Partnership needed to reduce drought and desertification risk

The Chair’s summary of the 16th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (5-16 May) noted that drought management, resilience building, early warning systems, and adaptation measures were even more urgently required, given current climate change projections. A side event was held on ‘Building partnerships to reduce risk of drought and desertification’ on 8 May, where, against the backdrop of the international crisis over food security, participants drew attention to the need to build effective partnerships at all levels to reduce drought risk. WFP and FAO presenters made the link between drought and food security, while the UN/ISDR secretariat Director Salvano Briceno emphasised the need “not to wait until a drought becomes a famine.” High level speakers included USG Cheick Sidi Diarra, Special Adviser for Africa and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, and Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD. The event built on preparations for a Global Drought Risk Reduction and Preparedness Network, which is expected to assist in identifying drought risk reduction priorities, coordinating global support initiatives, developing guidance, and supporting regional drought risk reduction networks.