Regional Inception Workshop NATIONAL TARGET SETTING TO ACHIEVE LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY in Latin America and The Caribbean

Regional Inception Workshop NATIONAL TARGET SETTING TO ACHIEVE LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY in Latin America and The Caribbean Buenos Aires, Argentina, 20-21 July 2016 Workshop Report

Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Workshop Objectives... 3 3. Summary of main workshop results... 4 Annex 1. LDN TSP Outcomes and Outputs and Timeline... 6 Annex 2. Summary of Working Groups Discussions... 7 Annex 3. List of countries and agencies represented... 9 Annex 4. Workshop Terms of Reference and Agenda... 10 Annex 5. Guidance Note for Creating the National LDN target setting Leverage Plan... 16 2

1. Introduction The Inception workshop for the countries of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) marked the launching at regional level of the Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme (LDN- TSP) of the UNCCD Secretariat and Global Mechanism. The LDN-TSP aims at supporting countries in establishing national voluntary targets for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and identifying transformative projects to achieve these targets. The workshop was co-hosted by the Government of Argentina and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and was held on July 20-21, 2016 in Buenos Aires (Argentina). The workshop was attended by fifteen countries and five international partner agencies, as well as representatives of the Global Mechanism and the Secretariat of the UNCCD, including the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism. During the two day workshop, UNCCD national focal points (NFPs), LDN TSP country consultants as well as representatives of GEF Gran Chaco Project, GEF Secretariat, World Resources Institute, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Bank and the LDN-TSP project team (see the list of countries and agencies represented, Annex 3) discussed the roadmap for the implementation of the Programme in this region. This report summarizes the key issues discussed during the workshop as well as its main results and conclusions. 2. Workshop Objectives The main objectives of the workshop were to: 1. Familiarize workshop participants with the approach to LDN target setting; 2. Identify opportunities for leverage through the LDN target setting process; and 3. Create a mutual understanding about the LDN target setting roadmap and mutual accountabilities. During the two day workshop, country representatives had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the methodological and operational approaches related to the LDN target setting process and exchange their views and proposals for the implementation of this process in their countries. The content of the workshop focused mainly on the presentation of the LDN target setting process along with a practical methodological approach involving 10 steps (see below), and how to use this initiative as a vehicle to achieve SDG target 15.3. STEP 1. Government leadership and stakeholder engagement STEP 2. Setting LDN baseline STEP 3. Identifying LDN trends STEP 4. Identifying drivers of LDN STEP 5. Defining national voluntary LDN targets STEP 6. Mainstreaming LDN in land use planning STEP 7. Identifying measures to achieve LDN targets STEP 8. Facilitating actions towards LDN 3

STEP 9. Monitoring progress towards LDN STEP 10. Reporting on LDN 3. Summary of main workshop results The workshop enabled participants to familiarize themselves with the LDN concept and the LDN target setting process, and to better understand the linkages between UNCCD implementation, the SDG process and the implementation of other global or regional initiatives relevant to LDN. Discussions also facilitated the identification of opportunities for leverage through the LDN target setting process, including mainstreaming of LDN in the national development agenda, the mobilization of resources (e.g. Green Climate Fund) and the engagement of decision makers and key stakeholders such as the private sector. The presentation of the expected LDN TSP outputs, outcomes and timeline helped participants to build up a common understanding about the LDN target setting process and the mutual accountabilities related to the operational arrangements of the LDN TSP. In addition, the following key points were raised during the discussions: a) LDN Target Setting Process methodological approach. There was a consensus among participants that the workshop provided the means to better understand the concept and methodology associated with LDN and the establishment of voluntary targets. The workshop also clarified the linkages between LDN and the Sustainable Development Goals. b) Technical Guide. The draft Technical Guide and the proposed methodological approach presented and discussed during the workshop was assessed by participants and considered as a useful tool. The 10steps were positively evaluated and the national focal points and consultants felt comfortable with the technical tasks proposed in the Technical Guide. During the discussions, participants presented their views about the possible constraints to implementing the methodology, especially in those cases where data is not available or in the case of small Caribbean Islands, where the country size requires a higher resolution of data for this exercise. The TSP team addressed all the questions and assured participants that suitable technical solutions would be provided (both in terms of the provision of reliable data and an adequate data resolution). c) Leveraging LDN TSP. The guidance note for developing a Leverage Game Plan (see Annex 5) was discussed and during a dedicated working session participants had the opportunity to assess how to develop their own leveraging plan in order to achieve the LDN TSP outcomes and outputs. 4

