The NewLife4Drylands Final Conference took place on 14–16 May. The three-day programme introduced the NewLife4Drylands approach and challenges, and covered land degradation, desertification, soil monitoring, resilience, and European research perspectives. Partners presented relevant experiences, new initiatives, and key results. The conference concluded with a field visit to Palo Laziale.
GEO-LDN’s Contribution
GEO-LDN was invited to provide a virtual input in the session “Land Degradation and Desertification: the International Framework.” Antje Hecheltjen, Co-Chair of the GEO-LDN Flagship, introduced the Flagship and outlined opportunities for cross-network collaboration. NewLife4Drylands and GEO-LDN are closely aligned in mission and indicators, particularly around LDN planning and land restoration.
Knowledge Exchange and Next steps
GEO-LDN sees strong potential to engage NewLife4Drylands experts as contributors to the LDN Regional Helpdesk, guest lecturers in the international postgraduate programme on LDN, and speakers in the GEO-LDN Online Seminar Series.
In turn, GEO-LDN can share experience in building intersectoral country teams for LDN reporting and using Earth observation for integrated land-use planning and future adaptation, including in European contexts.
In closing, Antje highlighted GEO-LDN’s strong presence at the upcoming UNCCD COP, together with the GEO Secretariat, and welcomed continued exchange with experts, professionals, and practitioners in LDN and soil restoration.
Learn more: View the complete programme to find out more about the conference.
For information on how GEO-LDN supports countries on their path to Land Degradation Neutrality, contact info@geo-ldn.org.
