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Assessing the Impact of Science in the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Author

Listed:
  • Mariam Akhtar-Schuster

    (DLR Projektträger, Sachsendamm 61, 10829 Berlin, Germany)

  • Lindsay C. Stringer

    (Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK)

  • Graciela Metternicht

    (Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

  • Nichole N. Barger

    (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA)

  • Jean-Luc Chotte

    (French National Institute Research for Sustainable Development, 34394 Montpellier, France)

  • German Kust

    (Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetny Lane 29, 119017 Moscow, Russia)

Abstract

In 2013, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) established a science–policy interface (SPI) to address Parties’ need for demand-driven, timely, interdisciplinary science and technical knowledge to tackle problems of desertification, land degradation and drought. Since then, a comprehensive assessment of the SPI’s impacts on policy decision-making has been lacking, despite perceptions that the SPI is vital to the Convention’s success. Addressing this gap, this paper evaluates whether the SPI and its processes and outputs have provided the necessary scientific and technological knowledge and advice to Parties to support timely, evidence-informed decision-making. It applies an analytical framework to assess performance metrics, considering associated documents and evidence of societal relevance and social quality. The findings indicate that SPI outputs have improved implementation of the UNCCD since 2015, particularly in the context of Sustainable Development Goal Target 15.3. SPI outputs have supported scientific cooperation between the Convention and its strategic partners while enhancing its science and technology profile in line with Article 16 and Article 17. The findings indicate that further formalization of the SPI’s status within the UNCCD is vital to improve its functions, undertake its work, and enable the UNCCD to maintain its global lead in providing knowledge and advice on combating desertification, land degradation and drought.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariam Akhtar-Schuster & Lindsay C. Stringer & Graciela Metternicht & Nichole N. Barger & Jean-Luc Chotte & German Kust, 2022. "Assessing the Impact of Science in the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-18, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:4:p:568-:d:791997
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lindsay C. Stringer & Richard J. Thomas & Mariam Akhtar-Schuster, 2010. "Expand scientific input to address environmental effects," Nature, Nature, vol. 465(7300), pages 869-869, June.
    2. Nancy Leech & Anthony Onwuegbuzie, 2009. "A typology of mixed methods research designs," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 265-275, March.
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    1. Xuedi Yang & Hailin Hu & Ya Li & Suhan Zhang & Danni Li & Fuwei Qiao & Xingpeng Chen, 2024. "New Perspectives on the Impact of Human Activities on Natural Resources in Oasis Areas: A Case Study of Oasis in Wuwei, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-19, June.
    2. Singh, Kripal & Ansari, Faiz Ahmad & Ingle, Kapilkumar Nivrutti & Gupta, Sanjay Kumar & Ahirwal, Jitendra & Dhyani, Shalini & Singh, Shraddha & Abhilash, P.C. & Rawat, Ismael & Byun, Chaeho & Bux, Fai, 2023. "Microalgae from wastewaters to wastelands: Leveraging microalgal research conducive to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    3. Matthew Abunyewah & Mitchell K. Byrne & Carol A. Keane & Daniel Bressington, 2023. "Developing Psychological Resilience to the Impact of Drought," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.

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