d) Engagement on LDN at the right level. The opportunities and challenges that represent mobilizing adequate governmental leadership and ensuring varied stakeholders engagement, from private sector to international organizations, were thoroughly discussed. Each country faces its own situation and the LDN target setting process will be adapted to national circumstances, building upon existing institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms for effectively supporting the work of the national LDN working groups, and seeking new opportunities to create operational synergies with other LDN-relevant national processes (i.e., UNFCCC, CBD, national ecosystem restoration commitments, etc). e) Communication and awareness for LDN TSP. The importance of using all means of communication (e.g., advocating via social networks and mass media) to attract attention to LDN and using LDN as a mean to leverage financing, promoting institutional coordination and mainstreaming into national development priorities, was also stressed. The need for having available concise information on the LDN concept and the LDN business case to be used in the context of the LDN TSP at country level, in particular for the mobilization of key stakeholders and high level decision makers, was also discussed. In addition, UNCCD National Focal Points as well as national LDN working groups need to be empowered to increase their impact at national level, including through the development of national communication strategies to raise awareness about the work on LDN in the context of the UNCCD. f) Ensuring high level political engagement. Most of the participants agreed that considering the demanding timeframe (with the results of this process to be presented at the 13 th Session of the COP in October 2017), the most challenging part of the roadmap is ensuring high level governmental leadership. To address this, participants explicitly requested an official letter to be sent to their ministers with information about the key outcomes of the event and the next steps to be developed at national level in order to effectively support the LDN target setting process. A newspiece on this event is available at http://www.global-mechanism.org/content/latin-america-andcaribbean-engages-land-degradation-neutrality-target-setting 5

Annex 1. LDN TSP Outcomes and Outputs and Timeline 6

Annex 2. Summary of Working Groups Discussions The main focus of Day 1 was on: i) Steps 1-5 of the Technical Guide for Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting which has been drafted and developed by the LDN TSP team; and ii) opportunities and steps under the LDN-TSP for mainstreaming land management issues on a new and higher political level, both nationally and globally (i.e. LDN leverage plan). The main discussion points during the Day 1 working group session related to the LDN Leverage plan are summarized in the table below: As outlined in the agenda the meeting was guided by two questions that are as follows: 1. How to ensure highest governmental commitment and leadership as well as engagement with key stakeholders? 2. How to create leverage opportunities through the LDN target setting process? English speaking Working Group 1. HIGHEST GOVERNMENTAL COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP Countries were encouraged to get the responsible Minister to bring the LDN process up at the upcoming Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meeting We must be innovative in how to sell or frame the LDN initiatives We must work with the peculiarities of the individual government structures (i.e., Ministries) There needs to be a the process at the regional level The governments need to show commitment to the LDN process 2. LDN LEVERAGE PLAN Countries were asked to discuss where the SDG s are in the individual countries St Lucia highlighted the issue of the recent change in government affecting the process as there is (or could be) change in policies There is an issue of continuity on the national UNCCD portfolios due to the change in political parties in power Countries have set up special inter-ministerial or inter-sectorial committees to drive the process In Jamaica there is the Vision 2030 guiding national development. Other countries have individual development plans that are linked to SDG s The NAPs have to be reviewed (e.g. Jamaica) In Haiti there is emphasis to align development to Climate Change Countries discussed looking at the long term interest of the countries to allow for continuity. Actions 7

proposed include: Using the media to have regular coverage of the LDN target setting process Develop communication tool kits to help get messages out Spanish speaking Working Group 3. HIGHEST GOVERNMENTAL COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP Develop a strategy about LDN with a strong work plan Mobilize investment for sustainable resources management with others financial funds used In Argentina the agro table created two months ago and the Forest Act may restrict the targets of the LDN Link LDN to food productivity Link LDN to clean water and sanitation 4. LDN LEVERAGE PLAN Creating synergy within different groups and focal points (biodiversity, climate change), establishing a process of continuous improvement Link up with the national agency working with SDGs Formulation of a high level steering committee for LDN to identify the gaps in the legislations Aligning NAP with UNCCD 10 years strategy, involvement of local communities, NGO s, civil society Establishing a communication plan using available media 8

