UN conference ends without drought framework: Portugal urged to act nationally

UNCCD COP17 ends without a binding drought framework

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar concluded without an international agreement on drought prevention and management. While delegations pledged additional funds for land restoration and resilience, questions remained over legal bindingness, financing mechanisms and international monitoring. The World Resources Institute called it a partial success in mobilizing funds but criticized the lack of a coherent global approach to drought.

NGO Zero pushes for a national programme

Against this backdrop, Portuguese environmental organisation Zero is calling on the government in Lisbon to finalise a national action programme to combat desertification this year. The group demands concrete targets, measurable indicators, timelines and secured funding. According to the organisation, a large part of mainland Portugal is at risk. Priority should be given to preventive measures that save water, stabilise soils and adapt land use to recurring dry spells.

Why national strategies are now central

With no global legal framework, national and regional strategies move to the forefront. Decisions on water allocation, agricultural subsidies, afforestation programmes and erosion control rest with governments. In Portugal, this directly affects drinking water supply, irrigation needs, crop losses and wildfire risk. Prevention can reduce long-term costs: investments in water-saving technologies and soil building lower crop losses, reduce vulnerability to extreme events and cut emergency spending.

Prevention as a high priority

Suggested levers for Portugal:

– Water-saving irrigation: modernising existing systems, drip and precision irrigation and deficit strategies to reduce water use while maintaining stable yields. – Soil protection and agroecology: reduced tillage, mulching, crop rotations, cover crops and humus-building practices to stabilise soils and increase water-holding capacity. – Adapted land use: shifting to more drought-resistant crops, promoting agroforestry systems and adjusting grazing to relieve pressure on soils and water resources. – Afforestation and landscape restoration: ecologically planned tree planting, wetland restoration and erosion barriers to improve water retention. – Water management and infrastructure: rainwater harvesting, managed aquifer recharge, treatment and reuse, and smart distribution systems for dry periods.

Monitoring and early-warning systems

Over the long term, investments in monitoring and data strengthen response capacity. Satellite observation, soil moisture sensors, regionalised weather forecasts and standardised drought indicators enable earlier reactions. Transparent reporting makes it easier to evaluate measures and coordinate between agriculture, water and forestry authorities.

Financing and governance

Zero calls for clear financing routes: for example, a national fund for land restoration, targeted support programmes for farms, incentives for sustainable management and insurance against yield losses. Networked structures are also needed: interministerial coordination, involvement of local authorities, dialogue with communities and civil society participation to increase acceptance and feasibility.

Social dimension and risks of perverse incentives

Climate adaptation has social consequences. Small farms, seasonal workers and marginalised communities are particularly exposed. Policy can cushion burdens, support training and create opportunities for rural areas. At the same time, perverse incentives must be avoided, such as monocultural afforestation with unsuitable species or subsidies for water‑intensive crops.

Short-term steps

Quick measures include open funding lines for water-saving technologies, expanded advisory services, coordinated drought early-warning plans and pilot projects in particularly vulnerable regions. In the medium term, programmes for soil and landscape restoration are needed, backed by clear legal requirements and transparent financing.

Political action remains required

The absence of an international drought framework does not absolve national governments of responsibility. For Portugal, this means developing a robust, ambitious action programme that protects agriculture, forests, drinking water security and rural livelihoods. Resilience is built through long-term planning, coordinated sector policies and secured funding.