretariat)
Photo Credit: GEO Secretariat