Annex 3. List of countries and agencies represented Argentina Brasil Colombia Dominica El Salvador Guyana Haiti Jamaica México Paraguay República Dominicana St. Lucia St. Vincent & Grenadines Suriname Uruguay GEF GEF Proyecto Gran Chaco World Bank Argentina FAO World Resources Institute UNCCD Secretariat Global Mechanism of the UNCCD 9

Annex 4. Workshop Terms of Reference and Agenda INCEPTION WORKSHOP NATIONAL TARGET SETTING TO ACHIEVE LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Buenos Aires, Argentina 20-21 July 2016 Background Land degradation is a global phenomenon, which is leading to the reduction and loss of the biological and economic productive capacity of land. It is caused by human activities, exacerbated by natural processes and magnified by climate change and biodiversity loss. Some 25% of the global land surface is considered to be degraded; every year, 12 million hectares are added to the total area of degraded land. The economic costs of land degradation are estimated at USD 490 billion per year, corresponding to three to six per cent of the global agriculture gross domestic product. 10

Recognizing that desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) are major global environmental and developmental concerns, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and is ratified by 196 member-states of the United Nations and one regional economic integration organization (the European Union). The main mission of the Convention, as indicated by the 10-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention (2008-18) is to provide a global framework to support the development and implementation of national and regional policies, programmes and measures to prevent, control and reverse desertification/land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought through scientific and technological excellence, raising public awareness, standard setting, advocacy and resource mobilization, thereby contributing to poverty reduction. In September 2015, the global community agreed on The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and 169 targets. Goal 15 urges countries to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. Target 15.3 aims to combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030. The proposed indicator to measure the achievement of SDG target 15.3 is Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. The proposed subindicators for SDG target 15.3 are land cover, land productivity, soil organic carbon stocks, which correspond to the progress indicators adopted by the UNCCD. According to the Decisions 2 & 3/COP12 taken in October 2015 by the 12th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) of the UNCCD, held in Ankara, Turkey: Striving to achieve SDG target 15.3 is a strong vehicle for driving implementation of the UNCCD; Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is defined as a state whereby the amount and quality of land resources necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security remain stable or increase within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems ; Countries are invited to formulate [national] voluntary targets to achieve LDN ; and UNCCD bodies are requested i) to provide guidance for formulating national LDN targets and initiatives ; and ii) to facilitate the use of UNCCD indicator framework as a contribution to the monitoring, evaluation and communication of progress towards the national LDN targets. In response to above decisions, the Global Mechanism and the Secretariat of the UNCCD have jointly established a global Programme in support of National Voluntary Target Setting for LDN. The main objective of the LDN Target Setting Programme (LDN-TSP) is to enable country Parties to define national baselines and to identify targets and measures to achieve LDN by 2030. 11

Objectives The main objectives of the inception workshop are: Launch the LDN target setting process for participating countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Discuss the scope and implementation arrangements of the programme Review data and methodologies proposed to be used in the LDN target setting process Facilitate the elaboration of draft country work plans, including deliverables, deadlines and budget Participants UNCCD National focal points LDN country consultants and regional consultant LDN-TSP team (UNCCD Secretariat/Global Mechanism) LDN target setting partners and workshop host institution(s) Venue The workshop will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 20-21 July 2016, at the NH City Hotel (http://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-city-buenos-aires). Below are the contact details of the hotel: Tel.: +54 11 41216464 Email: nhcity@nh-hotels.com Address: Bolivar, 160, C1066AAD, Buenos Aires - Argentina The workshop will be held in English and Spanish. Interpretation services will be available. Additional information on logistical arrangements will be provided by the organizers prior to the workshop. 12

