TANZANIA STAKEHOLDERS RALLY CIVIL SOCIETY AHEAD OF UNCCD17 IN MONGOLIA

Dar es Salaam – Civil society organisations (CSOs), government representatives, development partners and environmental stakeholders have reaffirmed the critical role of non-state actors in combating desertification, land degradation and drought as Tanzania intensifies preparations for the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17).

The global conference will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026, bringing together governments, researchers, civil society and development partners to advance global efforts towards sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration.

The commitment was underscored during a national workshop titled "The Role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in COP17," jointly organised by the Kilimo Endelevu Arusha (KEA) Project, implemented by MVIWAARUSHA in collaboration with CARI, RECODA, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Journalists' Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET).

Much of the workshop's success is attributed to Dr. Ellen Otaro, who acted as the crucial link between the donors and the civil society organizations (CSOs) that organized the workshop, speaking during the workshop, the Chairperson of the Journalists' Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) and UNCCD CSOs Panel Representative for Africa, John Chikomo, highlighted the importance of meaningful civil society participation in the UNCCD process, describing CSOs as indispensable partners in shaping policies, promoting sustainable land management and amplifying community voices in international environmental negotiations.

He noted that the workshop provided an opportunity for Tanzanian stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the UNCCD process while strengthening national coordination ahead of COP17. The discussions also reflected on the key outcomes of Désertif'actions 2026, an international civil society forum that provides recommendations and strategic priorities for consideration during the Conference of the Parties.

Chikomo emphasised that effective participation by Tanzanian civil society would ensure that the country's experiences, innovations and community-led solutions to land degradation are adequately represented on the global stage.

He further encouraged stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the media to raise awareness of the challenges posed by desertification and climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem restoration.

Participants at the workshop expressed optimism that enhanced coordination and knowledge sharing would strengthen Tanzania's contribution to COP17 and support the country's efforts to achieve land degradation neutrality, improve livelihoods and build resilience against climate change.

The workshop forms part of broader national efforts to ensure that Tanzania enters UNCCD COP17 with a unified voice and a strong commitment to advancing sustainable land management through inclusive partnerships involving government, civil society, the private sector and local communities.