Participants at a global event to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification (17 June 2014) have heard how simple and affordable techniques, such as agroforestry, can stop land degradation.

Speaking during the event at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, US, Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, outlined how food, water, income and security threats could be eased if common measures of success are established at the global level, sensible investments are made in sustainable land use practices and safety nets are created.

The event focused on how ecosystem-based adaptation could address issues related to desertification, land degradation and drought. Speakers presented research and lessons learned from efforts that aim to foster adaptation and build resilience.

According to Naoko Ishii, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Environment Fund (GEF), most of the techniques already being used are not new but need to be adopted by a large numbers of smallholders to be effective at scale.

Read the full story: World Day to Combat Desertification Event Focuses on Ecosystem-based Adaptation

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