Draft Agenda The agenda will include the following items, which will be further defined and arranged within a 2 day workshop schedule. Opening remarks (by Government of Argentina, Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and the GM/UNCCD) and quick round of introductions Objectives of the workshop, expected outcomes and review of the agenda Background: SDG process (adoption of target 15.3 and its monitoring indicator), UNCCD progress indicator framework, LDN Pilot Project, COP 12 (Decisions 2, 3 & 15) Defining LDN: the LDN conceptual framework Defining the right frame for national LDN target setting processes: building upon UNCCD National Action Programmes and Integrated Investment Frameworks, streamlining LDN in the national SDG implementation agenda, broad stakeholder participation through national LDN working groups including private sector Presentation of the country guidelines for LDN target setting: Data/datasets and methodologies Defining (sub)national LDN baseline, drivers and negative trends National consultation/validation process Articulating (sub)national LDN measures and targets to achieve LDN by 2030 Analysis of LDN costs and co-benefits LDN implementation and financing: identification of possible financeable projects Overview of the LDN target setting process at national level, work plan and timeframe Overview of the working modalities, communication and reporting procedures during the LDN target setting process Elaboration of draft country work plans for the LDN target setting process Any other business Closing remarks (Government of Argentina, Government of Trinidad and Tobago, GM/UNCCD) 13

AGENDA LDN Target Setting Inception Workshop. Buenos Aires, Argentina, 20-21 July 2016 Wednesday, 20 July 2016 Time Session 08.00 Registration 09.00 Workshop opening Government of Argentina Government of Trinidad and Tobago UNCCD/GM 09.30 Workshop objectives and agenda Round of introduction of workshop participants, including statements on expectations Presentation of workshop objectives, agenda and expected outcomes 10.30 Coffee Break 11.00 Introduction to LDN Introduction to LDN: why, what for and how Q & A 11.30 LDN Target Setting: presentation of technical guide for country engagement Step 1: Government leadership and stakeholder engagement Step 2: Setting the LDN baseline Step 3: Identifying land degradation trends Note: Q & A addressed during the presentations 13.00 Lunch Break 14.30 LDN Target Setting: presentation of technical guide for country engagement (cont.) Step 4: Identifying drivers of land degradation Step 5: Defining national voluntary LDN targets Note: Q & A addressed during the presentations 15.30 Coffee Break 16.00 Working group session: country positioning of the LDN agenda (2 working groups English/Spanish in different rooms, each with one facilitator (GM), and one rapporteur (participant)) Guiding questions: How to ensure highest governmental commitment and leadership as well as engagement with key stakeholders? How to create leverage opportunities through the LDN target setting process? Presentation and discussion of working group outcomes (30 min) 17.30 Wrap up 14

AGENDA LDN Target Setting Inception Workshop. Buenos Aires, Argentina, 20-21 July 2016 Thursday, 21 July 2016 Time Session 09.00 Summary of day 1 and outlook for day 2 09.15 LDN Target Setting: presentation of technical guide for country engagement (cont.) Brief review of practical ways to set LDN targets Step 6: Mainstreaming LDN in land use planning Step 7: Identifying measures to achieve LDN targets Step 8: Facilitating action towards LDN Note: Q & A addressed during the presentations 10.30 Coffee Break 11.00 LDN Target Setting: presentation of technical guide for country engagement (cont.) Step 9: Monitoring progress towards LDN Step 10: Reporting on LDN Note: Q & A addressed during the presentations 12.00 The way forward creating the LDN target setting road map Presentation of the overall roadmap of the LDN target setting process and the proposed national work plans (milestones, timeframe, etc.) Note: Q & A addressed during the presentation 13.00 Lunch Break 14.30 The way forward creating the LDN target setting road map (cont.) Open group discussion: agreements, commitments, requirements In session coffee break @ 15.30 Working session: preliminary elements of national LDN target setting work plans 17.00 Workshop closing Round of feedback from workshop participants and institutional partners Closing remarks by Government of Argentina, Government of Trinidad and Tobago and UNCCD/GM 15

Annex 5. Guidance Note for Creating the National LDN target setting Leverage Plan Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme Creating the National LDN Target Setting Leverage Plan Guidance note 18 July 2016 16

