From 1–5 December 2025, Panama City will host the twenty-third session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC23) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). CRIC serves as a key subsidiary body responsible for reviewing progress made in implementing the Convention.
FAO and UNCCD work closely together to raise awareness and support solutions to land degradation, desertification and drought, contributing to the global goal of Zero Hunger. Land degradation places increasing pressure on agrifood systems, especially as global food demand rises. According to the UNCCD Global Land Outlook 2022, over 70% of the Earth’s land has been transformed by human activity, accelerating degradation and contributing to climate change. FAO estimates that over 60% of the 1.66 billion hectares degraded by human activities are cropland and pastureland.
Restoring degraded agricultural land, improving soil health and investing in sustainable water and drought management must be considered global priorities to ensure food and water security. Addressing this challenge requires strong political commitment, financial investment, and coordinated action.
CRIC23 offers a platform to strengthen partnerships, align policies and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 15.3: by 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive for a land degradation-neutral world.
At CRIC23, FAO, in collaboration with Members and Partners, will organize events to share knowledge, data and insights on actions and solutions that support Land Degradation Neutrality and contribute to better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all.
📌 Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
