The GEO-LDN Flagship will convene the Dialogue Forum for Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in the week of 21–25 July 2025. The exact date, time, and venue will be announced in due course.
The Forum will provide a platform for peer-to-peer exchange and in-person support to address national challenges in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and other land-related targets linked to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. It also serves as an entry point into GEO-LDN’s long-term peer-to-peer exchange programme, where Partner Countries and Intersectoral Teams receive continuous support and expertise.
OBJECTIVES
The Dialogue Forum aims to:
- Facilitate science-policy dialogue, with the academic support of UNU-EHS, to enhance policy coherence and implementation.
- Support countries with LDN target-setting and implementation through the use of earth observations and geospatial data.
- Strengthen Integrated Land Use Planning (ILUP) as a tool for reaching LDN and related climate and biodiversity goals.
- Promote synergies across the three Rio Conventions: UNCCD, UNFCCC, and CBD.
Why Apply?
Participation in the Forum provides access to:
- GEO-LDN working groups that advance human capacity, data standards, and analytics for LDN.
- Support from the GEO-LDN Secretariat, currently hosted by GIZ.
- Technical backstopping from the GEO-LDN Leads Group, which includes experts from UNCCD, Conservation International, UENR, CSIRO, RCMRD, OGC, WOCAT and others.
- A continuous knowledge exchange platform until 2026 through annual Dialogue Forums and monthly online seminars.
Application Process
Through this open call, Intersectoral Teams are invited to submit applications that demonstrate:
- Strong interest in applying geospatial data to achieve LDN and land-related climate and biodiversity goals.
- Commitment to implementing integrated land use planning.
Selected teams will gain access to GEO-LDN’s network of experts, technical resources, and capacity development programmes to support innovative solutions.
How to Apply
Applicants are requested to review and submit the following documents:
Frequently Asked Questions
Deadline: 28 February 2025 (11:59 CEST)
Disclaimer: All official information is contained in the Open Call Document. These FAQs are for guidance only and may be updated. Please check this page regularly and maintain communication with the GEO-LDN team.
Assessment Grid
| Criteria | Rating | Max. Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Agency reporting on land-based indicators to UNCCD, UNFCCC and CBD | National Focal Point(s) included – 10 points Representative included – 8 points Focal point or representative not included – 0 points | 10 |
| 2. GIS or Remote Sensing Specialist included | Specialist directly involved in reporting – 10 points Specialist not directly involved – 5 points No specialist included – 0 points | 10 |
| 3. Use case assessment | Clarity of description of challenge/use case (12/6/0) Clarity of GEO-LDN role (12/6/0) Clarity of single guiding question (6/0) Proof of enabling framework conditions (10/0) | 40 |
| 4. Target Setting Process | Target setting process completed and publicly available – 5 points Not completed – 0 points | 5 |
Note: Applications are encouraged even if not all criteria are met. All applications will be assessed by the GEO-LDN committee using the ranking system.
Key Questions
When should I send the application?
We encourage early submission of the Expression of Interest, CVs of each team member, and signed Data Consent Forms. This allows time to identify missing documents. Final deadline: 28 February 2025 (11:59 pm CEST). Questions can be directed to PSIDS-dialogue@ehs.unu.edu.
Why was the call re-opened?
UNU-EHS joined as a new implementing partner, adding a science-policy perspective and extending the Dialogue Forum’s scope to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and in-person support on national LDN, climate, and biodiversity challenges.
What is a 3-member intersectoral team?
- Ideally 3 members with diverse expertise.
- At least 2 members from government institutions, one of which oversees spatial planning.
- At least 1 female member.
- Advantageous to include focal points reporting to UNCCD/UNFCCC/CBD and a GIS/remote sensing specialist.
Can teams with less than 3 members apply?
No, each team must have at least 3 members.
Can teams with more than 3 members apply?
Yes, but sponsorship is limited to 3 members. Additional members may attend at the team’s own cost.
Can additional stakeholders join the Forum?
Yes, but only 3 members will be sponsored. Extra participants must be self-funded and declared in the application.
Do participants need English language skills?
Yes. The Forum will be held in English. Interpretation services will not be provided. Participants should have sufficient English proficiency to engage.
Can a country without a national spatial planning department apply?
Yes. Applications will still be considered, though fulfilling more criteria strengthens eligibility.
Will all selected teams be guaranteed sponsorship?
Yes. Selected teams will be fully sponsored. Unselected teams may attend but must secure their own funding.
Can more than one team per country be selected?
No. If multiple applications are received from one country, the highest-ranked team will be sponsored. Applicants may be encouraged to merge efforts.
Can two countries submit a joint use case?
Generally, use cases should be country specific. However, transboundary use cases may be accepted with proper justification.
Can individuals apply?
No. Applications must come from intersectoral teams of 3 members. Individuals may be connected with others from their country by the GEO-LDN team.
Will there be pre-event workshops?
Yes. Details will be shared with selected teams based on their use cases.
Are there requirements for geospatial data use?
Yes. Teams must demonstrate openness to using earth observations and geospatial tools. Ideally, team members are already engaged in this work.
Are there gender requirements?
Yes. Each team must include at least 1 female member.
Where can I access the necessary documents?
Click on the Event Information tab and scroll to the bottom of the page to download:
- Data Consent Form
- Open Call Document
- Application Guidelines