1. LDN Target Setting- Tapping opportunities The dictionary defines leverage as a power and strategic advantage to achieve something, and as a power to act and influence effectively. The Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target setting process provides a significant opportunity to create such leverage for each country. In order to tap this opportunity, three questions need to be answered: First, why does LDN matter for the country? Second, what to leverage? And third, who to engage in the LDN target setting process? The expected output guided by these questions is a living brief document, benefiting from contributions from the main national and international stakeholders in the country. Why does LDN matter? Bold LDN action creates multiple benefits. Land degradation causes large economic losses while investments in LDN create economic and social benefits, including job creation and poverty reduction. LDN is an SDG accelerator and therefore investing in LDN substantially contributes to the achievement of several SDG targets. LDN action cuts across many sectors and sectorial policies, including agriculture, forestry and environment. Pursuing LDN creates an opportunity to foster policy coherence, prioritize land-based climate action, and to tap into new financing options for UNCCD implementation. What to leverage? Taking into consideration this LDN value proposition, it is critical to identify the most important national development objectives and making the case on how LDN action guided by a target will contribute to the achievement of those priorities. Countries international commitments, including through the three Rio Conventions, should be integrated in the LDN target while at the same time the actions to achieve LDN should contribute to the achievement of the Nationally Determined Contributions. Who to engage? The LDN target setting process should be integrated in existing national coordination mechanisms. International development partners should be crowded in at country level, also to ensure that important development projects currently at preparatory stage create LDN leverage. Finally, all important national stakeholder groups, from private sector to financing institutions, should be engaged in this process, under senior Government leadership. How to create the LDN leverage plan? - After assessing leverage opportunities (why, what and who) a tailored country LDN target setting leverage plan should be developed. This plan is of strategic relevance in order to fully tap the opportunities provided by the LDN target setting process. The preparation of the national leverage plan should be part of the initial activities under the LDN target setting process in each 17

participant country. Thus, it will provide the basis for a successful and impactful implementation. Purpose of this note This note is intended to provide an indicative framework and a set of questions for the development of the LDN Target Setting leverage Plan. LDN target setting is a countryled process, led by the government and spearheaded by the UNCCD focal point. The LDN Target Setting Programme team from the Global Mechanism will actively support the countries in developing the leverage plan. Figure 1. Creating National LDN Target Setting Leverage Plan 18

2. Identifying leverage opportunities- Guiding questions WHY does LDN matter? 1. Creating multiple benefits - Where does the SDG process stand in the country, and what could be the associated economic and social benefits of LDN? 2. Fostering policy coherence - How coherently is LDN considered in the country s main sectoral policies including agriculture, forestry and environment? 3. Advancing climate action - How can LDN help to advance and implement national climate action including the National Adaptation Plans? 4. Tapping financing opportunities - What are the opportunities that LDN provides to mobilize climate finance, private investments and national budgetary resources? WHAT to leverage? 5. National development priorities - What are the country s top development priorities and how could LDN contribute to their achievement? 6. Country commitments and engagements - What are the country s restoration (e.g. AFR100; LAC 20x20), climate (e.g. NDC) and other LDN relevant (e.g. Aichi biodiversity targets) commitments? WHO to engage to create leverage? 7. Senior government - Who are the most important decision makers in key LDN relevant sectors like agriculture, forestry and environment, and how to engage them? 8. National coordination mechanisms - What are the most important national coordination mechanisms, and how to bring LDN into their agenda? 9. International development partners - What are LDN relevant projects supported by international partners currently being developed? 10. National non-governmental stakeholders 19

- Who are the most important non-governmental stakeholders, including private sector and national financing institutions, and how to engage them in the LDN target setting process? 3. Creating the National LDN Target Setting Leverage Plan HOW to do it? Once the LDN target setting leverage opportunities are assessed, a tailored national LDN leverage plan should be developed. Table 1. Framework for National LDN Target Setting Leverage Plan Leverage Opportunities Actions and Responsibilities Why does LDN matter? 1. Creating multiple benefits 2. Fostering policy coherence 3. Advancing climate action 4. Tapping financing opportunities WHAT to leverage? National development 5. programmes, priorities and objectives 6. Country commitments and engagements WHO to engage to create leverage? 7. Senior government 8. National coordination mechanisms 9. International development partners 10. National non-governmental stakeholders 20