A turning point for drought management: Upscaling the silvopastoral approach in the Near East North Africa Region

Drought is an increasingly relevant topic in the wake of the Glasgow Climate Pact, which reemphasized the urgent need to address global climate challenges. The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) followed soon after, concluding with a united global pledge to boost drought resilience and invest in land restoration for future prosperity today. In this context, it is more important than ever to highlight and upscale integrated land use and management techniques that mitigate and adapt to drought, including agroforestry and silvopastoralism.

This session will explore the question: What needs to be done – and who needs to do it – to implement Integrated Drought management through silvopastoral systems to ensure countries in the Near East North Africa (NENA) region are better prepared for drought? Using examples from the NENA region, speakers and panelists will highlight the benefits of drought management through silvopastoral systems, evidence of how they have been used effectively and discuss how to upscale these practices further.

The session will be available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish.